How to break-in a new bike

[Statham]

Hopefully my new bike will arrive in the next couple of weeks so I've started to think about how best to break it in properly...

I guess the stock answer is to follow the manufacturer guidelines, however I've read quite a few articles that suggest going against this advice if you ever want to get the best possible performance out of your bike.

Your opinions on this one would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers all

[jamiesk]

I had a Yam RD350F2 ( powervalve with full fairing ) and I did as Mr Yam said. I had it for 5 years and it never needed aything more than a service and replacements for worn out bits.

The idea to thrash it from the beginning is that is gives larger tolerances, so less friction and therefor more power. But they dont last as long, obviously. This is recommended from a car "mate" who has a new one every 3 years. If you can afford to loose all that money then "go for it". I personally would not.

Also you tend to get used to the bike, and use more of it once you are used tothe bike.

Keith

[Statham]

Thanks Keith...makes sense...manufacturer guidelines it is!

[druidsam]

im with Keith..go with what the manufacturer says ,that way you cant go wrong



........................Sam

[skodaphil]

i agreee, there was bike mag test a few years ago that concluded that peak power from the 'thrashed from new engine' arrived a few thousand miles earlier but long term reliabilty suffered.
so follow what the manufacturer says.

[robertall]

"Arrived a few thousand miles earlier"

In otherwords, peak power is achieved, eventually?

rob

[skodaphil]

Originally Posted by robertall

"Arrived a few thousand miles earlier"

In otherwords, peak power is achieved, eventually?

rob

the engine components are so to say, tight when manufactured therefore it takes a little while for all the parts ie valves to bed in properly so an engine will reach it's full potential after running in period. thrashing a bike from new will increase wear earlier in the engines life,.

[Bill CBF1000]

I run the CBF in as per manufacturers instructions, and as it was a new bike (and so new tyres, chain & sprockets, brakes, etc) took it very easy - don't know if it has reached "peak power" yet, as it has only done 1800 miles, but its more than powerful enough for me, so don't worry about it.
Surely if you have a bike where you are having to ride it to the maximum all the time, isn't it easier to get a bigger bike?

[skodaphil]

back on topic, the manufacturer has researched the best way to run in an engine and thats what they recomend.
there are articles that state running hard for the first few hundred miles is best and others that say be gentle; manufacturer knows best!

[Statham]

Cheers Skodaphil...will do as told!