Honda VFR800 owner's manual: Appearance Care

Appearance Care

Frequent cleaning and polishing will keep your Honda looking newer longer. Frequent cleaning also identifies you as an owner who values your motorcycle. A clean motorcycle is also easier to inspect and service.

General Recommendations

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74.

• To clean your motorcycle, you may use: — water —a mild, neutral detergent and water —a mild spray and wipe cleaner/ polisher —a mild spray and rinse cleaner/ degreaser and water

• Avoid products that contain harsh detergents or chemical solvents that could damage the metal, paint, and plastic on your motorcycle.

• If your motorcycle is still warm from recent operation, give the engine and exhaust system time to cool off.

• Park in a shady area. Washing your motorcycle in bright sunlight may cause the finish to fade because water droplets intensify the sun’s brightness. Spotting is also more likely because surface water can dry before you have time to wipe it off.

• Clean your motorcycle regularly to protect surface finishes.

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• 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.

NOTICE

High pressure water (or air) can damage certain parts of your motorcycle.

• After cleaning, inspect for damage, wear, and leaks (fuel, oil, coolant, brake, and clutch fluid).

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Washing Your Motorcycle with a Mild Detergent

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74.

1. Rinse your motorcycle thoroughly with cool water to remove loose dirt.
2. 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.
3. Wash your motorcycle with a sponge or a soft towel. As you wash, check for heavy grime. If necessary, use a mild cleaner/degreaser to remove the grime.
4. Clean the windscreen with a soft cloth or sponge and plenty of water. Dry with a soft clean cloth. Remove minor scratches with a commercially-available plastic polishing compound.

Take care to keep brake fluid or chemical solvents off the fairing. They will damage the plastic.

5. Clean the headlight, fairing, meter lens and other plastic parts using a cloth or sponge dampened with a solution of mild detergent and water. When cleaning the plastic headlight lens, use more care because it will scratch easier than a glass lens. Rub any soiled area, gently rinsing it frequently with fresh water.

If the inside of the headlight lens appears clouded immediately after washing, it should clear after a few minutes of riding.

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6. After washing, rinse your motorcycle thoroughly with plenty of clean water to remove any residue. Detergent residue can corrode alloy parts.
7. Dry your motorcycle with a chamois or a soft towel. Leaving water on the surface to air dry can cause dulling and water spots. As you dry, inspect for chips and scratches.
8. Lubricate the drive chain to prevent rusting.
9. Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes. The engine heat will help dry moist areas.
10. 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 performance.

Spray Cleaning Your Motorcycle

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74 .

Avoid using spray cleaner products on the tires or suspension components.

Suggestions for using spray cleaner(s) follow:

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Appearance Care

Painted Aluminum Wheel Maintenance

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74.

Aluminum may corrode from contact with dirt, mud, or road salt. Clean the wheels after riding through any of these substances. Use a wet sponge and mild detergent. Avoid stiff brushes, steel wool, or cleaners containing abrasives or chemical compounds.

After washing, rinse with plenty of water and dry with a clean cloth.

If the paint is chipped, apply touch-up paint.

Clean the Matte Painted Surface

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74.

Use a soft cloth or sponge, plenty of water, and a mild detergent to clean the matte paint. Dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Do not use polishing compounds or wax containing polishing compounds. These can damage or discolor the paint.

To keep your Honda looking new, clean and polish it frequently.

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Finishing Touches

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74.

After washing your motorcycle, consider using a commercially-available spray cleaner/polish or quality liquid or paste wax to finish the job. Use only a non-abrasive polish or wax made specifically for motorcycles or automobiles. Apply the polish or wax according to the instructions on the container.

If a surface on your motorcycle is chipped or scratched, your Honda dealer has touch-up paint to match your motorcycle’s color. Be sure to use your motorcycle’s color code (page 214) when you buy touch-up paint.

If the frame has a chip that exposes the metal, first apply primer (to prevent corrosion) and then apply the touch-up paint. Several thin layers of touch-up paint are better than one thick coat.

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Tips

Here’s a few helpful tips on how to store and transport your Honda, and how to be an environmentally responsible motorcycle owner.

• Storing Your Honda ........ 176
• Transporting Your Motorcycle ........ 179
• You & the Environment ........ 180

Tips 175

Storing Your Honda

If you won’t be riding for 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 forgotten and it will be easier to get your motorcycle running again.

For more information about storage, refer to the Honda Motorcycle Winter Storage Guide, available from your Honda dealer (USA only).

We suggest you perform the following procedures to keep your motorcycle in top condition. These storage procedures will reduce the deterioration that can occur during storage.

Preparation for Storage

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74.

1. Change the engine oil and filter (page 109).
2. Make sure the cooling system is filled with a 50/50% antifreeze solution (page 114).
3. Fill the fuel tank. Make sure the fuel fill cap is properly installed.

