Scooter wash and checkup

This blog post describes my procedure for biweekly wash + checkup on my scooter. This includes:

washing

safety checks

rust prevention, battery checkup, engine oil check

Prepare stuff

I live in an apartment and my scooter is parked outside so preparing everything so it's easy to carry is the first task.

First prepare your cleaning stuff:

bucket filled with warm water

big car sponge and small kitchen sponge

micro-fibre cloths ⋝ 2

kitchen gloves

I favour a mob bucket as it's easy to carry and the wringer can be used to carry dry cloths and gloves, like so:

Next you need a rust-prevention oil which is compatible with rubber. I use ACF-50. And you need some kitchen paper for applying it.

Put these in a plastic bag in-case leakage occurs:

Next:

tire pressure gauge and pump

pliers for the crankcase breather clamp

multi-meter, and screwdrivers to access battery

Finally you need a bag for trash and something to sit on (the floor may be dirty or wet outside). I use a thin door-matt that can be rolled up.

Stuff everything in a rucksack (except bucket of-course):

Now you just need your keys and you're ready to go!

Let's go!

Here is your task list as a document you can print: download. Alternately read it here:

Check tyres for damage, check pressures. Empty the crankcase breather if needed. Start the engine to warm up and start a three minute timer. While the engine’s running check lights and indicators work, and check brake fluid level. Once the engine's warmed up for three minutes turn it off for two minutes, put the scooter upright and check the engine oil level. Use a sponge with the water to clean the scooter, drying with micro-fibre cloths afterwards. Make sure the fork inner tubes, rear shocks and exhaust down-pipe are thoroughly dry by wiping them with a piece of kitchen paper. Spray some ACF-50 on a dry piece of kitchen paper and wipe it up and down the fork inner tubes and exhaust down-pipe. Then rear shocks. Take the scooter off it’s stand and wheel it around, testing the brakes and steering is smooth. And work the suspension up and down to check it’s smooth. Measure battery voltage. If it’s less than 12.8 volts, remove and charge it.

Good luck!