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Break-in on new bike: what do you think?
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 5:41 pm
by G_Seattle
I just purchased a new 2007 Ninja 250, and I love it! I am a total newbie, and it feels like the perfect bike for now. I do however run into a bit of a problem with the break-in. Kawasaki says not to exceed 4000RPM for the first 500 miles. Unfortunately, on this bike that's about 35mph in 6th gear...and on 40 to 45mph limited back roads I take to commute, cars behind me become really impatient and aggressive, tailgating and attempting to pass. I can't blame them!
This makes me really uncomfortable and creates a potential safety issue...
How did you experienced riders manage this?
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:54 pm
by fireguzzi
I believe that the more important thing for break ins is not to let the engine stay at any RPM for too long. I would say go ahead and get it over 4k RPM but keep it moving up and down through the RPM range. That's just me.
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:28 pm
by Wrider
Agreed, chances are you could probably get it up to 50 or so without a problem. Just don't stay at the same RPM for too long and you should be golden!
Wrider
Re: Break-in on new bike: what do you think?
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:40 pm
by Shorts
G_Seattle wrote:I
This makes me really uncomfortable and creates a potential safety issue...
How did you experienced riders manage this?
Let them pass
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 12:21 am
by the_sandman_454
In addition to the others' comments, you could also ride/break it in during "off peak" hours, ie not during times the majority of commuters are in a big yank to get someplace. It's only 500 miles, shouldn't take too long to rack that up.
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 2:40 am
by HYPERR
Two of the worst things you can do a new engine is to overheat it, and to lug it. You are better off exceeding the infamous Kawasaki 4000 rpm rule rather than lug the engine up a hill. Remember they have had this 4000 rpm rule since the Dark Ages and it's the same rpm rule regardless of whether it's 1800cc V-Twin or a 600cc Four with a redline of 15,000rpm.
And Fireguzzi is right. Vary your RPMs!
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 8:05 am
by G_Seattle
Great - thanks guys!!
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:47 am
by Gunslinger
Hey Seattle, remember to put a cover on your TPS reports. If you could remember that from now on that would be great.
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 4:42 pm
by G_Seattle
Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:41 pm
by Brackstone
I broke in my engine without lugging it and obeying the limits. I had no problems with the bike during my ownership.
I'm not mechanically inclined but I like to play it safe if I like the bike a lot or if I'm planning on selling it.
