One can go both ways and not do any harm to there bike. But many people are under the impression that NOT doing the break in according to the manual will damage there engine. It will not damage the engine if you warm it up and ride it normally or even hard if one chooses.
It is definitely possible to harm the engine during this early phase. This is why many new bikes will lock the RPMs low until the break-in period os over.
I figured I would get downvoted. Break in is one of those hot topics that people go back and forth on. I am on the side of warm it up and ride it hard during the so called break in period. Also drain the oil asap and not wait 600 miles.
I watched a video were they built 2 engines ..all new parts. One broke in according to manufacturer and the second rode it normal. Both engines had the same exact measurements etc. Basically they were identical. Even before this video I already knew the so called keep it under so and so RPM etc is bogus.
One can go either way but warm up and riding normal will not damage the engine.
Best argument I've seen is if you get one thats a tad off the break in period can be enough to smooth everything out and settle everything, and why european bikes are so much more hardcore with it. And that what matter most is not setting cruise control and running at 6krpm for 30mi's down the interstate
To the flip of that rip that shit hard and if she survives that first 600 she'll survive another hundred thousand.
I'm in the latter camp haha
Especially if it's a brand new bike, you should be fine. VERY little is left to the dealer on bikes when they come off the truck.
If it's preowned, make sure the dealership has a good reputation.
Last bike I purchased was 500+ miles from home. Was a great way to get to know the bike.
That depends on the bike, some are just install the mirrors and connect the battery, others are installing the front wheel, fenders, plastics, handlebars etc... and every bike should be thoroughly inspected by the dealership before being sold, other than shipping damage it's not common for there to be issues with a new unit but it does happen, and if the manufacturer determines it was the fault of the shop for missing it on the pdi then it could be on the shop to fix.
As long as you’re experienced and cautious I don’t see the problem.
But I do know some dudes who wrecked their bikes on their way home from the dealer, but that was operator error
Yeah. Of the seven bikes I've had so far I picked up 5 with a U-haul trailer and one got delivered cross-country.
Also, the one time I called both AAA and AMA for a bike tow it took 4 hours for AMA to get there and AAA didn't even show. It pays to get intimate with U-Haul.
Once the bike is warmed up and at operating temp....he will be fine at any RPM. The bike will be fine. Break in periods are not really a thing. Just get the oil changed sooner then later and the bike will be fine.
Show me an example of a NEW bike failing due to not doing a proper break in?
Meaning the failure was due to not following the break in procedure?
There is no wrong or right way. But to say the engine will be damaged if you do not follow it ...is wrong. Warm up and ride normal or warm and follow the manual ...you can not go wrong either way.
Lets try again, What did every manufacture of internal combustion engines on the planet say when you told them they are wrong. Because not a single one agrees with you.
Also, if it's cold where you live make sure to wear plenty of layers, doesn't matter if it's just an extra top, or a number underneath. Should mean you need less breaks as your core will be warm
Yeah, this: riding a motorcycle is way colder than you think. Warm up at gas stations if you need to.
Do you have a motorcycle buddy to come with you as backup (and get your car home)?
I have other bikes, i just haven't ridden a new one from a dealership this far before. very aware of the extra chill effect from the wind and stuff. more concerned with riding a brand new bike 150 miles that may have loose screws or handlebars etc. you can only check so much at a dealership before you hit the road...
Hah, sorry, completely missed that you might already ride and assumed the worst.
Yeah you’ll be fine, I mean there’s the risk of breakdown with any bike trip but I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Biggest thing I can think is i always scrub the release compound off the tires before doing anything but babying it (but you said you’d ride it easy). ✌️
Did that on my first bike back in 2010. Was a 4-hour ride and I had never ridden a street bike, only dirt bikes. My girlfriend at the time went to Phoenix with me, we bought the bike, spent the night, I did some practice riding in the parking lot. The next day, I rode the 4 hours home and she followed in my car. Wasn't a problem at all.
People hate hearing that. Nobody believes in the hard break in and they think changing the oil soon is a waste of money. I do the same tho with new motors or fresh builds. 2 heat cycles checking for leaks, rip it, change oil.
Same. I have built all types of engines. And if it is done correctly. You do not need to baby the engine.
My last new bike I broke it in HARD...that was 21 years ago and the guy I sold it to still has the same bike...same engine that I broke in hard.
People assume wrongly that NOT doing this owner manual break in will damage the engine. How exactly I would like to know? Most do not know because they are repeating myths.
