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.
Other saftey tips:
- 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.
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.
- 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 cmponents).
- 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.