Motorcycle Care And Storage; Care; Cleaning - Yamaha TDM900 Owner's Manual

MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE

Care

While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
1
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
2
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
3
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
4
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your mo-
5
torcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
6
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlets with plas-
tic bags after the engine has
7
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
8
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
9
spark plug caps, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
EAU26040 brush, but never apply such prod-
ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.

Cleaning

CAUTION:
G
Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
G Improper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use only
a soft, clean cloth or sponge
with mild detergent and water to
clean plastic.
G
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
ECA10770
G
G
7-1
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasive
cleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
or