Honda Vtx 1800 F Service Manual

152
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
High pressure water (or air) can damage
certain parts of your motorcycle.We recommend the use of a garden
hose to wash your motorcycle. High
pressure washers (like those at coin-
operated car washes) can damage
certain parts of your motorcycle.
After cleaning, inspect for damage,
wear, and leaks (fuel, oil, coolant, brake,
and clutch f luid).
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153 Washing Your Motorcycle with a
Mild Detergent
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions Refer to on page .
Rinse your motorcycle thoroughly with
cool water to remove loose dirt.
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.
Wash your motorcycle with a sponge or
a sof t towel. As you wash, check f or
heavy grime. If necessary, use a mild
cleaner/degreaser to remove the...

154Spray Cleaning Your Motorcycle
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions As a precaution, ride your motorcycle at
a slow speed and apply the brakes
several times. This will help dry the
brakes and restore normal braking
perf ormance.Refer to on page .
Avoid using spray cleaner products on the
tires or suspension components.
Suggestions f or using spray cleaner(s)
f ollow: If the inside of the headlight lens
appears clouded immediately af ter
washing, it should clear af ter a f ew...

Apply a spray cleaner/polish and wipe the
paint, chrome, glass, and clear plastic. Dust and fingerprint smudges.
Light road grime. Spray any difficult-to-reach or very dirty
areas with a spray cleaner/degreaser.
Rinse and dry.
Apply a spray cleaner/polish and wipe with
a non-abrasive cloth.
Use a spray cleaner/degreaser.
If necessary, rub with a sponge. Rinse and
dry.
Apply a spray cleaner/polish and wipe with
a non-abrasive cloth.
Apply a high quality chrome/aluminum
polish and wipe with a non-abrasive...

156Chrome-plated Parts
Maintenance
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions Refer to on page .
Chrome may corrode f rom contact with
dirt, mud, or road salt. Clean the chrome-
plated parts af ter riding through any of
these substances.
Use a wet sponge and mild detergent, or a
commercially-available spray cleaner/
degreaser designed f or use on chrome.
Avoid stiff brushes, steel wool, or cleaners
containing abrasives or harsh chemical
compounds.Af ter washing, rinse with plenty of water...

157 Painted Aluminum Wheel
Maintenance
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions Refer to on page .
Aluminum may corrode f rom contact with
dirt, mud, or road salt. Clean the wheels
af ter riding through any of these
substances. Use a wet sponge and mild
detergent. Avoid stif f brushes, steel wool,
or cleaners containing abrasives or
chemical compounds.
Af ter washing, rinse with plenty of water
and dry with a clean cloth.
If the paint is chipped, apply touch-up
paint.74
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158Finishing Touches
Appearance Care
Servicing Your Honda
Saf ety Precautions Refer to on page .
Af ter washing your motorcycle, consider
using a commercially-available spray
cleaner/polish or quality liquid or paste
wax to f inish the job. Use only a non-
abrasive polish or wax made specifically
f or motorcycles or automobiles. Apply the
polish or wax according to the instructions
on the container.
If a surf ace on your motorcycle is chipped
or scratched, your Honda dealer has touch-
up paint to match...

159
Tips
Tips
Here’s a f ew helpf ul tips on how to store
and transport your Honda, and how to be
an environmentally responsible
motorcycle owner............................. Storing Your Honda . 160
........... Transporting Your Motorcycle . 163
...................... You & the Environment . 164
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160Preparation for Storage
Storing Your Honda
Tips
Saf ety Precautions
Honda Motorcycle Winter Storage
Guide, If you won’t be riding f or an extended
period, such as during the winter,
thoroughly inspect your motorcycle and
correct any problem before storing it. That
way, needed repairs won’t be f orgotten
and it will be easier to get your motorcycle
running again.Refer to on page .
We suggest you perf orm the f ollowing
procedures to keep your motorcycle in top
condition. These storage procedures will...

µ
161
Storing Your Honda
Tips
To prevent rusting in the cylinders,
perf orm the f ollowing:
Remove the spark plug caps f rom the
spark plugs. Using tape or string,
secure the caps to any convenient
plastic body part so that they are
positioned away f rom the spark plugs.
Remove the spark plugs f rom the
engine and store them in a safe place.
Do not connect the spark plugs to the
spark plug caps.
Pour a tablespoon (15 20 cc) of
clean engine oil into each cylinder
and cover the spark plug holes with a...