2 strange questions

[CR Chick]

well it is just like the subject reads. I have two strange questions. and here they are.
1. I have a 90 XR100r. It is very dirty. but I didnt want to get the water hose to it till I comfirmed it. what should I wash with. is there anything I should cover up, or what about the spark pulg should I take it out before washing it. sorry for all the questions but I have never washed a bike before.
2. On my xr, the gas handle keeps sticking. I have to pull it back to down shift or change gears. I don't konw how to adjust it. I feel as though it is too tight. that must be why it keeps sticking. I took some sewing machine oil (could not find my lubing spray) and tried to lubercate it with that but that did not work. still sticking. and suggestions?

any would help.

[strykmaster]

Why are those strange questions? Sound normal to me. For your bike I would just stuff a rag in your exhaust pipe. Spray it down with a degreaser like Simple Green Automotive. Then use a parts cleaning brush on all the tough grime. Then just spray it down. Don't remove the spark plug. I always clean my air filter after every ride. The likely culprit of your sticky throttle is dirt. Take your throttle housing apart and clean it throughly. Make sure the cable has not frayed. If it still sticks it may be dirt in your carb slide. You will then need to clean that. That should take care of you sticky throttle.

[SirFallsALot243]

I just use regular dish detergant. You throttle tube is sticking. I think thats what your trying to say. Im not sure how to fix it, try lubing your throttle cable.

[SirFallsALot243]

Dang strykmaster... you beat me!

[Roostman]

Dont take the spark plug out! Dont squirt at the carb. Try not to get water under the seat so you dont get the air filter all wet. You may even want to take the seat off and cover the filter with a platic grocery bag first. Plug the exaust hole good and dont squirt at the ignition box. Lube your chain first to keep water out. Lube your moving parts before and after you wash, like footpeg joints, brake linkage (dont get any oil on the brakes themselves!), lever pivots. Use as little water as you can on the thing.

Dry the thing as best you can. Take the plastic bag off the air filter and remove the plug in the exaust when done, then take it for a ride to get water out of the nooks and crannies. Then lube the pivoting parts.

Loosen the throttle on the bars and slide it out just a tiny bit. You probably laid it down and pushed the throttle into the bar end.

Good luck.

[Roostman]

Haha, you guys both beat me.

[2fun]

I would also check the throttle cable to see if it is frayed!

Nothing worse than going 50 or so and having the throttle stick wide oped!:

Had that happen on a CR125 once!