break in.

[resage]

how long would a bike normally last if you dont follow the manual for under 4,000rpm's and just "ride how you are going to ride" does the engine start causing problems within like the first 1,000 miles or is it like after 10k+ miles

[assman]

I think because there are so many threads/websites/papers/journels whatever on this subject its safe to say it pretty much impossible to tell unless you do it on a large scale like a racing company or something. Without the same motor and many trials by ripping them apart and analyzing everything to do with the motor its imposible to tell the effect.

I know this doesnt help but do a ton of reading, make your own judgment.

[shdybrady19]

i asked the guy at the dealership. And he wasnt a young kid either. But he said when they assemble the bikes the hold htem at 3000 rpm's for 2 mins and then 14ish rpm's and hold for one min. Its standard on every bike. He said that they are ready to run out of the box its just you might have to do the 600 mile maintance a bit earlier.

[Anthonyd5189]

When I bought my bike, and from everyone I have talked to on the subject...they all say just break it in how you're going to ride it. If that means going to red line all the time, then go for it...some actually say breaking the engine in hard is better than the standard keep the revs low.

Either way, I followed the recommended break in with a little bit of high rev riding just to mix it up.

[kevinwilly]

ANY engine, as long as you put oil in it and change it regularly, will last at LEAST 60,000 miles.

There are SO many factors that go in to how long an engine will last. Part of it is dumb luck.

There are tolerances in EVERY part of an engine. Certain combinations of parts will last forever. Some wear out if you get mis-matched tolerances. It's impossible to predict how things will wear.... at least not with 100% accuracy.


Just don't abuse the engine, and it will last as long as you own the bike (typically. Unless you plan on putting over 50,000 on it).

I never even consider mileage when looking at a used vehicle. Proper maintenance is FAR more important.

I passed up several BMW's with 80,000 miles to buy the one I got with 140,000 on it. I could tell that it had been maintained a lot better, and that it came from down south. (when buying a 10 year old car in Michigan, this is VERY important).


Anyways- do whatever. You'll never even be able to tell.

[Gaolee]

How long before somebody finds Motoman and swears it is the best?

There should be a break in sticky somewhere with all known information and opinions, since it comes up all the time on every motorcycle board.

But, since it is started, here are some things to think about:

1. Breaking the motor in hard sets the rings, but that's about it. It is good, but it is an incomplete break in. Varying the rpms and making sure you include both acceleration and engine braking is how you make sure the rings are set right. You don't have to flog it. Just don't lug it and don't keep it at a single engine speed for a long time. Run it up and down through the gears like you would in traffic or on a relaxed mountain road ride and it will be happy.

2. New metal parts have internal stresses from the casting and machining process. Heat cycles relieve the stresses. You want your bike to warm up and cool off a lot during the break in. Short rides are better than one long one, as long as the motor gets fully warmed up. Incomplete warm up doesn't help and is pretty tough on the combustion chamber of even a broken in bike.

3. Final machining and flushing the engine happens during break in. I doubt it is anywhere near as important as it once was, but there will still be a few bits of metal floating around and getting caught (or so we all hope) in the oil filter.

I typically change the oil a couple times during the break in period, including right after I get the bike home. That's usually about 20 miles, then I change it again at about 200 miles. Then the initial service. Anal? Sure. Does it do anything? Probably not, but it makes me feel like I did something and it lets me spend time and money on the bike, so that's a plus. These are the things I think about, but I can't tell you it matters at all. Chances are it doesn't.

[shdybrady19]

a good rule for breakin in, Every now and again just get into the rpm's alittle bit. Just dont run it like that for a long time. And if this is your first bike you shouldnt be anyways. For the first 1000 miles keep it under 8-9000 rpms. Dont be scared if you look down and see you are doing 10,000 tho. Believe me your bike will not be angry with you lol

[sqchram]

Originally Posted by Gaolee

How long before somebody finds Motoman and swears it is the best?

Huh?

[bikes&baseball]

I was told not to ride at the same RPM for a long time.

[MINI NSX]

Most manuals say take it easy for the first 300 miles, which goes by pretty fast. 20 years ago the machining techniques weren't as sophisticated as they are now. As long as you don't abuse the engine I don't think it makes much difference how you break one in now.

[jim schmidt]

Chances are, you'll be OK if you don't follow the recommended break in. That doesn't mean it is the best choice.

Its always been my theory that anyone too undisciplined to break in their bike is probably too undisciplined to be a successful long-term rider. But it's just a theory.

[DaleCaliente]

Dont lug, dont ride @ same RPMs. I wouldnt go nuts on a brand new motor, I dont care what anyone says. There is alot of machining that needs to take place and parts arent broken in. Things are much tighter, id give them a little less umph than you would at say 5000 miles.

let motor warm up before cutting it off suddenly.

and Change the hell outta the oil. I changed 3 times before 1000 miles and each time it was jet black. I can only imagine what kind of crap was floating in that oil, best to get it out ASAP.