Proper Break-in for a New Engine is to RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT !!!

[Stevenc150]

Yeah, you read it right. This article claims that the proper & correct way to Break-in a NEW engine is to ride it Wide Open/All Out. In fact, it claims that breaking them in according to the Owner's manual will cause damage!!...to a certain extent.

I have no personal experience since I've never owned a Brand new anything and I'm no expert on engines. But this forum is packed with Mechanics & Gearheads who are quite sharp and I'd like to know what they think about this method.

Break-in Secrets

 

[LeFox]

i'm quoting sinatra when i'm saying...i did it may way!

which is more or less a mix between the two...

the most important factor is warming the engine as it should...not by letting it idle, but by riding it smooth & soft, after that just ride it and put the throttle on it every once and a while.

 

[03fire9r]

The most critical part of having any engine that will last is make sure that it is to proper operating temperature before causing excessive loads on components. How each company wants you to do it is to cover there own ass in case of catastrophic engine failure. And to agree and to add to what Lefox said is it is not good or fuel efficent for any engine to idle for extended period of time unless it is a diesel with a pre combustion chamber such as heavy equipment

 

[Stevenc150]

I agree completely, and even the article concurs with both of your statements about letting the bikes warm up. But conventional thinking, what we've always heard, and our Owner's manuals state:

" - During 1st 50 miles, don't exceed 2500rpm (50mph)
- During 1st 500 miles, don't exceed 3000rpm (55mph)"

Article states:
" - The main thing is to load the engine by opening the throttle HARD in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear.
- For the first 200 miles or so, get out into the country where you can vary the speed more and run it through the gears!"

They are polar opposite statements & thinking. So I guess, in short, which in your opinion is correct?

 

[LeFox]

They are polar opposite statements & thinking. So I guess, in short, which in your opinion is correct?

mine

 

[Stevenc150]

Ha, I knew I'd get that. Anyway, I'm leaning towards the article. The more I read it, the more that it seemed to make sense. Either way, it's a dang good excuse to buy a Brand NEW, blacked-out '09!....[smirk]

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

I remember when I was 16 and just getting into bikes, reading an article in cycleworld or sportrider or something like that. The article took two gsxr 750's, brand new out of the box, and broke them in. Bike A followed the manual to the letter. Bike B was taken straight to a track and essentially raced. At the end they performed dyno tests and checked certain engine parts for wear. I specifically remember Bike B coming out much worse for wear. Less HP, more wear and tear on the engine.

Every bike I've broken in has been done in my own way. Up to about 600 miles I would load and unload the engine. I wouldnt just yank the throtle tho. All were deliberate and smooth roll ons. Harder roll ons as the engine warmed. Never holding an RPM for very long. Going through all the gears. After about 600 miles i considered the engine broken in and did whatever. I dont think you need to follow the manual to the letter, but I would be cautious of a "wide open" break in.

 

[steve may]

Smooth and not jerky acceleration helps recipracating assembles settle into bearings and bushings correctly.

 

[FIDOSOL]

Seems, kind of fishy to me, he has no references at all for his claims, kind of makes it a he said/she said kind of deal. Also, he doesn't use very much tech talk, leading me to believe he is targeting laymen that may not know much about the subject. No substantiating evidence at all, be CAREFUL, REMAIN WARY, be SAFE, you have been ADVISED.