Opinions on motorcycle break in period

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TheImp · #1 Unread post by **TheImp** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:26 pm

My vulcan is new and so far I've put 95 miles on it this past 7 days. There is understandable break in procedures for various things like tires, brakes and the engine, but the engine part is where I sometimes stray away from a little. For the first 500 miles speeds of 16, 23, 30, 36, 42 and 48 mph should not be exceeded in gears 1-6 respectively according to the manual. I do my best to stay within those limits, but the roadway conditions (i.e., other drivers) down here can be a little dicey and I've had to punch it a couple of times to get away from certain drivers which means I could easily go 10 mph over the precribed limit in 3rd gear, as an example. Now, I've heard that there really are two schools of thought on the break-in period for speed in each gear that manufacturers dictate, one is actually because it's good for the bike longevity and the other is for legal reasons (encouraging people to go slower when first using a bike to reduce accident potential). So anyhow, what do you all feel about these limits? Crucial or not? I'll probably stick to the requirements, but I'd like to be able to break them as needed and not worry that I'm beating too hard on my kawi.

#2 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:33 pm

The only thing you should be concerned with is making sure the engine is always under a load, whether accelerating, climbing a hill, or engine braking. Don't worry about the artificial lawyer-induced speed limits on the decal stuck to your gas tank. Just stay south of redline and you'll be fine.

rodzbike · #3 Unread post by **rodzbike** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:11 am

The owners manual is a good guide, but those limits are practically impossible to follow to the letter unless your entire break in period in on some closed course. Just my 2 cents

VermilionX · Fri Apr 07, 2006 3:24 am

i was able to follow my owner's manual. i kept my bike under 6k rpm until i got past 600 miles.

it's not hard to do on my bike since it's already at cruising speed even in the 3-5k rpm range.

TheImp · #5 Unread post by **TheImp** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:38 am

conflicting reports!

I'm just going to ride the damned thing and not overrev it.

MASHBY · #6 Unread post by **MASHBY** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 6:38 am

There are so many different views on running in.Some say keep the revs down other say thrash it.Each has there own merits and scientific values.Its your bike do as you see fit.As long as you get the first couple of oil changes done on time im sure it will be fine.

TheImp · #7 Unread post by **TheImp** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 1:31 pm

Well I've broken the manuals rules today. I rode it hard a few times, but where I can easily run it soft I do so. Frankly, I think I'll just run it moderately. I can't stand running it like an 80 year old grandma anymore!

#8 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 1:38 pm

Again, just vary the speed as much as possible to keep the piston rings loaded and all will be well. Also, you're better off hunting for redline than you are lugging the engine.

BuzZz · #9 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 8:15 pm

Honestly, no offence intended Verm, but....

You bought your bike a fairly short time ago based on looks and with no/very little research first, and you have an appointment at your mechanics tomorrow to get your frigging chain lubed.

Folks might want to take this in to account when they listen to any mechanical (or skills

) advice from him, eh.

DivideOverflow · Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:26 am

+1 to Zoo and +1 to BuzZz

Keep your engine under load, vary RPMs, don't lug the engine. I wouldn't redline it either... Go find a hill and go up/down. Also, change your oil/oil filter a couple times during break-in... it will get all the leftover metal particles out.