New bike. Massive grin. Small dilemma...

**JMemonic** · 16th February 2008, 13:20

Originally Posted by Ripperjon

Yeah, maybe i am worrying too much, but thought i'd get a few more opinions on the break-in method i was reading about.
I've never owned a bike before so i just want to make sure i don't miss out on anything i should be doing, or do anything i shouldn't be doing, which will shorten the life of my newie.

Its a good thing looking for more information and alternative views, one of the great things about this internet thing. I first heard of that method of running in an engine back in the 80's from and engineer for a firm called Denco so its not that new as such, the article you point to make the same conclusions re machining and tolerances and I guess as these guys used to build all sorts of race engines they had a clue.

Read a bit more, talk to some of the mechanics locally, ask the same question in the maintenance section you might get a few more replies there.

Originally Posted by Ripperjon

As for the ride in Chch, that sounds awesome. It all depends really what day the bike is delivered to Norjo (should be around the 12th which is a Wednesday i think) and how much time i can get off work but if it works out i'd definitely be up for meeting the local riders and getting a few Ks under my belt.

Thanks for the invite Jmemonic

Every one is welcome including learners, and visitors, we can cater for all riding abilitys and there are folks who will give you tips.

**Mikkel** · 16th February 2008, 13:37

I know a lot of the other guys (and they are experienced riders so their advice is always worth listening to - but bear the experienced part in mind) have recommended the roadtrip. However...

Personally I would not recommend a 480 km road trip on a brand new bike if you are indeed (as you put it yourself) a complete newbie. It's a long road, the scenery is magnificient and you'll encounter many many different road environments along the way. You'll be going through mountains and the weather can change pretty quickly - unless you're confident, have the right gear and some familiarity with riding a motorcycle it could very quickly become very unpleasant.
However, if you could find someone who's willing to tag along - by all means go for it! And, as has already been said, consider breaking the trip up and doing it over two days.

Perhaps spending a few days in Chch - going for the WNR, getting some kms on the clock and observing run-in limits - would ensure a good experience.

I'm not saying this because I don't think you should have fun. But only having had my learners for ~5 months I can very well remember the feeling of getting onto a bike for the very first time after getting my license. I surely didn't feel confident enough to go on a trip to Queenstown that day! A month later I felt like I could do Bluff to Cape Reinga in one day. Now I'd happily drive to Queenstown in a day - but would prefer company for the road though... and I would make sure I had everything planned!

**caseye** · 16th February 2008, 17:58

RIDE the damn thing home! You'll enjoy the trip and by the time you get back it'll be a breeze and you'll wonder what all the kaffulle was about.New engines car or bike don't need running in anymore, just drive em like you would everyday.
Have fun and remember everyone else out there, is out to getcha!Avoid them to get home safe.

**Steam** · 16th February 2008, 18:15

Originally Posted by caseye

...New engines car or bike don't need running in anymore, just drive em like you would everyday....

Completely, profoundly, wrong.

**Chrislost** · 16th February 2008, 18:24

have you ever been the driver of a trip that long??

if you have go for it, if not, go for it anyway. just take heaps of breaks and remember to countersteer!

**caseye** · 17th February 2008, 21:31

Hey STEAM not to put too fine a point on it, but my advice while short on detail is not Profoundly or completely wrong.For over 30 years I've acquired a new car every two years or so.lucky ol me most of em have been toyota's.Toyota themselves have told me that their cars need only be driven normally for me or other owners and they'll do everything I' could ask for, forever.
Bikes, Ok a little different I'll admit never having owned a brand new one but I've ridden newly reconditioned ones a few times and again the guys making them have told me "ride it like you mean it and all will be well" To date none of those engines have ever given any trouble that I know of and the bikes went very well.
Naturally both types of engines/vehicles still needed early oil changes and a little TLC to make sure they were functioning Ok but apart from that the advice I've been given, taken and carried out over the years has borne out what I was told.
Leat thats my personal experience.

**Badjelly** · 18th February 2008, 09:39

Originally Posted by pritch008

You're starting to worry too much. Get the oil changed at a dealer when the manual says.

There is a theory which states that it is better to run an engine in with more heat cycles than less (shorter rides) but you won't have that option. That matters more to people preparing racing engines anyway.

If you are traveling somewhere excessively flat and boring like the Canterbury Crusaders (Ooops! sorry, I meant the Canterbury Plains) change up and down a gear, or even two, occasionally so as to vary the revs. You should be able to do that at 70kph.

Bang the throttle shut periodically as that is supposed to toss oil around the inside of the engine. Check first that there isn't a stock truck up your arse before you do that though. And for future reference, never do that while the back wheel is either sliding or spinning

All good advice.

