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When you are through washing your bike, take the time to drain the float bowl
through the bottom of the carburetor. This removes any unwanted water and dirt
and leaves your carb clean as it sits until your next ride. I do this by first
taking out the drain bolt. Then, I turn the gas back on, but I leave the drain
bolt out for about 10 seconds so it flushes out any bad stuff. I also leave the
gas on while I tighten it down, just to ensure that it is all really clean.
Gasoline is extremely unstable, flammable and potentially explosive, so pad
paper towels under the bowl and dispose of the soaked towels properly and
safely. Drain the bowl in a well-ventilated area and away from any ignition
sources. I know this takes a minute, but don't be lazy, because it is really
good to do!
There are many good tips for properly washing a bike, such as taping up your
airbox and plugging the exhaust, but I have found two really helpful things to
do that not a lot of people know about. For one, before you wash the bike, it is
really good to push in your brake calipers to release any drag on the rotors. In
addition to making it easier to spin your wheels, this also helps keep harmful
dirt from getting rubbed all over your pads. Also, if your bike sits for a long
time without being ridden, the chemicals on your brake pads can cause them to
stick to your rotor and can eat into the pads over time. I generally use a
T-handle to push in the calipers, but almost any tool will work. Just remember
to pump them back up before you go back out!
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