Benelli Leoncino 250 Manuel Du Propriétaire page 171

Motorcycle care and storage
(gasoline), rust removers or inhi-
bitors, brake fluid, antifreeze or
electrolyte.
• Do not use high-pressure washers
or steam-jet cleaners since they
cause water seepage and deterio-
ration in the following areas: seals
EN
(of wheel and swingarm bearings,
fork and brakes), electric compo-
7
nents (couplers, connectors, in-
struments, switches and lights),
breather hoses and vents.
• For motorcycles equipped with a
windshield: Do not use strong cle-
aners or hard sponges as they will
cause dulling or scratching. Some
cleaning compounds for plastic
may leave scratches on the wind-
shield. Test the product on a small
hidden part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic po-
lishing compound after washing.
After normal use
Remove dirt with warm water, a mild de-
tergent, and a soft, clean sponge, and then
rinse thoroughly with clean water. Use a
toothbrush or bottlebrush for hard-to-re-
ach areas. Stubborn dirt and insects will
come off more easily if the area is covered
with a wet cloth for a few minutes before
cleaning.
After riding in the rain, near the sea or on
salt-sprayed roads
Since sea salt or salt sprayed on roads
during winter are extremely corrosive in
combination with water, carry out the
following steps after each ride in the rain,
near the sea or on salt-sprayed roads.
TIP
Salt sprayed on roads in the winter may
remain well into spring.
1. Clean the motorcycle with cold water
and a mild detergent, after the engine has
cooled down.
NOTICE
Do not use warm water since it increa-
ses the corrosive action of the salt
Apply a corrosion protection spray on all
metal, including chrome- and nickel-pla-
ted, surfaces to prevent corrosion.
7 - 2
After cleaning
1. Dry the motorcycle with a chamois or
an absorbing cloth.
2. Immediately dry the drive chain and lu-
bricate it to prevent it from rusting.
3. Use a chrome polish to shine chrome,
aluminum and stainless-steel parts, inclu-
ding the exhaust system. (Even the ther-
mally induced discoloring of stainless-
steel exhaust systems can be removed
through polishing.)
4. To prevent corrosion, it is recommen-
ded to apply a corrosion protection spray
on all metal, including chrome and nickel
plated, surfaces.
5. Use spray oil as a universal cleaner to
remove any remaining dirt.
6. Touch up minor paint damage caused
by stones, etc.
7. Wax all painted surfaces.
8. Let the motorcycle dry completely be-
fore storing or covering it.
WARNING
Contaminants on the brakes or tires
can cause loss of control.
• Make sure that there is no oil or
wax on the brakes or tires.
• If necessary, clean the brake discs
and brake linings with a regular
brake disc cleaner or acetone, and