Break-In Procedure

[dragonrider]

Here's one that has probably been gone countless other times. There is a conflict on my '07 with the procedure. The tank label is very conservative almost impossible. The manual states otherwise. What is the general consenous of opinon about this?

[Briank]

i use the ride it like you stole it method. i was fairly easy on it for 50 miles and from there on out no holds barred. it worked for my s3 my rocket 3 and yamaha r1

[PhilM]

I've always used a progressive break in for the first 1000 miles. Never any problems or oil consumption.
Hard to do but worth it.

[3forme]

Manufacturers have more experience than most riders do. I agree that they need to 'cover their a$$', but if you know a little about mechanical issues you would realize there is more going on than just seating the rings. You need to allow time for all the rolling, wearing surfaces to 'get aquainted' (mate). If you looked under a microscope you would see how many 'mountains' exist on the surfaces of the parts. It takes time for surfaces such as gear faces and bearing races to 'seat in' because they are made of such hard material.
You can 'ride it ike you stole it' if you really want to be ignorant about what is really going on inside your engine. You may be lucky and not have any problems, but most guys don't put that many miles on their bikes before they sell them for something else.= (Before any issues may show up after long term use.)
If I spend $10 grand, I can take a little time and break in my motor properly......... Why wouldn't you??

"Ignorance is simply not knowing. Stupidity is knowing better and doing it anyway."

[StuckInKansas]

The single most important thing is to vary the rpm quite a bit. Picture a nice easy ride on a curvy backroad; rolling on the throttle, shifting through the gears, not just a steady speed. This kind of ride is the best thing I can think of for the break in. Just stay away from big rpm, and wide open throttle for a while and it will be fine. I tend to follow the manufacturers guidelines, albeit a little loosely. Just remember that you can also be too conservative during break in. Basically, there is a "grey area" you want to land in; to little throttle, and the rings may not seat properly; and to much throttle is hard on the bottom end. To much rpm is hard on the valvetrain until it's all bedded in. This satisfies both sides of the fence. Or, just try to blow it up before the warranty expires! :-D

[ This message was edited by: StuckInKansas on 2006-12-23 23:48 ]

[Limey]

Dont post drunk.

[Avi8or]

On 2006-12-23 21:52, 3forme wrote:
You need to allow time for all the rolling, wearing surfaces to 'get aquainted' (mate). If you looked under a microscope you would see how many 'mountains' exist on the surfaces of the parts. It takes time for surfaces such as gear faces and bearing races to 'seat in' because they are made of such hard material.
"Ignorance is simply not knowing. Stupidity is knowing better and doing it anyway."

+1

[HarriS]

Manufacturer also tells between the lines:"Take it easy and do not kill or hurt yourself because we told you to load the engine pretty hard and then sue us for 5 billion dollars because we told you to twist the throttle and you were not used to a bike this powerful and it kicked you off the saddle..."

I do not believe in the feather touch break in. Either way the engine will propably run just fine. They usually hammer it in the dyno at the factory so the worst part is over when the customer gets the bike.

[Avi8or]

Let's put it this way. If you don't intend to keep the bike a long time, then go ahead, ride the nuts out of it as soon as you take it out of the showroom.

If it's gonna be a keeper, then do the above and you'll regret it later on.

I will NEVER buy a used vehicle that has been trashed from the off.

[martinyoung]

+1 to Avi8or.

Follow the break-in procedure. If there is a conflict then re-read it. Break the motor in conservatively. The tank label will tell you what revs to use til what mileage, but the handbook may give you some more guidance like don't bog the motor, don't over-rev, vary the revs etc.

The fast break-in is all well and good if all you are breaking in is new rings and bores. All the other stuff in the motor need to settle down as well.

Too many stories of guys breaking in motors fast - ooh look I got 5 extra bhp doing it this way. Then 12 months later the motor is drinking oil, down on power and basically worn out.