Ok, all of the factory service manuals always state "gentle break-ins", but Motoman is suggesting to run it hard to the rings to seal better. I research this for about two hours last night on the internet, and opinion of his method is 50/50. Has anybody done this with their blade???

Here's the link to Motoman's article:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

This question gets brought up from time to time. The only thing constant I keep hearing between both methods is to avoid running the engine at a constant RPM for extended periods of time like when on the freeway. If riding on the freeway change gears often allowing you to “play� in the entire RPM range. Also I have never heard anyone say after putting a few thousand mile on their bike,� I wish I would have used a different method for breaking in my bike then I did". From what I understand the difference, if there is one, is a few more HP some where in the power band and do you really think you will be able to feel it? I would like to maximize the HP of my bike too but I'm not going to lose sleep over it. Here is link for another opinion and break in method from Rouge Racing if you haven't come across it yet. It seems like a good one but pretty intensive and for some one like me who ride 20 miles at a time to work and back it would take for ever to get to the "spirited riding portion".

Isn't spirited riding what it's all about?

 

Ask a guy called Nickslick (Matina). He followed that method and ended up with an oil burning **** in less than a year. Most likely 98% of new bikes it doesn't really matter -- they'll hold up to whatever stoopid abuse you subject them to and come out happy. How do you know if you gots one of the 2% though? Beats me. The manufacturer's suggestions are a bit mild and God knows I've never been able to break in a bike exactly on their schedule but I haven't ever torture-tested my new toys either.

 

I have done what the manual recommends every time I've bought a new bike. I don't understand why anyone would do otherwise. Who knows more about the bike, me, "Motoman" or the engineers who designed it? Besides, there's much more to breaking in a new engine besides rings.

 

Yea, I don't know about the whole running it hard idea. I'd just work through all the gears and go through all the rpm ranges.

 

I would just follow the manual, I think Honda put the research into longevity of a bike, I trust what they have to say.

 

OR..... This is honda's way of reducing warranty repairs by suggesting this so people will "take it easy" on the bike through some/most of the 1-year warranty period.....Didnt work on me because i had 1000 miles in the first month and a half...

[sm=interesting.gif]

 

You know, I am learning towards motoman's method. I have a friend who has built plenty of motors, and a few race motors. He always runs them hard after he puts them together. He basically said, "Babying a motor doesn't really do much for the motor. It shouldn't matter if you baby it or run it hard during the break in period because if the motor is good, then there shouldn't be a problem at all." He didn't tell me to redline it, but to just don't baby it.

 

i was lucky enough to have my 1000rr broke in on a dyno. it added some power and the shop stands behind the break in process with a warranty.was able to change my oil and get it ready to ride before it ever touches the street.then i bought new erion racing pistons and they dyno broke it again never had oil burning problems shifts smooth and runs strong.would highly recomend dyno braking.

 

Hard Running, unsure - Quick oil change within a few hundred miles of purchase = great idea to avoid any loose shavings... Many Jet engines have a micro magnet to catch shavings for quick cleaning sake combating wear and tear, we do not - definitely more rampant in the very beginning of use. Everything settles after that.

Run'em hard, donoh - oil change, DEFINITELY... things rub, seals settle, but shavings cause loss of compression, internal scratches or even eventual engine seizure at the worst... Check that oil...