2011 Kawasaki KX250F Owners Manual - Page 153

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 151 Cleaning Your Motorcycle General Precautions Frequent and proper care of your Kawasaki motorcycle will enhance its appearance, optimize overall performance, and extend its useful life. Covering your motorcycle with a high quality, breathable motorcycle cover will help protect its finish from harmful UV rays, pollutants, and reduce the amount of dust reaching its surfaces. Be sure the engine and exhaust are cool before washing. Avoid applying degreaser to seals, brake pads, and tires. Avoid all harsh chemicals, solvents, detergents, and household cleaning products such as ammonia-based window cleaners. Gasoline, brake fluid, and coolant will damage the finish of painted and plastic surfaces: wash them off immediately. Avoid wire brushes, steel wool, and all other abrasive pads or brushes. Use care when washing the plastic parts as they can easily be scratched. Avoid using pressure washers; water can penetrate seals and electrical components and damage your motorcycle. Avoid spraying water in delicate areas such as in air intakes, throttle body assy, brake components, electrical components, muffler outlets, and fuel tank openings. your bike with cold water from a garden • Rinse hose to remove any loose dirt. a mild neutral detergent (designed for motor• Mix cycles or automobiles) and water in a bucket. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wash your motorcycle. If needed, use a mild degreaser to remove any oil or grease which build up. After washing, rinse your motorcycle thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue (residue from the detergent can damage parts of your motorcycle). Use a soft cloth to dry your motorcycle. As you dry, inspect your motorcycle for chips and scratches. Do not let the water air dry as this can damage the painted surfaces. Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes. The heat from the engine will help dry moist areas. Carefully ride your motorcycle at a slow speed and apply the brakes several times. This helps the brakes dry and restores its normal operating performance. Lubricate the drive chain to prevent rusting. Washing Your Motorcycle NOTE ○ After riding in an area where the roads are salted or near the ocean, immediately wash your motorcycle with cold water. Do not use warm water as it accelerates the chemical reaction of the salt. After drying, apply a corrosion protection spray on all metal and chrome surfaces to prevent corrosion.