How do you do it ?

[Gizzit]

I read in another forum (Thumpers, AdvRider or somewhere ?)about views on running in a new motor. A guy had the view about running in a new DR650, by giving it heaps, and that the first 20km were the most critical.
I can't remember what the link was to this article, but if I can find it again, I will post it.
Basically he said that it was very important to get the rings hot and bedded in, so that they fully seal, quickly. He said something to the affect that those first 20k's were the most important to obtain the full potential of your engine over it's life. He said that the heating expanded out the rings to find their optimum shape and position, and that had to happen quickly to get the best fit, and avoid ring wear. He also stressed the importance of an early oil change having really used the rev potential in those first 20 k's. Dump the oil and filter after the 20K's, and then continue with the run in, using all the rev range - but not labouring or loading up the engine. That was particularly important.
The other oil/filter changes as scheduled.

Anyone like to comment on that particular phylosophy or argue another method ? I ask this, as I'm about to embark on this run in phase this Friday, and I would otherwise follow the makers recommendations. I was told that it's important to vary the revs, so that the engine gets even wear .... I think ? I'm not too technically minded ... if you hadn't noticed!
Thanks for any advice,
Grant.

[Dino]

Everyone has their own opinions but have a look at this site -

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

.

[deanohit]

Ha, mine was thrash it as hard as I can from day one, heard all the naysayers about chinese bike, so I thought I would see how long mine lasts before it goes kaputt.
Over 7000km now of flatout no mercy riding.

Obviously you want your bike to last though, so don't pay attention to me.

[offrd]

All engines i have built, stock and high performance have been run to operating temprature at about 2000rpm while checking for leaks etc.
Then its out of the shop for a good hard 10k run a quick check over and 10k back to the shop. Recheck levels etc once cooled and its all done!
Chances are your dealer has already pretty much run it in for you!

All Pre deliverys i used to do on new cars and vans done exactly the same, new owner got them with about 20k on the clock, no one ever complained, None of the vehicles ever had any problems.

Enjoy!

[mickeyboy]

Running in is a myth , just ride the thing. Warm the motor up then go for it.
Change the oil at the reccomended intervals with the best oil you can and you won't have any problems.

[NordieBoy]

I did the MotoTune style run in on the XR.
Let it warm up properly and do some good winding the throttle on smoothly and engine braking cycles. Stay off the brakes as much as possible. I tried to stay below about 75% throttle and that engine is going sweet and many people think it's "kitted"

[YellowDog]

Very few vehicles are now delivered without already been run-in. It isn't worth the risk to the dealer that the owner may screw things up.

The story is the same for all engines. Don't sit on low revs thinking this will be easiest on the engine. You need to use a wide rev band, without thrashing it and also not let the revs drop so the engine is laboured.

Nothing much has changed with time and technology on that front, however I would be surprised if a dealer would allow a punter to bugger up a new bike engine.

[clint640]

Very few vehicles are now delivered without already been run-in. It isn't worth the risk to the dealer that the owner may screw things up.
.

Yep, all decent new bikes are run up on a dyno at the factory before delivery, so that 'critical 1st 20km' is probably more applicable to rebuilt motors.

I just followed the manual on the KTM, don't thrash it for the 1st 1000km basically, oil changes to the schedule, & it's done near 50 000km now with no problems.

Cheers
Clint

[Gizzit]

Everyone has their own opinions but have a look at this site -

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

.

Hi Dino ... I am pretty sure that is the article, although I got K's mixed up for miles. Down near the bottom of the page it mentions about changing the oil and filter at 20 Miles! (not 20K!) and it is still the same message that you guys seem to be saying .... a thorough warm up, don't labour the engine, and give it plenty of variation in revs. I think the advice given on that site seems reasonable, and none of you guys has really seemed to counter what he has said.
I may have to knock up a quick 30 or 40K's around Auckland and change the oil before heading home!

[Gizzit]

Ok .. so I didn't change the oil after 20 miles !!! lol . I rode it home Friday arvo, and it was a blast !!! These little beasties can get along just fine! I think I will give it an early oil n filter change though. It may be good insurance.
I did kind of use the run-in technique described in that web site above. I think it will be fine, as I varied the revs and speed, and used plenty of engine braking.