Just got the new bike and kicked the Jeep Cherokee out of the garage this weekend. Put 140 miles on the thing this weekend just putzing around the neighborhood, weaving through the canyons and up and back on MulhollandDrive. I'm still breaking the bike in so I have yet to experience it's true abilities. Not to mention I'm a new rider and trying to stay alive.

Any recommendations on how many miles I should travel beforeI can begin to open it up? The dealership told me to break it in for the first 200 miles. Sound about right?

Mike

 

if youre a new rider you wont be seeing her true abilities for a while regaurdless of break-in. if you can out ride her any time soon let me know!

 

My fisrt suggestion is for any new rider to take the Mortorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. I did years ago and it was one of the smartest moves I have ever made.

Your bike is more powerful and lighter than my old 98 CBR900RR, so don't underestimate it just because its a "600". You have a great bike- just don't be in a hurry to reach any limits.

As far as breakin- these bikes are a different breed. Check your manual and it should say something like "avoid full throttle starts" and that is about it. Most people suggest that you vary your RPM's for the first 300 miles or so (interstate and city driving). Also, don't forget to change your oil around that time.

And last of all, and this is very important, welcome to the forum!

 

Thanks for the info, Onarom. I actually took the MSF a couple of weeks back and certainly learned a great deal. I know I'ma ways away from being experienced enough to reach the limit.

 

Welcome to the board! Most important thing is going home with all the same pieces you left with so props on taking the MSF. Second most important thing is to vote for ROTM! And post some pics up when ya get a chance ...

 

Pics are on the way, just need to get the digital out of the drawer instead of riding all the time! Thanks for the helpful hints.

 

Welcome to the forum Fun! Honda's break their motors in from the factory so don't be afraid to open her up every o.nce in a w.h.i.l.e. Avoid keeping the rpms constant for an extended period of time until you get your first service done (roughly around 600miles). A.fter you d.o the first service feel free to open her up (but hold on tight).

Be weary of cold/new tires. They can be slick.

 

More info that I can take to the bank - thanks, Crashk. I'm glad to know that I'm able to open her up if I get the urge. I feel that I've been doing a good job with varying the rpms while riding through the canyons and what not.

Not sure if it's just me but it sure does sound/feel like I'm red-lining it at 7,000 rpms. Is that abnormal or is it just something I need to get used to? Also, under normal riding conditions, should I be shifting around 6,000 rpms?

Pardon my naive nature here -I just want to be sure I'm starting out on the right foot.

 

Ask away. I had the same concerns with my bike... I wanted to baby her right as soon as I got her. So to me she sounded like she was screaming at 7 -8k. But its just something you need to get use too. She doesn't redline til 15k so 7k is barely touching the motor. If you get out on the highway and cruise at 70-75mph in 6th gear you'll actually notice that the bike sits roughlyaround 6.5k rpms...this is normal operating range for our bikes. Under normal riding conditions, like going around town or residential areas, as long as your motor isn't "lugging" you're fine. This usually means shifting anywhere from 5k and up is consider ok.

With these bike's always remember to keep your right elbow and wrist down. This way if you hit a bump, you won't accidentally slam on the gas and end up in a bad situation fast.

 

i know what you mean about 7k feeling like redline, you just have to get used to it....welcome to the forums, and +1 watch out new tires can be slick.