After Race Maintenance; After Race Lubrication; Routine Cleaning; Pressurized Spray Washers - Honda CR250R 2004 Owner's Manual

AFTER RACE MAINTENANCE

It is important to the long term performance of your CR
to properly maintain your racebike at all times. If you
envision the maintenance cycle ending as the machine
is fully prepared for practice at the next event and
beginning again after that practice, there is clearly work
to do in between. After the race is a good place to begin
your routine maintenance.

After Race Lubrication

Apply a light coating of rust-inhibiting oil to the drive
chain, drive sprocket and any steel portions of the
chassis or engine where the paint has worn away and
the exposed metal can begin to rust. Apply this rust-
inhibiting oil more heavily if the event was particularly
wet or muddy.
•
Take care to prevent catching your fingers be-
tween the chain and sprocket.

Routine Cleaning

If the machine is only slightly dirty, it is best to clean it
by hand with the aid of a stiff bristled nylon brush and
some clean rags. There is no reason to introduce
unnecessary moisture.
•
Take care to prevent catching your fingers be-
tween the chain and sprocket.
Allow enough time to completely clean and dry your CR
to reduce the possibility of corrosion or rust.
Accumulated dirt should be loosened with a shower of
water; then brushed away with suitable brushes, soap
and water; then the machine rinsed with clean water
and wiped completely dry.
A variety of reasonably priced cleaning brushes are
available from variety, drug, food and hardware stores
that are extremely useful in removing dirt from the
many tight contours of your machine.

Pressurized Spray Washers

CAUTION:
•
There are some areas on your CR that you should
never directly aim the nozzle of a high pressure
spray washer. It is tempting to let the pressure of
the water remove all the dirt that has accumulated,
but control yourself. The force of the water under
this extreme pressure can penetrate the dust seals
of the suspension pivot points and steering head
bearings—driving dirt inside and needed lubrica-
tion out. Avoid spraying water under the seat and
fuel tank and into the airbox as well.
2
(1) STEERING HEAD BEARINGS
(2) SUSPENSION PIVOT POINTS

Condensation Control

Changes in temperature combined with humidity al-
low moisture to form in some confined areas on your
CR. The most affected area is the alternator/ignition
cavity in the left side of the crankcases.
Each time you wash your CR you should remove the
alternator cover, wipe out any visible moisture, and
allow the cavity to air dry for at least a couple of hours
before installing the cover. Replace the gasket with a
new one if it is not in good condition before installing
the cover.
Some condensation can form within the transmission
cavity as well. This is natural and just one more reason
you should change the transmission oil often.
1
(1) ALTERNATOR COVER

After Cleaning Lubrication

1
Although you can basically follow the suggestions
given in the Maintenance section under General Main-
tenance (pages 14—16), there are some things you
should do just after washing your CR to help prevent
rust and corrosion.
Once your CR is clean and dry, you should protect any
bare steel from rusting by applying a light coating of a
rust-inhibitor. Lubricate the drive chain and drive
sprocket after removing and thoroughly cleaning in
solvent. Be sure the chain is wiped clean and is dry
before applying the chain lube.
Follow the suggestions given in the pages of this
manual for lubricating items such as the brake and
clutch lever pivot points and footpeg pivot pins.
13