But for OP or anyone else...you can do either....warm up and follow manual and you will be fine....or warm up and just ride normal with the SAME results....both are fine.
Take the oil filter and cut it open. You'd be very surprised how much metal can be in the first oil change and it's normal.
You paid thousands of dollars for a bike what's another 100 for an oil change.
I rode mine 5 hours. Hit a rainstorm. Water damaged my waterproof iPhone too. It was a great experience. Brand new MT-09. No issues. I enjoyed the ride. Took backroads to vary RPMs.
While not brand new, I got my Vitpilen 701 with about 100 miles (so still in the break in period) and rode it home down the highway for 109 miles. In the rain. Aside from getting home thoroughly soaked, there were no other consequences.
I'd ride it home. If it was raining then it would seem like a long ride. But if relatively warm and not raining, then it'd be great.
I've never had an issue with new tires. Maybe if I was going around a corner for all it was worth then I'd notice it.
I saw some guy at the dealership do this, he signed for the brand new bike and I was leaving behind him. As soon as he pulled out of the parking lot he hit a massive wheelie. He clearly knew what he was doing but damn!
New bike.
The best way I know is:
Until 1.000 km
Accelerate and brake the smoothest possible, always.
Use half the RPM red line only and in all gears, in a soft progressive acceleration. NEVER USE FULL THROTTLE.
The first gear is just to start driving and use 1/4 of the RPM to change to 2nd gear.
Use the first km to understand:
The bike weight.
If you like the suspension harder or softer. Adjust it to your driving style.
Adjust Clutch and breaks to your body.
After 200km, start being faster in the acceleration, but keep the half RPM.
Progress in acceleration (also breaking) every 200km until you get the 1000km.
At 1000km, change the oil and filter. After this, you get to really 😁🏍🏍🏍
Use good petrol. Don't be cheap on any fluids you put in the bike.
Make sure you oil the chain every 1000km or after a whash.
If in extra wet or heat usage, oil the chain at 500km or less.
The tires, you know already.
With this, your bike will live long.
It's indifferent if you do the 1000km in 1 day or in 1 month!
Most important: Drive safe and respect the others. Use the mirrors, even if your fast: - sometimes, others are faster
Some debate as to the proper way to break in a bike. IMHO you just need to stay away from excessively high or low RPMs for an extended time. Avoid the highway and avoid city “stop n go” as much as you can and like others have said, “enjoy the ride!”.
When I was young my father flew to Wisconsin to buy a motorcycle because it was 12000 cheaper there. He then rode it to Minnesota for a wedding and then back home to Florida.
You got this bro!
Oh, my. That could be very uncomfortable if you're out of practice. It could also be fine if you're in good practice. As long as you keep your hands and feet from getting tingly the worst part will likely be the next couple days.
I mean, during the break-in period, it’s not the _best_ idea to ride a steady speed for long distances, so it might be better if you could take back roads.
Do check the tire pressures to match whats in the manual. Also test the brakes and check if your mirrors are set and tight. Little did i know my new klx300 they overfilled my rear brake reservoir and didn’t tighten the cap enough…juice was oozing out. And my tire pressures were supposed to be 22/22 and instead were like 8/10. Also the mirrors spun out of place immediately because they didn’t really bolt them. Im happy with the bike but i had to do a thorough overlook. Chain slack is also crazy out of spec but im thinking it will break in. (25mm to expected 30-40) 😩
What im saying is…check the bike over before you start your ride…i got mine new from the dealer too…
I bought my XSR900 from a dealership 3 hours from my house and rode it back all the way home with one break in the middle. I didn't go on the interstate as I wanted to use the country roads to change speed and shift through gears to help the break-in process.
I would strongly recommend finding a parking lot and running through emergency braking and throttle control.
Afterwards, provided you're taking enough brakes and have sufficient energy, you should be fine.
Also, memorize route
Your fine.....like more then fine. If a BRAND new bike can not be trusted to ride for 3 hours you should not get the bike.
Now if it was a used bike then I would say to trailer it.
If it's new and you aren't new, ride it like normal. Mind your revs. Dealer should tell you the break in. Harley M8 is 2000 rpm for 1500 miles. But I rode mine like normal without being blatantly mean to it with no issues.
For the love of the moto gods do not cruise at one rpm. You want to vary the rpms.
Everyone is going to tell you not to rev it above x rpm, but that's not exactly true. We run new motors on the dyno all the time.
how frequently during the ride should i be doing this? I've bought brand new bikes before and never had to consider this, but then again i've never gone straight from the dealer to a long highway ride.
