[kauffe9a]

I haven’t bought a bike yet, but I have been wondering about breaking in a bike if i get a new one. Has anyone hear Motoman’s theory about breaking the bike in hard? Its a pretty interesting article.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

This would be my first bike and I want to break it in properly, but I also want to take it slow to get used to the bike.

Any thoughts?

[eon]

And here is an alternative thought.
http://soundrider.com/current/jun10/DP1006-breaking_in_the_new_bike.htm

There are two schools of thought on this, the “ride it like you stole it” camp and the nice-n-easy camp. Which one is right I have no idea but it seems to generate some passion among those who do (or think they do).

[Jeff in Kentucky]

This is another engine break in method, for a new or rebuilt street bike engine:

http://www.brocksperformance.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=5&TopicID=6&PagePosition=1

[CrankyHippo]

I’ve looked at both theories, and it comes down to who you’re going to trust?

The engineers and company that have a stake in your bikes reliability over the years?

Or some anonymous people that have no reputation to lose?

You don’t have to follow the break in period word for word, but other then not being able to go as fast as you want in the few first weeks (or days) whats to lose by breaking it in?

[eternal05]

There are plenty of instances where an entire industry carries on a harmful or misinformed tradition for years because they have no impetus to check their assumptions. You’d be surprised at the number of reputable race engine tuners that live religiously by hard break-in. That’s not to say that they’re right; I just think it’s kinda silly to assume that the manufacturers can’t err.

[CrankyHippo]

Yeah good point, probably somewhere in between is a good policy. Don’t drive it like you stole it but don’t be afraid to get on it either

[an-evil-doer]

Just for fun and without any implied responsibility for what anyone else chooses to do, what did or do you all plan to do for your last or next break in? What have you heard from once removed riding associates as to what they did and how it worked out?

It would be pretty hard to impossible to know if the break in was the determining factor in any perceived results the owner had. The true answer would demand a large test group with a proper control group, and even then would only really apply to the motor used in the test. But lets assume that’s a given and chime in with anecdotal evidence and pure opinion!

I also was wondering about buying a used bike with low mileage for this exact reason. How can you tell if it was broken in properly? Is it important enough to warrant buying new instead of saving on the depreciation now? Will you end up paying for the “great deal” you got later on with increased engine issues and decreased performance?

What do you think?

[madjak30]

I think it is a crap shoot (buying used), but if you get one that has a little extra mileage on the odometer and it still runs smooth and seems to have the power that you are expecting (not burning oil, or leaking it)…it should be a keeper…I would be leary of a bike that is just past the breakin and is up for sale…why would they be selling it so soon?

My opinion on the issue is that you should follow the manufacturers suggested breakin, if for no other reason than to preserve your warranty. They want it to last so you don’t have any reason to bring it in and you don’t want to be without your new toy…seems to make sense to me. You do need to create enough heat in the engine to seat the rings and bearings, but the manufacturer should have taken that into consideration…I am not guaranteeing that they have done testing, but they should be able to make an educated guess from warranty claim experience.

My two cents…

Later.

[Jordan S.]

I have two uncles that work on cars, one builds engines. I will ask for you tomorrow.

I read that you do want to work it but not keep the RPMs constant, as in fluctuate the rpms. You want it to put some work on the cylinders. And I read you should probably change the oil after no more than 20-30miles. Just to be on the safe side.

[stu]

I’m not the biggest fan of break in.. The SFV650 had something like ‘dont ride over 1000 rpm for the first 700 miles and be reaaaaaly gentle’.. I was like ‘uh… gotta get to work..’ I did try and keep it under 5k rpm for the first 10 miles.. the factory recommended break in was ridiculous, but neither was I going to do 100mpg and 9k revs for extended periods

[Jeff in Kentucky]

One thing to consider- the factory wants any defect to cause a problem after the warranty runs out, not during the warranty period when they have to pay for it. They are also trying to slow you down until you get used to the bike- they will sell fewer bikes if more people get badly hurt or die right after buying one of their bikes.

My owners manual says to use regular oil for 8,000 miles- I think they are nuts- I can feel the oil breaking down after 2,500 miles when I shift. I think the factory wants you to use worn out oil, so you need a new bike sooner and they make more money.

[CrankyHippo]

Sounds a little paranoid to me

[Jon D.]

I have had new and used bikes/cars/boats. Thus far ( including rebuilds ), it seems that as long as I operate the equipment under normal operating conditions for 500 miles, change oil, play with it a “little” for another 1500 miles, change oil. after that first 2000 miles the engine rings have seated well, most of any shavings will have been removed from the crank case and the possibility of an engine failure will be greatly reduced. If everything was built and manufactured within tolerance you should have years of enjoyment with regular oil changes and maintenance. God bless and ride safe. Jon D.

[Jeff in Kentucky]

Here are some more engine break in comments- like everything human, there are many different opinions:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef123a0/0

[Jeff in Kentucky]

one more article about engine break in:

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/NewBike.html#BreakIn

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