Indian FTR 1200 - Owner's Manual > Cleaning products

This section provides tips on the very best way to clean, polish and preserve every surface of your beautiful new INDIAN motorcycle.

We recommend the use of our new INDIAN MOTORCYCLE cleaning and polishing products and accessories, which have been specially designed to offer the best care possible for your INDIAN motorcycle.

In addition to the products recommended in this section for cleaning and polishing, INDIAN MOTORCYCLE also has specialty products for:

• enhancing black and silver engines
• cleaning engines, tires and wheels
• removing brake dust

After cleaning the motorcycle, inspect for damage to the painted surfaces. Chips or scratches should be repaired promptly to prevent corrosion.

For Matte Clear Coat Finish Care, see the Matte Clear Coat Finish Care section for details.

For Gloss Clear Coat Finish Care, see the Gloss Clear Coat Finish Care section for details.

For more information, or for answers to your cleaning and detailing questions, please see your INDIAN MOTORCYCLE dealer.

WASHING THE MOTORCYCLE

NOTICE Do not use pressurized water to wash the motorcycle. Water may seep in and deteriorate wheel bearings, brake caliper assemblies, brake master cylinders, electrical connectors, steering head bearings, and transmission seals.

Do not direct any water stream at air intakes, exhaust outlets, electrical connectors or audio system speakers.

Electrical components may be damaged by water. Do not allow water to contact electrical components or connectors

1. Before washing, make sure exhaust pipes are cool. Cover each pipe opening with a plastic bag secured with a strong rubber band. Check that the spark plugs, spark plug wire caps, oil fill cap and fuel caps are properly seated.

2. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

3. Rinse off as much dirt and mud as possible with water running at low pressure. Use as little water as possible when washing near the air intake or the exhaust pipe openings. Dry these components thoroughly before using the motorcycle.

4. Clean the front fork tubes thoroughly to reduce fork seal wear and leakage.

5. After washing, remove the rubber bands and plastic bags from the exhaust pipes. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.

6. Make sure the brakes are functioning properly before riding.

WINDSHIELD CARE (IF EQUIPPED)

Clean the windshield with a soft cloth and plenty of warm water.

Dry with a soft clean cloth. Remove minor scratches with a high-quality polishing compound designed for use on polycarbonate surfaces.

NOTICE Brake fluid and alcohol will permanently damage the windshield and some types of thread-locking agents. Do not use glass cleaners, water or soil repellents, and petroleum or alcohol based cleaners on the windshield, as these products can damage the windshield.

GLOSS CLEAR COAT FINISH CARE

The Axalta Sports and Equipment Finish System was used to provide the original gloss finish on your motorcycle. This finish system provides superior protection against the elements. To maximize the benefits of this system, use the following guide to care for the gloss finish on your motorcycle.

• During the first 30 days, when the finish is still fresh, clean the motorcycle with a water rinse only.
• Do not wax the motorcycle for the first 60 days. Doing so can cause loss of the gloss. After 60 days, use only waxes designed for new clear coat finishes.
• Do not use pressurized water to wash the motorcycle. When paint is still fresh, pressurized water could damage the finish. If using a pressure washer is unavoidable, keep the spray nozzle at least 24 inches (60 cm) away from the surface of the motorcycle.
• Wash your motorcycle often, especially when exposed to salty, dusty, acidic or alkaline environments.
• Use warm or cool water and a soft cloth for cleaning.
• Use soaps that are non-abrasive and have a neutral pH (non acidic/non alkaline detergents).
• Do not use solvent-based solutions.
• Do not use a dry cloth to remove dust.
• Do not use a stiff bristle brush, which can scratch the surface.
• Do not wash with extremely hot water.
• Do not wash the motorcycle while the surface is hot and avoid washing the motorcycle in the hot sun. Minerals in the water may be difficult to remove once dried on the surface of the motorcycle.
• Do not allow spilled gasoline, motor oil or brake fluid to stand on the paint. Remove these substances immediately by rinsing with water. Use a soft cloth to absorb any remaining residue and dab dry.
• To remove bug remnants or road tar, use only products that are specifically designed for this purpose. Follow the product manufacturer's recommendations to prevent potential damage to the finish. Follow with a wash using the methods described in this section.
• Always brush away any ice or snow, do not scrape off.
• Chips or scratches should be repaired promptly to prevent corrosion.

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