Running in, please pass...

Adam_P · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Karma :

on advice to the newbie! Wink

After reading through my bike's manual I'm after some advice on running in.

It states that for the first 600 miles I should not use prolonged use over 7000 revs, then up to 9000 revs after the first service to 1000 miles. Then it should be fine to take it up to the top of the rev range.

When I rode it back home the other day I peaked at just over 7000 on the motorway passing a few things, it equates at about 90mph, so its still getting on a bit and is plenty for me for the time being.

What I really want to know is, 'prolonged use' does that mean occasionally going over 7000 is ok, as long as I don't run it like that for miles and miles. Or, should I keep it under that until the 600 barrier and then let it have its head a little?

What has anyone else done?

I saw the link to the guy in the US that recommends thrashing it from the word go to seal the rings etc early. But not keen on hammering my investment if its going to end up throwing pieces of the engine out of the exhaust as a result. Shocked

Thanks in advance for advice folks.
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Scooby · Scrappy Doo Joined: 26 Mar 2002 Karma :

Just ride it as if it were a 10,000 mile bike. You shouldn't keep any bike at the same amount of high revs for very long. Modern 4 stroke engines don't really need 'running in'.
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dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

The camps are split between thrash it and stick to the manufacturers guidelines.

They usually mean that you should vary the revs and not stick to a constant 7k rpm for a long period of time. On my Blade the only recommendations Honda make are no full power starts until first service.

As Scooby said four strokes don't need that much running in these days, if you're worried about it just get the miles out the way and get the first service done. At the end of the day you've got to ride it and keep it so I'd say do what you're happiest with.

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

As long as its warmed up, ride it how you want to.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

I would say aim to keep it below 7000rpm, but don't worry too much if you take it over there the odd time.

The US site was not really advocating thrashing it in but instead riding it in such a way to force the rings into hard contact with the cylinder wall. It will do nothing for anything else that could do with running in (gears, valves, etc).

Also remember that a new bike while running in will land up with a fair amount of small particles floating round in the oil (bits of metal that have been worn off while running in), and it is a good idea to get these out by doing an oil change before pushing the bike 2 much.

All the best

Keith
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Adam_P · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Karma :

Thanks guys. I'm guessing get it to the oil and filter change at 600 miles before giving it too much to be on the safe side.

That was what I was thinking originally as I knew about the particles and stuff in the oil etc. Wasn't sure about other parts of the engine that might suffer with an occasional blast above 7 grand.

Cheers
Adam
____________________
Colin McRae MBE 1968 - 2007 RIP Sad

Orwell Rolls in his Grave
God is imaginary

Sparks! · Sir Tart-a-lot Joined: 30 Aug 2003 Karma :

Hmm I've been keeping my R6 below 12k mostly, also making sure its up to temperature before going anywhere fast.

It's on 850 miles now and will start ragging it a bit more after 1000 miles.

Just keep the revs down a bit for a few hundred miles as Scooby said, modern 4 strokes don't really need over-cautious running in.
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Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

Mine went through the timing lights at Elvington at 173 at the 1000 miles exactly

fuck it, they need thrashing - that pathetic speed proves it
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Ride it to full revs, but don't ride it on constant throttle. vary the revs a lot and it should be fine. Ride normally after the first service! Thumbs Up

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