Running in a new bike...

beldin · L Plate Warrior Joined: 03 May 2005 Karma :

What is the best/preferred way to "run in" a new big bore bike?

Keep it below 3000rpm for 600miles and then let rip? Rolling Eyes

Keep it below 4000rpm for 600miles and then let rip? Rolling Eyes

Keep it below 3000rpm for 300miles and then increase to 4000rpm till 600miles and then let rip? Rolling Eyes

or what?

Need to treat my new baby (2005 Blackbird) as best as is possible... but need info on the running in...
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Bike: 2002 HONDA BLACKBIRD (CBR1100XX)
Cars: VW Golf Mk1, 1.8l 8V, 85.7kW / 157nm (RACE), 2004 Audi 1.9TDi, 2003 VW Polo 1.4TDi
Caravan: 2004 Jurgens Penta Gold (#80 of 150)

Synnister1 · Nova Slayer Joined: 07 May 2005 Karma :

Could try this like I did....

Start at a rev limit of 4000rpm.
Every 100 miles increase the limit by 1000rpm

ALWAYS let the bike warm up proper

Never use full throttle.

Vary engine speed constantly.

Shorter journeys are better (imho), ride half an hour then let it cool down ect. lets the engine get used to warming up, cooling down. A lot of people jump on and ride to the coast to get the running in out of the way, I'm convinced that is not good for a new engine.

I got my ZX12R new, broke it in like that for 2000 miles. I can honestly say it has never used any Oil and puts out 163bhp at the rear wheel in standard trim. I feel it gets faster every time I get on it, done nearly 9000miles now in 2 years and engine is sweet as....
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Neal B
https://www.nealsbikepage.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Drain the oil it came with and replace with a good quality mineral oil.

Always warm the bike fully then thrash it hard.

It's what I do on all my 4 stroke rebuilds.

Replace the oil and filter after 50 miles.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Basically I would say use a max of half available revs (eg, 12000rpm red line, use 6000rpm max) and vary the revs and throttle over 500 miles or so. Do not just go for a long ride. Then just build up the used revs by 1000rpm or so every 100 miles or so.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

epz · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Karma :

running in is one of the reasons buying a new bike never seems like a good idea to me, the warmup and oil changes are important to get all the bits of metal out of the new engine, i would guess staying under the rev range is less so since you could do more damage running the bike at a constant rev than slightly higher and varying it a bit.