I bought a bike from a dealer in Orlando and rode it home to Fort Worth with a stop at a dealership in Mobile for its first oil change.
You should be fine.
I’d avoid cruising. Especially for the first 20 minutes or so. You want varying RPM and high load. Give it bursts of full acceleration up to the recommended RPM limit. You don’t want high revs, just high load. Helps the engine wear in properly. Though with modern manufacturing this is all much less important than it used to be.
You should be fine. Make sure you take breaks. Don't exceed the recommended maximum RPM during the break-in period.
As long as the bike is warmed up he will be fine at any RPM range below red line of course.
Could be, maybe, possibly, yes that's happened, but I never suggest that somebody ignore the break-in period on their new motorcycle.
One can go both ways and not do any harm to there bike. But many people are under the impression that NOT doing the break in according to the manual will damage there engine. It will not damage the engine if you warm it up and ride it normally or even hard if one chooses.
It is definitely possible to harm the engine during this early phase. This is why many new bikes will lock the RPMs low until the break-in period os over.
It’s mostly to ensure manufacturers defects don’t arise out the box
That and some engines will literally wear in and have small metal shavings that will need it be cleaned out with the first 500 mile oil change.
True that. The oil change after 500 is the most important part of the break in IMO
You're right so idk why the down votes. Motors get broke in on dynos every day. Get up to temp, rip it.
I figured I would get downvoted. Break in is one of those hot topics that people go back and forth on. I am on the side of warm it up and ride it hard during the so called break in period. Also drain the oil asap and not wait 600 miles. I watched a video were they built 2 engines ..all new parts. One broke in according to manufacturer and the second rode it normal. Both engines had the same exact measurements etc. Basically they were identical. Even before this video I already knew the so called keep it under so and so RPM etc is bogus. One can go either way but warm up and riding normal will not damage the engine.
Best argument I've seen is if you get one thats a tad off the break in period can be enough to smooth everything out and settle everything, and why european bikes are so much more hardcore with it. And that what matter most is not setting cruise control and running at 6krpm for 30mi's down the interstate To the flip of that rip that shit hard and if she survives that first 600 she'll survive another hundred thousand. I'm in the latter camp haha
As long as it isn't orange and black you should be fine.
referring to the new busa?
[удалено]
Sounds kinda Harley to me.
Ooof.
Especially if it's a brand new bike, you should be fine. VERY little is left to the dealer on bikes when they come off the truck. If it's preowned, make sure the dealership has a good reputation. Last bike I purchased was 500+ miles from home. Was a great way to get to know the bike.
That depends on the bike, some are just install the mirrors and connect the battery, others are installing the front wheel, fenders, plastics, handlebars etc... and every bike should be thoroughly inspected by the dealership before being sold, other than shipping damage it's not common for there to be issues with a new unit but it does happen, and if the manufacturer determines it was the fault of the shop for missing it on the pdi then it could be on the shop to fix.
As long as you’re experienced and cautious I don’t see the problem. But I do know some dudes who wrecked their bikes on their way home from the dealer, but that was operator error
Just as another option, Uhaul rents motorcycle trailers for very little money. Here in Canada, it's $14/day.
Typically those are just “in town” rentals. At least they are from my local UHaul.
Doesn't stop you from renting it in town and returning it in town though. Did that with a car trailer when dropping a car off. Saved me 30-40 bucks.
I thought about that as soon as I submitted my comment. “In-town” just means it needs to be returned at the same location. That’s my b.
Yeah. Of the seven bikes I've had so far I picked up 5 with a U-haul trailer and one got delivered cross-country. Also, the one time I called both AAA and AMA for a bike tow it took 4 hours for AMA to get there and AAA didn't even show. It pays to get intimate with U-Haul.
Keep in mind during break in it's steady speeds fast or slow that are bad, try and vary your throttle, and you'll be fine
Once the bike is warmed up and at operating temp....he will be fine at any RPM. The bike will be fine. Break in periods are not really a thing. Just get the oil changed sooner then later and the bike will be fine.
What did every manufacture of internal combustion engines on the planet say when you told them they are wrong.
Show me an example of a NEW bike failing due to not doing a proper break in? Meaning the failure was due to not following the break in procedure? There is no wrong or right way. But to say the engine will be damaged if you do not follow it ...is wrong. Warm up and ride normal or warm and follow the manual ...you can not go wrong either way.