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Storing Your Honda

4. To prevent rusting in the cylinders, perform the following:
   • Remove the ignition coil connectors and ignition coils from the spark plugs. Using tape or string, secure the connectors to any convenient plastic body part so that they are positioned away from the spark plugs.
   • Remove the spark plugs from the engine and store them in a safe place. Do not connect the ignition coils to the ignition coil connectors.
   • Pour a tablespoon (15 – 20 cc) of clean engine oil into each cylinder and cover the spark plug holes with a piece of cloth.
   • With the engine stop switch in the RUN position, press the start button several times to crank the engine and distribute the oil.

• Reinstall the spark plugs, ignition coils and ignition coil connectors.

5. Remove the battery and charge it fully. Store it in an area protected from freezing temperatures and direct sunlight. Slow charge the battery (page 166 ) once a month.
6. Wash and dry your motorcycle. Wax all painted surfaces (except matte painted surfaces). Apply rust-inhibiting oil to the chrome pieces.

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Storing Your Honda

7. Lubricate the drive chain (page 160).
8. Inflate the tires to their recommended pressures (page 148 ).
9. Store your motorcycle in an unheated area, free of dampness, away from sunlight, with a minimum of daily temperature variation.
10. Place your motorcycle on its center stand. Place a block under the exhaust pipes exposed under the lower fairing to raise the front tire off the floor.
11. Cover your motorcycle with a porous material. Avoid using plastic or similar non-breathing, coated materials that restrict air flow and allow heat and moisture to accumulate.

Removal from Storage

Refer to Safety Precautions on page 74 .

1. Uncover and clean your motorcycle.
2. If your motorcycle has been stored for more than four months — change the engine oil (page 109 ).
3. If your motorcycle has been stored for more than two months — ask your Honda dealer to drain and replace the fuel.
4. Charge the battery (page 166 ) as required. Install the battery.
5. Lubricate the drive chain (page 160 ).
6. Perform a pre-ride inspection (page 45 ), then test-ride your motorcycle at low speeds.

178 Tips

Transporting Your Motorcycle

If your motorcycle needs to be transported, it should be carried on a motorcycle trailer, or a truck or trailer with a flatbed area. For information about 24-hour emergency assistance, see page 241 (USA only). Do not tow your motorcycle, as towing can seriously damage the transmission.

When contacting a towing or transporting service, be sure to ask if they have a flatbed area, a loading ramp or power ramp to safely lift the motorcycle, and motorcycle tie-down straps.

Tips 179

You & the Environment

Owning and riding a motorcycle can be enjoyable, but you must do your part to protect nature.

Following are tips on how you can be an environmentally-responsible motorcycle owner.

• Choose Sensible Cleaners. Use a biodegradable detergent when you wash your motorcycle. Avoid aerosol spray cleaners that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which damage the atmosphere’s protective ozone layer. Don’t throw cleaning solvents away; see the following guidelines for proper disposal.
• Recycle Wastes. It’s illegal and thoughtless to put used engine oil in the trash, down a drain, or on the ground. Used oil, gasoline, coolant, and cleaning solvents contain poisons that can hurt refuse workers and contaminate our drinking water, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Before changing your oil, make sure you have the proper containers. Put oil and other toxic wastes in separate sealed containers and take them to a recycling center. Call your local or state office of public works or environmental services to find a recycling center in your area, and to get instructions on how to dispose of non-recyclable wastes.

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Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section discusses the more common problems that can occur with your motorcycle while you’re riding. It tells you how to evaluate each problem and what actions you can take to try to resume riding. If the problem cannot be safely solved, this section also gives instructions on the proper way to have your motorcycle transported.

For information about transporting your motorcycle, see page 179 .

• General Guidelines ........ 182 If Your Engine Quits or
• Won’t Start ........ 183
• If You Have a Flat Tire ........ 188
• If Your Engine Overheats ........ 199 If the Low Oil Pressure
• Indicator Lights ........ 201
• If a Fuse Blows ........ 202
• If You Crash ........ 207
• If You Lose Your Key ........ 208
• If Your Battery Is Low (or Dead) ........ 209

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Taking Care of the Unexpected

General Guidelines

Keeping your motorcycle well-maintained is the best way to reduce the possibility of having a problem on the road. However, since problems can arise even with well-maintained machines, you may consider subscribing to an emergency roadside service plan. (USA only: For information about the Honda Rider’s Club of America, see page 241 .)

Remember to take along your owner’s manual, the tool kit that came with your motorcycle, and any other items (such as tire repair supplies and additional tools) that might help you solve a problem on your own.

Should you ever have a problem while riding, please follow these guidelines:

• Always put personal safety first.
• Take time to assess the situation and your options before deciding what to do.
• If the problem is relatively minor and you have the tools, supplies, and skills to make a temporary repair, be sure to have permanent repairs made as soon as possible.
• Do not continue riding if you are hurt or your motorcycle is not in safe riding condition.

Additional recommendations for specific problems follow.

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