Care

Frequent, thorough cleaning of the vehicle will not only enhance its appearance but also will improve its general performance and extend the useful life of many components. Washing, cleaning, and polishing will also give you a chance to inspect the condition of the vehicle more frequently. Be sure to wash the vehicle after riding in the rain or near the sea, because salt is corrosive to metals.

  • The roads of heavy snowfall areas may be sprayed with salt as a de-icing method. This salt can stay on the roads well into spring, so be sure to wash the underside and chassis parts after riding in such areas.
  • Genuine Yamaha care and maintenance products are sold under the YAMALUBE brand.
  • See your Yamaha dealer for additional cleaning tips.

Improper cleaning can cause cosmetic and mechanical damage. Do not use:

  • high-pressure washers or steam-jet cleaners. Excessive water pressure may cause water seepage and deterioration of wheel bearings, brakes, transmission seals and electrical devices. Avoid high-pressure detergent applications such as those available in coin-operated car washers.
  • harsh chemicals, including strong acidic wheel cleaners, especially on spoke or magnesium wheels.
  • harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaning compounds, or wax on matte-finished parts. Brushes can scratch and damage the matte-finish, use soft sponge or towel only.
  • towels, sponges, or brushes contaminated with abrasive cleaning products or strong chemicals such as, solvents, gasoline, rust removers, brake fluid, or antifreeze, etc.
Before washing

  1. Park the vehicle out of direct sunlight and allow it to cool. This will help avoid water spots.

  2. Make sure all caps, covers, electrical couplers and connectors are tightly installed.

  3. Cover the muffler end with a plastic bag and a strong rubber band.

  4. Pre-soak stubborn stains like insects or bird droppings with a wet towel for a few minutes.

  5. Remove road grime and oil stains with a biodegradable degreaser (YAMACLEAN Pro-Wash Spray) and a plastic-bristle brush or sponge. NOTICE: Do not use degreasing agent on areas requiring lubrication such as seals, gaskets, and wheel axles. Follow product instructions.

Washing

  1. Rinse off any degreaser and spray down the vehicle with a garden hose. Use only enough pressure to do the job. Avoid spraying water directly into the muffler, instrument panel, air inlet, or other inner areas such as underseat storage compartments.

  2. Wash the vehicle with a quality automotive-type detergent (YAMALUBE Wash & Wax) mixed with cool water and a soft, clean towel or sponge. Use an old toothbrush or plastic-bristle brush for hard-to-reach places. NOTICE: Use cold water if the vehicle has been exposed to salt. Warm water will increase salt’s corrosive properties.

  3. For windshield-equipped vehicles: Clean the windshield with a soft towel or sponge dampened with water and a pH neutral detergent. If necessary, use a high-quality windshield cleaner (YAMACLEAN Glass Cleaner) or windshield polish. NOTICE: Never use any strong chemicals to clean the windshield. Additionally, some cleaning compounds for plastic may scratch the windshield, so be sure to test all cleaning products before general application.

  4. Rinse off thoroughly with clean water. Be sure to remove all detergent residues, as they can be harmful to plastic parts.

After washing

  1. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or absorbent towel, preferably microfiber terrycloth.

  2. For drive chain-equipped models, dry and then lubricate it to prevent rust.

  3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome, aluminum, and stainless steel parts. Often the thermally induced discoloring of stainless steel exhaust systems can be removed through polishing.

  4. Apply a corrosion protection spray (YAMALUBE Silicone Protectant & Lubricant) on all metal parts including chrome or nickel-plated surfaces. WARNING! Do not apply silicone or oil spray to seats, hand grips, rubber foot pegs or tire treads. Otherwise these parts will become slippery, which could cause loss of control. Thoroughly clean the surfaces of these parts before operating the vehicle.

  5. Treat rubber, vinyl, and unpainted plastic parts with a suitable care product (YAMACLEAN Vinyl Dressing).

  6. Touch up minor paint damage caused by stones, etc.

  7. Wax all painted surfaces using a non-abrasive wax or use a detail spray for motorcycles (YAMALUBE Spray Polish & Instant Detailer).

  8. When finished cleaning, start the engine and let it idle for several minutes to help dry any remaining moisture.

  9. If the headlight lens has fogged up, start the engine and turn on the headlight to help remove the moisture.

  10. Let the vehicle dry completely before storing or covering it.

  • Do not apply wax to rubber or unpainted plastic parts.
  • Do not use abrasive polishing compounds as they will wear away the paint.
  • Apply sprays and wax sparingly. Wipe off excess afterwards.

Contaminants left on the brakes or tires can cause loss of control.

  • Make sure there is no lubricant or wax on the brakes or tires.
  • If necessary, wash the tires with warm water and a mild detergent.
  • If necessary, clean the brake discs and pads with brake cleaner or acetone.
  • Before riding at higher speeds, test the vehicle’s braking performance and cornering behavior.

Cleaning the titanium muffler

This model is equipped with a titanium muffler which requires special care. Use only a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent with water to clean the muffler. This should remove fingerprints and other oil stains. If necessary, an alkaline pH cleaning product and soft brush may be used. However, do not use abrasive compounds or special treatments to clean the muffler, as these will wear away the protective finish.

The thermally induced discoloring of the exhaust pipe leading into the titanium muffler is normal and cannot be removed.