eddiekay
September 1st, 2013, 10:19 AM
Everybody knows what a PITA the factory recommended break in is.
It hasnt changed since the 60's but everything about modern bikes has ( maybe except for urals and Enfields)
But...there is a quicker way that is absolutely not recommended because maybe nobody wants to be blamed if something goes wrong.
Yeah...the horn dont work...hmmmm..improper break in procedure ? Personally..I have not heard of a failure blamed on improper break in for a long time but I'm no authority. So...take this for whatever it's worth:
When you take delivery or if you just took delivery...get a filter wrench, a socket or box wrench that fits the drain plug, at least 2 filters( be sure they have rings) and at least 2 gallons of oil. Also...ask for 2 extra crush washers.( a true crush washer is laminated and seen from the side it has 2 distinct layers..they're good for at least 2 changes but not recommended for more)....and a tray or something to drain into ( shallow and flat works best...WalMart $2)) and a load of paper towels. And a flexible neck funnel.( Wal Mart for like $1)
At this point, you have no excuse not to do the oil change and everything you need to do it. If you have the $$...a rear stand and of course spools for the swingarm make the job very easy and a lot neater. If not....it's a lot neater if you can find a way to keep the bike vertical because oil comes out slow and will run all over the underside of the engine if it's tilted even a little.
ride the bike 50 miles ( could be 45, could be100) and shift more than you need to and use the rpm range ( I keep it below 6k but I dont know that you MUST run it that slow)
After the engine is cool enough to touch...
Change the oil and filter ( be real careful removing the filter...it drips and 1 drop dripping onto your pipe will make it smoke...2 drops finding their way into that little dimple where the pipes join will make it smoke a whole lot...just clean the pipe as best you can when they're cool) so you dont get all nervous when you restart it.
I usually start the filer with a wrench and finish taking it off with a bunch of paper towels in my hand...kept at the lowest part of the filter to catch the drips.
Run for another 50-100 miles and keep shifting, braking and using the rpm's a lot.
Change the oil only this time (or you can do the filer too...can't hurt)
Run it another .....
Change the oil and filter.
At this point I believe the bike is ready to run.
Riding it after work and changing the oil before the ride (when the engine wont burn you),,,this takes 3 days, about 300 miles
and if anybody disagrees with this...please say something. Personally...I have not seen any probs blamed on improper break in since the 60's and really,,,that was because the mechanic didnt know what else to blame it on. .
Or, take your time and follow factory instrux if you're more confident in that.
It hasnt changed since the 60's but everything about modern bikes has ( maybe except for urals and Enfields)
But...there is a quicker way that is absolutely not recommended because maybe nobody wants to be blamed if something goes wrong.
Yeah...the horn dont work...hmmmm..improper break in procedure ? Personally..I have not heard of a failure blamed on improper break in for a long time but I'm no authority. So...take this for whatever it's worth:
When you take delivery or if you just took delivery...get a filter wrench, a socket or box wrench that fits the drain plug, at least 2 filters( be sure they have rings) and at least 2 gallons of oil. Also...ask for 2 extra crush washers.( a true crush washer is laminated and seen from the side it has 2 distinct layers..they're good for at least 2 changes but not recommended for more)....and a tray or something to drain into ( shallow and flat works best...WalMart $2)) and a load of paper towels. And a flexible neck funnel.( Wal Mart for like $1)
At this point, you have no excuse not to do the oil change and everything you need to do it. If you have the $$...a rear stand and of course spools for the swingarm make the job very easy and a lot neater. If not....it's a lot neater if you can find a way to keep the bike vertical because oil comes out slow and will run all over the underside of the engine if it's tilted even a little.
ride the bike 50 miles ( could be 45, could be100) and shift more than you need to and use the rpm range ( I keep it below 6k but I dont know that you MUST run it that slow)
After the engine is cool enough to touch...
Change the oil and filter ( be real careful removing the filter...it drips and 1 drop dripping onto your pipe will make it smoke...2 drops finding their way into that little dimple where the pipes join will make it smoke a whole lot...just clean the pipe as best you can when they're cool) so you dont get all nervous when you restart it.
I usually start the filer with a wrench and finish taking it off with a bunch of paper towels in my hand...kept at the lowest part of the filter to catch the drips.
Run for another 50-100 miles and keep shifting, braking and using the rpm's a lot.
Change the oil only this time (or you can do the filer too...can't hurt)
Run it another .....
Change the oil and filter.
At this point I believe the bike is ready to run.
Riding it after work and changing the oil before the ride (when the engine wont burn you),,,this takes 3 days, about 300 miles
and if anybody disagrees with this...please say something. Personally...I have not seen any probs blamed on improper break in since the 60's and really,,,that was because the mechanic didnt know what else to blame it on. .
Or, take your time and follow factory instrux if you're more confident in that.