Appearance Care - Honda CRF450X 2017 Owner's Manual & Competition Handbook

Appearance Care

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 25.
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 gasoline 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
discolor 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 low pressure
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.
108
Servicing Your Honda
17 CRF450X̲31MEY710.indb 108 17 CRF450X̲31MEY710.indb 108
If you use a high pressure washer, avoid spraying
the following areas:
wheel hubs
muffler outlet
area under seat
engine stop button
brake master cylinders
under fuel tank
drive chain
carburetor
steering head bearings
suspension pivot points
(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 Pro Honda Hondabrite, 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 Pro Honda
Hondabrite 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
remove the grime.
(1)
NOTICE
Do not use steel wool to clean the frame as it
could damage or discolor 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.
Detergent residue can corrode alloy parts.
5. Dry your CRF with a chamois or a soft towel.
Leaving water on the surface to air dry can
cause dulling and water spots.
As you dry, inspect for chips and scratches.
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.
If the inside of the headlight lens appears clouded
immediately after washing, it should clear after a
few minutes of riding.
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