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I have heard conflicting methods of the proper break-in procedure for new bikes. I have heard that, contrary to the owners manual, you should run them hard for the first 100 miles or so (the rational being that the piston rings form a more efficient seal in the cylinder from being run hotter). Then, there is the more traditional theory that, like new cars, the engine should be pampered because of the metal filings that are present in a new engine that make their way into the oil and other compartments (trans, carbs, etc....) Any thoughts would be appreciated!

I'd do what the manual says. Running it hard right off the lot just sounds like a bad idea.

ive heard that for the first like 100 miles or so ur supposed to really baby the bike before u really try like gunnin the throttle and stuff

I've heard both as well, and asked someone who's been in the business for a couple years now. His reply went along the lines of yes, running an engine hard right off the bat is one method of breaking in an engine, and is most popular with racers due to the fact that you'll get 1 or 2 extra horsepower out of the engine. On the flipside, racers are going through engines much more frequently than your average rider.

Sure, you might get a little more performance out of the engine, but your average street rider doesn't need that performance, will never use that 1 or 2 extra hp, and generally wants his bike to last longer than a racebike that's being used solely on a track.

The engineeers that designed the engine, and who recommend the break in proceedure for that engine, are the ones you probably want to listen to.

You shouldn't run them extremely hard, but you can not baby them too much either. You also should not keep the engine at a constant rpm. You want to keep it going throuh all rpms. If you baby them too much, they will not wear in as well, but the same applies for too much.

Buzz had a good post about break-in, but it might of been pre-hack. I personally followed the manual pretty close, but took it about 1,000-1,500 rpms higher sometimes than what it said. I didn't want it to just suddenly one day be hitting higher rpms.