Appearance Care - Honda 2005 CRF450R Owner's Manual

Appearance Care

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 19.
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 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.
92
Servicing Your Honda
If you use a high pressure washer, avoid spraying
the following areas:
wheel hubs
muffler outlet
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 motorcycle.
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)
Do not use steel wool to clean the frame as it
could damage or discolor the frame surface.
Muffler stain remover 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.
5. Dry your CRF with a chamois or a soft towel.
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.