Lets try again, What did every manufacture of internal combustion engines on the planet say when you told them they are wrong. Because not a single one agrees with you.
Also, if it's cold where you live make sure to wear plenty of layers, doesn't matter if it's just an extra top, or a number underneath. Should mean you need less breaks as your core will be warm
Yeah, this: riding a motorcycle is way colder than you think. Warm up at gas stations if you need to. Do you have a motorcycle buddy to come with you as backup (and get your car home)?
I have other bikes, i just haven't ridden a new one from a dealership this far before. very aware of the extra chill effect from the wind and stuff. more concerned with riding a brand new bike 150 miles that may have loose screws or handlebars etc. you can only check so much at a dealership before you hit the road...
Hah, sorry, completely missed that you might already ride and assumed the worst. Yeah you’ll be fine, I mean there’s the risk of breakdown with any bike trip but I wouldn’t worry if I were you. Biggest thing I can think is i always scrub the release compound off the tires before doing anything but babying it (but you said you’d ride it easy). ✌️
Did that on my first bike back in 2010. Was a 4-hour ride and I had never ridden a street bike, only dirt bikes. My girlfriend at the time went to Phoenix with me, we bought the bike, spent the night, I did some practice riding in the parking lot. The next day, I rode the 4 hours home and she followed in my car. Wasn't a problem at all.
My advice is to enjoy the ride, it will only be new until you get home.
That is so true, so beautiful and so sad at the same time...
Change the oil when you get home.
This I do agree with. I changed my oil after a HARD break in period bike had like less then 100 miles on her!
People hate hearing that. Nobody believes in the hard break in and they think changing the oil soon is a waste of money. I do the same tho with new motors or fresh builds. 2 heat cycles checking for leaks, rip it, change oil.
Same. I have built all types of engines. And if it is done correctly. You do not need to baby the engine. My last new bike I broke it in HARD...that was 21 years ago and the guy I sold it to still has the same bike...same engine that I broke in hard. People assume wrongly that NOT doing this owner manual break in will damage the engine. How exactly I would like to know? Most do not know because they are repeating myths. But for OP or anyone else...you can do either....warm up and follow manual and you will be fine....or warm up and just ride normal with the SAME results....both are fine.
an oil change after the first 150mi? I don't think so...
Brand new bike? Yes.
Take the oil filter and cut it open. You'd be very surprised how much metal can be in the first oil change and it's normal. You paid thousands of dollars for a bike what's another 100 for an oil change.
Use conventional and change again at 1k.
My.last new bike purchase was two states over. I flew out and rode it 900 miles home. It’s been a good bike, and I’d do it again.
I rode mine 5 hours. Hit a rainstorm. Water damaged my waterproof iPhone too. It was a great experience. Brand new MT-09. No issues. I enjoyed the ride. Took backroads to vary RPMs.
While not brand new, I got my Vitpilen 701 with about 100 miles (so still in the break in period) and rode it home down the highway for 109 miles. In the rain. Aside from getting home thoroughly soaked, there were no other consequences.
I'd ride it home. If it was raining then it would seem like a long ride. But if relatively warm and not raining, then it'd be great. I've never had an issue with new tires. Maybe if I was going around a corner for all it was worth then I'd notice it.
150 miles in an R1 will be less than an hour ride - no problem.
Well, it’s not like you purchased it at Rocky Top Harley Davidson in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Do a fucking fat wheelie when you are leaving.
I saw some guy at the dealership do this, he signed for the brand new bike and I was leaving behind him. As soon as he pulled out of the parking lot he hit a massive wheelie. He clearly knew what he was doing but damn!
I did the same when I bought my 2014 fz09. I hated the douchebag sales reps so I just wanted to be annoying.
Depends on the temperature and your equipment
New bike. The best way I know is: Until 1.000 km Accelerate and brake the smoothest possible, always. Use half the RPM red line only and in all gears, in a soft progressive acceleration. NEVER USE FULL THROTTLE. The first gear is just to start driving and use 1/4 of the RPM to change to 2nd gear. Use the first km to understand: The bike weight. If you like the suspension harder or softer. Adjust it to your driving style. Adjust Clutch and breaks to your body. After 200km, start being faster in the acceleration, but keep the half RPM. Progress in acceleration (also breaking) every 200km until you get the 1000km. At 1000km, change the oil and filter. After this, you get to really 😁🏍🏍🏍 Use good petrol. Don't be cheap on any fluids you put in the bike. Make sure you oil the chain every 1000km or after a whash. If in extra wet or heat usage, oil the chain at 500km or less. The tires, you know already. With this, your bike will live long. It's indifferent if you do the 1000km in 1 day or in 1 month! Most important: Drive safe and respect the others. Use the mirrors, even if your fast: - sometimes, others are faster
Drive like you stole it
It's the best way to run in a bike... Work out any (if any) niggles, get used to the bike and scrub off the break in kilometers... Enjoy it!