Just another minor point from me: Did someone say that the Ninja manual suggests no more than 4000 rpm for the first 500 km or some such. That sounds very conservative for a 250 twin. (It is a twin, isn't it?) On my single-cylinder Scorpio the suggested limit is 4700 rpm (which sounds suspiciously like 50% of maximum 9500). Also the manual says not to exceed this for prolonged periods. They don't say what they mean by "prolonged", but I take all this to mean that you can (and possibly should) go over the suggested maximum for 20 seconds at a time without worrying that you've just damaged your brand new engine.

**Renegade** · 21st February 2008, 18:26

just ride it, i broke my hyosung 250 in on a 1000km round trip and shes sweet as a nut, spend that $350 on some gear making sure $50 of that is a puncture repair kit to put under the seat, just in case.

**Learner Zealot** · 21st February 2008, 22:51

Originally Posted by Ripperjon

Yeah, it'll probably take a good while, but i don't have the bike skills to be haulin ass anyway.

And Mr. policeman

says i should only do 70kmh on my learners anyway.

I don't wanna lose my licence before i get home!

Wow, that's one of the learner restrictions in NZ? You poor bastards, that just makes things scarier surely (having cages up your arse all the time).

We don't even have the power restrictions you guys have, so long as its 250 its all good, though that may change

My brother started on an RGV, but I wanted to live (he still survives to this day mind).

I was initially going to say that if your just starting riding then 100kph could be a bit too taxing on your nerves for that distance straight up. But 70? Sure why not. Just apologise to your butt later.

**MaxB** · 21st February 2008, 23:39

Originally Posted by Learner Zealot

Wow, that's one of the learner restrictions in NZ? You poor bastards, that just makes things scarier surely (having cages up your arse all the time).

We don't even have the power restrictions you guys have, so long as its 250 its all good, though that may change

My brother started on an RGV, but I wanted to live (he still survives to this day mind).

I was initially going to say that if your just starting riding then 100kph could be a bit too taxing on your nerves for that distance straight up. But 70? Sure why not. Just apologise to your butt later.

AFAIK you can start on any 250 at 15 years old but you need to pass a basic skills handling course before you get your learners. And you are stuck on 70km/h.

BTW We have no restrictions on bike power, no ridiculous ADR rules, radar detectors are legal (for the time being), no demerits on speed cameras and a way bigger selection of cars and bikes thanks to Jap imports. Its not that bad here aye.

**Learner Zealot** · 22nd February 2008, 22:45

Originally Posted by MaxB

AFAIK you can start on any 250 at 15 years old but you need to pass a basic skills handling course before you get your learners. And you are stuck on 70km/h.

BTW We have no restrictions on bike power, no ridiculous ADR rules, radar detectors are legal (for the time being), no demerits on speed cameras and a way bigger selection of cars and bikes thanks to Jap imports. Its not that bad here aye.

Must have misread other posts about the power restriction stuff. From things I read it sounded like some of the 2 smokes has to be modified somehow? Maybe it was what I was smoking at the time.

That does sound nice anyway. What's the ADR rules you're talking about?

**Ripperjon** · 11th March 2008, 23:07

So, the ride is on. The bike is ready and my flight is booked.

Heading up on Thursday. Can't get up there for the Wednesday night ride due to work which sucks

But, i think i'm gonna stay up in Chch for a night and ride around and get used to the bike before i head South the next day so might bump into a few of the locals (Not literally though :P )

Weather forecast looks ok. Maybe a bit cloudy.

Was wondering what kind of layering i should take. I've got a nice thick Alpinestars GP Plus jacket and gloves. Would you say i should stick some thermals in a backpack or am i more likely to get hot rather than cold?

**Mikkel** · 11th March 2008, 23:22

Originally Posted by Ripperjon

So, the ride is on. The bike is ready and my flight is booked.

Heading up on Thursday. Can't get up there for the Wednesday night ride due to work which sucks

But, i think i'm gonna stay up in Chch for a night and ride around and get used to the bike before i head South the next day so might bump into a few of the locals (Not literally though :P )

Weather forecast looks ok. Maybe a bit cloudy.

Was wondering what kind of layering i should take. I've got a nice thick Alpinestars GP Plus jacket and gloves. Would you say i should stick some thermals in a backpack or am i more likely to get hot rather than cold?

Hang on to the thermals. It's easier to drink more water than to start a fire to alleviate hypothermia.

Travel light. If you are not used to biking you could find it a bit hard on your body in the beginning (weeks, not days), any weight you carry on your back will add to the fatigue, so consider getting a set of bags for your stuff as well.

Good idea to have a go around Chch before heading south. Make sure to go and do some practice on the hills since you'll probably have some on your way south.

**alex** · 12th March 2008, 12:34

Good luck for the trip bro, it'll be awesome.

I'm in Qtown at the moment. Would love to see the bike when you get it down here if thats cool? would definitely look at getting that bike if i start riding, looks mean.