Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Owners Manual: Corrosion prevention

It is important to take good care of your motorcycle to protect it from corrosion and keep it looking new for years to come.

Important information about corrosion

Common causes of corrosion

• Accumulation of road salt, dirt, moisture, or chemicals in hardto- reach areas.
•  Chipping, scratches, and any damage to treated or painted metal surfaces resulting from minor accidents or impacts from stones and gravel.

Road salt, sea air, industrial pollution, and high humidity will all contribute to corrosion.

How to help prevent corrosion

• Wash your motorcycle frequently, at least once a month.

  Keep your motorcycle as clean and dry as possible.

•  Remove foreign material deposits. Foreign material such as road salt, chemicals, road oil or tar, tree sap, bird droppings and industrial fall out may damage your motorcycle's finish. Remove these types of deposits as quickly as possible. If these deposits are difficult to wash off, an additional cleaner may be required.

  Follow the manufacturer's directions when using these special cleaners.

•  Repair finish damage as soon as possible. Carefully examine your motorcycle for damage to the painted surfaces.

  Should you find any chips or scratches in the paint, touch them up immediately to prevent corrosion from starting. If the chips or scratches have gone through to the bare metal, have a suzuki dealer make the repair.

• Store your motorcycle in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you often wash your motorcycle in the garage or if you frequently park it inside when wet, your garage may be damp. The high humidity may cause or accelerate corrosion. A wet motorcycle may corrode even in a heated garage if the ventilation is poor.
•  Cover your motorcycle. Exposure to mid-day sun can cause the colors in paint, plastic parts, and instrument faces to fade. Covering your motorcycle with a high-quality, "breathable" motorcycle cover can help protect the finish from the harmful uv rays in sunlight, and can reduce the amount of dust and air pollution reaching the surface. Your suzuki dealer can help you select the right cover for your motorcycle.