Break-in period?

[gdb069]

Hi Dan

First I doubt if you got it over 6500 rpm as the engine would be really zinging. Never heard of the 35 mph rule. Tires need about 200 mile break -in. Do an oil/filter change now so it will be ready for riding in the spring. Buy a float type battery charger and connect it whenever not using the bike for more than a week. Don't use any harsh chemicals to clean. I just use auto (not dish) soap and water. Watch how you cover the bike so you don't get any moisture trapped. Get an owners manual and follow it for service: not more and not less. Try and not take it to service as usually you can do a better job.

G.

[puckothewilde]

Years ago tolerances in manufacuring were fairly loose. You had to be careful with the break in to get the rings to seat properly. Today's technology makes tolerances tighter and need less break in, but companies still give the old instructions.

[750shadowC2]

Really good advice can be found here... IMHO.

Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

[gmck]

only thing I do is not run a steady speed. An old machinist told me by letting off the throttle it draws some oil around the rings to let them seat better.

[Dan216]

Alright, now I'm very confused.

Currently, the bike is in my dad's garage (it's more like a huge barn in the country). It's not covered and the battery is still in. My dad says he turns in on every now and then and moves it around so the tires don't settle. It's cold up here and there it's snowing on and off.

The instructions that I just read in the last post said NOT to turn it on until it's ready for spring, and it's been ran a few times just to warm it up. I'm getting so many mixed messages, how am I supposed to know what to do now? I just don't get it.

[vito]

Originally Posted by Dan216

Alright, now I'm very confused.

Currently, the bike is in my dad's garage (it's more like a huge barn in the country). It's not covered and the battery is still in. My dad says he turns in on every now and then and moves it around so the tires don't settle. It's cold up here and there it's snowing on and off.

The instructions that I just read in the last post said NOT to turn it on until it's ready for spring, and it's been ran a few times just to warm it up. I'm getting so many mixed messages, how am I supposed to know what to do now? I just don't get it.

It will survive. It's not a porcelain doll.
Read the article posted by 750shadowC2 "Break in Secrets".

Did you put any fuel stabilizer in the gas and run it through the carbs? Not doing that will screw the bike up far worse than any miscue on the break in.

[squarebore]

I think it depends on how long you want to keep it. If only keeping it for the short term such as the warranty period - ride it however you like. It will be the next owners problem.

Long term ownership - Warm up before applying lots of torque, regular oil changes, don't over rev but don't labor it either. People say to var the rev range but unless you're on cruise control you'll do that anyway.

Hibernation - I always put fuel stabilizer in and change the oil. Gets rid of trace elements in the oil that may be corrosive over a period of time. When ready to ride I dump all fuel and put new oil in again.

If it was me - I wouldn't worry about any of it too much. As Vito says "its not a porcelain doll". There are lots of bikes out there that get treated poorly but last for years.

[Dan216]

Thank you. There is stabilizer in it, but the tank isn't completely full.

I plan to keep it for a long time, at least for the next ten years. I want it to have the best treatment possible and keep it looking new forever. May seem extreme, but that's how I am. It's a part of me, an extension, my very soul incarnated...

....

.....yeah I'm a bit OCD.

[Dan216]

Originally Posted by vito

Did you put any fuel stabilizer in the gas and run it through the carbs? Not doing that will screw the bike up far worse than any miscue on the break in.

Fuel injection, but I did run it through!

[squarebore]

Originally Posted by Dan216

May seem extreme, but that's how I am. It's a part of me, an extension, my very soul incarnated...

....

.....yeah I'm a bit OCD.

We talking about a motorcycle right? I've loved all my bikes but I'd gladly kick any of them in front of a truck to save me. I don't get too attached, you know the story - if its got t*ts, wheels or it floats, it'll give you problems.