Cleaning - APRILIA ATLANTIC 500 Manual

CLEANINGCLEANING
Clean the vehicle frequently when it is
exposed to adverse conditions, such as:
◆ Pollution (urban and industrial areas)
◆ Salinity and humidity in the atmosphere
(sea areas, hot and damp weather)
◆ Particular environmental/seasonal
conditions (salt and anti-ice chemical
products spread over the roads in the
wintertime).
Make sure to clean off any industrial resi-
◆
due and pollutants, tar, dead insects, bird
droppings, etc. from the vehicle fairings.
Avoid parking the vehicle under trees.
◆
Resins, fruits or leaves falling from the
trees may contain aggressive chemical
substances that may damage the
paintwork.
68
use and maintenance Atlantic 500
WARNING
Braking efficiency may be temporarily
impaired after washing the vehicle, as the
friction surfaces of the braking systems
may be wet.
Remember that braking distance will be
longer. Operate the brakes repeatedly to
restore normal operation.
Perform the recommended pre-ride checks,
see page 33 (PRE-RIDE CHECKS CHART).
To clean off dirt and mud from painted
surfaces, soften caked dirt with a low-
pressure water jet. Sponge off using a car
body sponge soaked in a car body shampoo
and water solution (2-4% parts of shampoo).
Rinse with plenty of water and dry with chamois
leather. Clean the outer parts of the engine
with a degreaser, brushes and a cloth.
CAUTION
BEFORE WASHING THE VEHICLE
1) Empty the glove and
compartments. Remove the matting
inside the helmet compartment.
2) Ensure the storage compartments are
closed firmly.
3) Use only neutral detergent to wash the
vehicle. Rinse with water, but do not use
a water cleaner (see page 68).
CAUTION
Wash the vehicle thoroughly before
applying silicone wax.
Do not polish matt-painted surfaces with
polishing paste.
Do not wash the vehicle under the sun,
especially in the summertime, when the
body is still warm. The shampoo drying
before it is rinsed away can damage the
paintwork.
Do not use liquids at a temperature higher
than 40° C to clean the plastic components
of the vehicle.
Do not aim high-pressure water/air jets or
steam jets at the following parts:
wheel hubs, controls on the right and left
side of the handlebar, bearings, brake
master cylinders, instruments and
indicators, silencer, helmet/tool kit
compartment, ignition switch/steering lock.
Do not clean any rubber and plastic parts
and the saddle with alcohol, petrol or
helmet
solvents: use water and mild soap only.
CAUTION
Do not apply protective wax on the saddle
or it may become slippery.