Honda CBR125RW - Owner's Manual > 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

• 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.
• 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.

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

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

Washing Your Motorcycle with a Mild Detergent

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 headlight 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.

5. After washing, rinse your motorcycle thoroughly with plenty of clean water to remove any residue. Detergent residue can corrode alloy parts.

6. 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.

7. Lubricate the drive chain to prevent rusting.

8. Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes. The engine heat will help dry moist areas.

9. 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.

Clean the Matte Painted Surface

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.

Spray Cleaning Your Motorcycle

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

Suggestions for using spray cleaner(s) follow:

Painted Aluminum Wheel Maintenance

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.

Finishing Touches

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 nonabrasive 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 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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