This article is copyright © Kawasaki USA.
Motorcycle User tips:
Break-in Period: The first 1000 miles of your new motorcycle are
designated as the "break-in period." In order for your engine to seal
itself and break-in properly, follow the specific instructions
listed in your owner's manual. To ensure proper oil distribution
among all engine parts, be sure to allow your engine to warm up
before you ride. An extra minute of warm-up will allow the engine
oil to circulate to all needed engine parts. Do not race or rev your
engine immediately after starting. When riding during the break-in
period, accelerate gradually and try not to travel at any one speed
for a long period of time. Please refer to your owners manual for
specific directions on how to break-in your model properly.
General Safety tips: Always inspect your motorcycle before every ride.
- Tire pressure
- Headlights
- Oil level
- Cables and suspension
Before starting the engine, always use the rule of "FINE-C" as your
pre-start checklist:
- Fuel-Fuel valve on
- Ignition-Ignition switch on
- Neutral-Shift the transmission into neutral.
- Engine cut-off switch-Set the switch to the run position
- Choke and clutch-Set the choke according to the engine's
temperature. Squeeze the clutch if the electric starter on your
motorcycle requires it.
Always be sure to wear the proper riding apparel including boots,
gloves, eye protection and helmet. Do not ride while under the
influence of drugs or alcohol. Always be alert for other drivers and
riders around you. Maintain your bike in good condition. Tread
lightly when off-road and respect the environment. Ride responsibly.
Remember motorcycle safety begins and ends with you. Your local
Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers rider training to all levels
from beginner to expert. You don't even need a motorcycle to sign
up--one will be provided to the course sponsor courtesy of your
local dealer. For more information, contact MSF at 1-800-446-9227.
Cleaning tip: For the prolonged life of your motorcycle, always wash
down immediately after being exposed to seawater, rain, dusty roads
or salt scattered on icy roads. By following these precautions you
can prolong the life and performance of your motorcycle:
Before washing...
- Cover the rear openings of your muffler with plastic bags
and secure with rubber bands (be sure your mufflers are not hot to
the touch or they will melt the plastic bags!)
- Cover the brake levers, switch housings, ignition switch,
instruments and air cleaner cover with plastic bags to avoid a
direct spray of water.
- Be careful when spraying the brakes, master cylinders and
calipers.
- Try not to spray under the fuel tank. If water gets into
the ignition coils or the spark plug caps your bike will not start!
- Do not spray directly into the front and rear wheel hubs,
steering pivot and swingarm pivot. Repeated, direct exposure to
water will cause rust and corrosion.
- NEVER wax or lubricate the brake discs. Clean disc
surfaces with an oilless solvent such as trichloroethylene or
acetone.
After washing...
- Remove all plastic bags and wipe all covered components dry.
- Wipe off brake discs with dry, clean cloth.
- Start engine and allow to idle for at least 5 minutes.
Winter Storage: Moisture can be a motorcycle's worst enemy when
being stored. Follow these simple and easy steps to keep your bike
good as new during the winter months.
- Clean the entire vehicle thoroughly
- Run engine for a few minutes to warm the oil. Completely
drain out the old oil and replace with fresh engine oil. Dispose of oil properly.
- Empty all fuel from the tank and empty the carburetor by
unscrewing the drain screw at the float bowl. (Fuel left in the
carburetor will break down and clog essential components).
Dispose of fuel properly.
- Remove the empty fuel tank, pour about a half-pint of
motor oil into tank and roll the tank around to coat the inner
surfaces thoroughly to prevent rust. Pour out the excess oil when
finished. Dispose of oil properly.
- Remove the spark plugs and put several drops of motor oil
into each cylinder. Turn engine over a few times to coat the
cylinder walls with oil. Replace spark plugs to seal out moisture.
- Reduce tire pressure by about 20%.
- If possible, set the motorcycle on a box or stand so both
wheels are suspended above the ground. If you cannot find a box or
stand, just place boards under the tires to keep moisture from
deteriorating the rubber.
- Spray lubricant or oil on unpainted metal surfaces to
prevent rusting. DO NOT spray oil on rubber parts and hoses.
- Lubricate all cables.
- Remove the battery and store it where it will not be
exposed to sunlight, moisture or freezing temperatures. If possible,
slow charge (one ampere or less) once a month. Keep the battery
well charged especially during cold weather.
- Tie plastic bags over the exhaust pipes to prevent
moisture from entering.
- Put a cover over the motorcycle to keep dust and dirt from
collecting on it.
Taking out of winter storage:
- Remove plastic bags from exhaust pipes
- Install the battery. Charge if necessary
- Tighten spark plugs.
- Fill fuel tank with fuel.
- Check air pressure in tires and engine oil level. Fill if
necessary.
- Check and lubricate cables if necessary.
This article is copyright © Kawasaki USA.
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