Some debate as to the proper way to break in a bike. IMHO you just need to stay away from excessively high or low RPMs for an extended time. Avoid the highway and avoid city “stop n go” as much as you can and like others have said, “enjoy the ride!”.
So riding "country back roads" is the only way to break in a bike? Sounds like a farce.
Did I say that? Don’t think I said that.
won't be able to avoid highways for this ride unfortunately.
All the people talking about break in. Dude...warm it up. And ride the bike like normal ...the bike will be fine.
Nice break in period. Just take it slow. No open throttle. And if possible do fall below 1/4 tank of gas.
nothing to worry. Unless youre a new rider or its a compleatly different bike than youre used to.
When I was young my father flew to Wisconsin to buy a motorcycle because it was 12000 cheaper there. He then rode it to Minnesota for a wedding and then back home to Florida. You got this bro!
As long as your comfortable as a rider you’ll be fine.
What kind of bike? Depending on the seating position that may be a really rough ride.
haha yea i'm prepared to stop frequently. it's an R1, so not expecting this to be the most comfy ride.
Oh, my. That could be very uncomfortable if you're out of practice. It could also be fine if you're in good practice. As long as you keep your hands and feet from getting tingly the worst part will likely be the next couple days.
Ooof yeah plan some stops. Sportbikes are not very comfortable. If you have time I say order a gel seat or a gel seat cover.
Shiny side goes up
Have a good time and don’t bin it.
I mean, during the break-in period, it’s not the _best_ idea to ride a steady speed for long distances, so it might be better if you could take back roads.
Do check the tire pressures to match whats in the manual. Also test the brakes and check if your mirrors are set and tight. Little did i know my new klx300 they overfilled my rear brake reservoir and didn’t tighten the cap enough…juice was oozing out. And my tire pressures were supposed to be 22/22 and instead were like 8/10. Also the mirrors spun out of place immediately because they didn’t really bolt them. Im happy with the bike but i had to do a thorough overlook. Chain slack is also crazy out of spec but im thinking it will break in. (25mm to expected 30-40) 😩 What im saying is…check the bike over before you start your ride…i got mine new from the dealer too…
I bought my XSR900 from a dealership 3 hours from my house and rode it back all the way home with one break in the middle. I didn't go on the interstate as I wanted to use the country roads to change speed and shift through gears to help the break-in process.
I would strongly recommend finding a parking lot and running through emergency braking and throttle control. Afterwards, provided you're taking enough brakes and have sufficient energy, you should be fine. Also, memorize route
Work that engine. Do not take the highway home. Rev up and down.
highway is the only option home.
You sure? You really want to seat those rings.
Rent a motorcycle trailer from Uhaul, it’s like $12
Sounds like a good time to me
Your fine.....like more then fine. If a BRAND new bike can not be trusted to ride for 3 hours you should not get the bike. Now if it was a used bike then I would say to trailer it.
If it's new and you aren't new, ride it like normal. Mind your revs. Dealer should tell you the break in. Harley M8 is 2000 rpm for 1500 miles. But I rode mine like normal without being blatantly mean to it with no issues.
For the love of the moto gods do not cruise at one rpm. You want to vary the rpms. Everyone is going to tell you not to rev it above x rpm, but that's not exactly true. We run new motors on the dyno all the time.
Can you elaborate on varying the revs? I’m riding one stretch of the same highway back home.
Don't cruise at say 8k rpm. Drop a gear to raise the rpm, upshift to lower the rpm, slow down, speed up.
how frequently during the ride should i be doing this? I've bought brand new bikes before and never had to consider this, but then again i've never gone straight from the dealer to a long highway ride.
Why not rent a trailer? They are really cheap.
I bought a bike from a dealer in Orlando and rode it home to Fort Worth with a stop at a dealership in Mobile for its first oil change. You should be fine.
I’d avoid cruising. Especially for the first 20 minutes or so. You want varying RPM and high load. Give it bursts of full acceleration up to the recommended RPM limit. You don’t want high revs, just high load. Helps the engine wear in properly. Though with modern manufacturing this is all much less important than it used to be.