Appearance Care - Honda CRF450R 2011 Owner's Manual

Appearance Care

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 27.
Frequent cleaning and polishing will keep your
Honda looking newer longer. Frequent cleaning
also identifies you as an owner who values his
motorcycle. A clean CRF is also easier to inspect
and service.
While you're cleaning, be sure to look for damage,
wear, and petrol or oil leaks.
General Recommendations
• To clean your CRF you may use:
– water
– a mild, neutral detergent and water
– a mild spray and wipe cleaner/polisher
– a mild spray and rinse cleaner/degreaser and
water
• Avoid products that contain harsh detergents
or chemical solvents that could damage the
metal, paint, and plastic on your CRF or
discolour the seat and decals.
• If your CRF is still warm from recent
operation, give the engine and exhaust system
time to cool off.
• We recommend the use of a garden hose to
wash your CRF. High pressure washers (like
those at coin-operated car washes) can damage
certain parts of your CRF. The force of water
under extreme pressure can penetrate the dust
seals of the suspension pivot points and
steering head bearings-driving dirt inside and
needed lubrication out.
If you use a high pressure washer, avoid spraying
the following areas:
brake master cylinders
drive chain
electrical circuit
muffler outlet
steering head bearings
suspension pivot points
throttle body
under fuel tank
under seat
(2)
(1) steering head bearings
(2) suspension pivot points
NOTICE
High pressure water (or air) can damage certain
parts of your CRF.
You may use a multi-surface cleaner/degreaser to
remove both dirt and petroleum-based grime from
paint, alloy, plastic, and rubber surfaces.
Wet any heavy deposits with water first. Then
spray on the multi-surface cleaner/degreaser and
rinse with a garden hose at full pressure.
Stubborn deposits may require a quick wipe with a
sponge.
Washing Your Motorcycle with a Mild
Detergent
1. Rinse your CRF thoroughly with cool water to
remove loose dirt.
2. Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix in a mild,
neutral detergent, such as dish washing liquid
or a product made especially for washing
motorcycles or automobiles.
3. Wash your CRF with a sponge or a soft towel.
As you wash, check for heavy grime. If
necessary, use a mild cleaner/degreaser to
(1) remove the grime.
NOTICE
Do not use steel wool to clean the frame as it could
damage or discolour the frame surface.
Muffler stain remover (Scotch Brite Hand Pad
#7447-maroon) is for removing stains on the non-
coated aluminum frame only.
4. After washing, rinse your CRF thoroughly
with plenty of clean water to remove any
residue.
5. Dry your CRF with a chamois or a soft towel.
6. Lubricate the drive chain to prevent rusting.
7. Start the engine and let it idle for several
minutes. The engine heat will help dry moist
areas.
8. As a precaution, ride at a slow speed and apply
the brakes several times. This will help dry the
brakes and restore normal braking
performance.
Appearance Care
113
Servicing Your Honda