Caring for Your Vehicle

Washing

Allow the engine, muffler, brakes, and other high-temperature parts to cool before washing.

  • Rinse your vehicle thoroughly using a low pressure garden hose to remove loose dirt.
  • If necessary, use a sponge or a soft towel with mild cleaner to remove road grime.
  • Clean the plastic components with extra care to avoid scratching them.
  • Avoid directing water into the air cleaner, muffler, and electrical parts.

  • Do not use steel wool to clean the frame as it could damage or discolor the frame surface. Scotch Brite Hand Pad #7447-maroon is for removing stains on the non-coated aluminium frame only.
  • Thoroughly rinse your vehicle with plenty of clean water and dry with a soft, clean cloth.
  • After the vehicle dries, lubricate any moving parts.
  • Make sure that no lubricant spills onto the brakes or tyres. Brake discs, pads, drum or shoes contaminated with oil will suffer greatly reduced braking effectiveness and can lead to a crash.
  • Lubricate the drive chain immediately after washing and drying the vehicle.
  • Apply a coat of wax to prevent corrosion.
  • Avoid products that contain harsh detergents or chemical solvents. These can damage the metal, paint, and plastic on your vehicle.
  • Keep the wax clear of the tyres and brakes.

  • If your vehicle has any mat painted parts, do not apply a coat of wax to the mat painted surface.
  • Washing Precautions

    Follow these guidelines when washing:

  • Do not use high-pressure washers:
  • High-pressure water cleaners can damage moving parts and electrical parts, rendering them inoperable.
  • Water in the air intake can be drawn into the throttle body and/or enter the air cleaner.
  • If you use a high pressure washer, avoid spraying the following areas:
  • brake master cylinders
    drive chain
    electrical circuit
    engine stop button
    muffler outlet
    steering head bearings
    suspension pivot points
    throttle body
    under fuel tank
    under seat

    Suspension pivot points

    Steering head bearings

  • Do not direct water at the muffler:
  • Water in the muffler can prevent starting and causes rust in the muffler.
  • Dry the brakes:
  • Water adversely affects braking effectiveness. After washing, apply the brakes intermittently at low speed to help dry them.
  • Do not direct water at the air cleaner:
  • Water in the air cleaner can prevent the engine from starting.
  • Do not use wax or polishing compounds on mat painted surfaces:
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge, plenty of water, and a mild detergent to clean mat painted surfaces. Dry with a soft clean cloth.
  • Recommended topic(s)

  • Storing Your Vehicle
  • After Competition Maintenance
  • Aluminum Frame Maintenance