Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - Owner's Manual > Cleaning

Frequent, regular cleaning is an essential part of the maintenance of your motorcycle. If regularly cleaned, the appearance will be preserved for many years.

Cleaning with cold water containing an automotive cleaner is essential at all times but particularly so after exposure to sea breezes, sea water, dusty or muddy roads and in winter when roads are treated for ice and snow.

Do not use household detergent, as the use of such products will lead to premature corrosion.

Although, under the terms of your motorcycle warranty, cover is provided against the corrosion of certain items, the owner is expected to observe this reasonable advice which will safeguard against corrosion and enhance the appearance of the motorcycle.

Preparation for Washing

Before washing, precautions must be taken to keep water off the following places.

Rear opening of the exhausts: Cover with a plastic bag secured with rubber bands.

Clutch and brake levers, switch housings on the handlebar: Cover with plastic bags.

Ignition switch and steering lock: Cover the keyhole with tape.

Remove any items of jewellery such as rings, watches, zips or belt buckles, which may scratch or otherwise damage painted or polished surfaces.

Use separate cleaning sponges or cleaning cloths for washing painted/ polished surfaces and chassis areas.

Chassis areas (such as wheels and under mudguards) will be exposed to more abrasive road grime and dust, which may then scratch painted or polished surfaces, if the same sponge or cleaning cloths are used.

Where to be Careful

Caution

Do not spray any water at all near the air intake duct.

The air intake duct is normally located under the rider's seat, under the fuel tank or near the steering head.

Any water sprayed in this area could enter the airbox and engine, causing damage to both items.

Caution

Use of high pressure spray washers is not recommended.

When using pressure washers, water may be forced into bearings and other components causing premature wear from corrosion and loss of lubrication.

Avoid spraying water with any great force near the following places:

• Instruments,
• Brake cylinders and brake calipers,
• Under the fuel tank,
• Air intake duct,
• Headstock bearings,
• Wheel bearings,
• Suspension seals and bearings.

Note

Use of soaps that are highly alkaline will leave a residue on painted surfaces, and may also cause water spotting.

Always use a low alkaline soap to aid the cleaning process.

Washing

Prepare a mixture of cold water and mild automotive cleaner. Do not use a highly alkaline soap as commonly found at commercial car washes because it leaves a residue.

Wash the motorcycle with a sponge or soft cloth. Do not use abrasive scouring pads or steel wool. They will damage the finish.

Rinse the motorcycle thoroughly with cold water.

After Washing

Warning

Never wax or lubricate the brake discs.

Loss of braking power and an accident could result. Clean the disc with a proprietary brand of oil-free brake disc cleaner.

Remove the plastic bags and tape, and clear the air intakes.

Lubricate the pivots, bolts and nuts.

Test the brakes before motorcycle operation.

Use a dry cloth or chamois leather to absorb water residue. Do not allow water to stand on the motorcycle as this will lead to corrosion.

Start the engine and run it for 5 minutes. Make sure that there is adequate ventilation for the exhaust fumes.

Care of Gloss Paintwork

Gloss paintwork should be washed and dried as described above, then protected using a high quality automotive polish. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and repeat regularly to maintain your motorcycle's appearance.

Care of Matt Paintwork

Matt paintwork requires no greater care than that already recommended for high gloss paintwork.

• Do not use any polish or wax on matt paintwork.
• Do not try and polish out scratches.

Aluminium Items - not Lacquered or Painted

Items such as brake and clutch levers, wheels, engine covers, engine cooling fins, upper and lower yokes and throttle bodies on some models must be correctly cleaned to preserve their appearance. Please contact your dealer if you are unsure which components on your motorcycle are aluminium parts not protected by paint or lacquer, and for guidance on how to clean those items.

Use a proprietary brand of aluminium cleaner which does not contain abrasive or caustic elements.

Clean aluminium items regularly, in particular after use in inclement weather, where the components must be hand washed and dried each time the machine is used.

Warranty claims due to inadequate maintenance will not be allowed.

Cleaning of Chrome and Stainless Steel Items

All chrome and stainless steel parts of your motorcycle must be cleaned regularly to avoid a deterioration of its appearance.

Washing

Wash as previously described.

Drying

Dry the chrome and stainless steel parts as far as possible with a soft cloth or chamois leather.

Protecting

Caution

The use of products containing silicone will cause discolouration of the chrome and stainless steel parts and must not be used. Similarly, the use of abrasive cleaners will damage the finish and must not be used.

When the chrome and stainless steel is dry, apply a suitable proprietary chrome cleaner on to the surface, following the manufacturer's instructions.

It is recommended that regular protection be applied to the motorcycle as this will both protect and enhance its appearance.

Black Chrome

Items such as headlight bowls and mirrors on some models must be correctly cleaned to preserve their appearance. Please contact your dealer if you are unsure which components on your motorcycle are black chrome parts. Maintain the appearance of black chrome items by rubbing a small amount of light oil into the surface.

Cleaning of the Exhaust System

All parts of the exhaust system of your motorcycle must be cleaned regularly to avoid a deterioration of its appearance.

These instructions can be applied to chrome, brushed stainless steel and carbon fibre components; matt painted exhaust systems should be cleaned as above, noting the care instructions in the Matt Paintwork section previously.

Note

The exhaust system must be cool before washing to prevent water spotting.

Washing

Wash as previously described.

Make sure that no soap or water enters the exhausts.

Drying

Dry the exhaust system as far as possible with a soft cloth or chamois leather. Do not run the engine to dry the system or spotting will occur.

Protecting

Caution

The use of products containing silicone will cause discolouration of the chrome and must not be used.

Similarly, the use of abrasive cleaners will damage the system and must not be used.

When the exhaust system is dry, apply a suitable proprietary motorcycle protection spray onto the surface, following the manufacturer's instructions.

It is recommended that regular protection be applied to the system as this will both protect and enhance the system's appearance.

Seat Care

Caution

Use of chemicals or high pressure spray washers is not recommended for cleaning the seat.

Using chemicals or high pressure spray washers may damage the seat cover.

To help maintain its appearance, clean the seat using a sponge or cleaning cloth with soap and water.

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