Honda 450X 2005 Owner's Manual & Competition Handbook page 109

Condensation Control
Changes in temperature combined with humidity
allow moisture to form in some confined areas on
your CRF. The most affected area is the
alternator/ignition cavity in the left side of the
crankcases.
Each time you wash your CRF you should
remove the alternator cover (1), 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
engine and transmission oil often.
(1)
(1) alternator cover
After Cleaning Lubrication
There are some things you should do just after
washing your CRF to help prevent rust and
corrosion.
Once your CRF 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.
Appearance Care
Aluminum Frame Maintenance
Aluminum corrodes when it comes in contact
with dust, mud and road salt.
To remove stains, use Scotch Brite Hand Pad
#7447 (maroon) or an equivalent.
Wet the pad and polish the surface using strokes
parallel to the length of the frame.
Clean the frame using a wet sponge and a mild
detergent, then rinse well with clean water. Dry
the frame with a soft clean cloth, using strokes
parallel to the length of the frame.
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.
Exhaust Pipe Maintenance
The exhaust pipe is stainless steel, but may
became stained by oil or mud.
Remove heat stains with a liquid kitchen
abrasive.
Servicing Your Honda
105