Break In Period

NicoleH28 · March 26th, 2011, 02:47 PM

Ok, so I know there are a couple threads in the Wiki section about the engine break in period but I don't think I'm close to doing it correctly lol.

I live 5 miles out of town on highway with 55 mph to 50 mph to 40 mph... I've driven this a handful of times during the "break in period" ad will continue to do so because there is no other way to get into town...am I going to ruin my bike?

Alex · March 26th, 2011, 02:54 PM

Nope.

kkim · March 26th, 2011, 02:55 PM

just try to avoid keeping the bike at a constant rpm for long periods of time. Vary the throttle... might mean taking some side streets instead of a freeway or accelerate and slow down instead of keeping a constant speed on the freeway (only when it's safe to do so).

You are trying to "seat" the piston rings in the engine, which happens best when under acceleration and when using engine braking.

truth be told, if you just ignore the break in procedure and just ride the bike as you need to, you should be fine.

I'm a believer that it's more important to change out the oil and filter, several times during the break in period, to assure that any metal shavings get flushed out during the infant stages of an engine's life.

edit: props to you for using the Wiki.

bottom rail on top · April 10th, 2011, 06:28 PM

kkim, how often would you recommend changing the oil/filter during that first 1k miles?

nvm, found your discussion of the mile increments of your oil changes in the wiki link to another thread. thanks!

kkim · April 10th, 2011, 06:55 PM

Jay,

cool!

my thoughts are that you're trying to flush whatever metal particles, that get worked loose during the break in process, out of the crankcase to minimize damage/wear on the trans and clutch components during that initial life stage of your engine.

cwb48 · April 10th, 2011, 07:01 PM

If you try to obey the Kawasaki break in procedure, you will be a real hazard on a 55mph road. Just try to vary your speed, and do the oil changes recommended by Kelly and others. Occasional excursions near the redline during the first 500 miles won't really hurt the engine, but I wouldn't "wring it out" all the time.

Chris

play2pwn · April 10th, 2011, 07:45 PM

that the same situation I'm in but the dealer told me just keep within 8k rpm i should be fine.

Fly'in Ninja · April 11th, 2011, 03:20 AM

Yep, I'd change the oil and filter 3 times during the break in period.

March 26th, 2011, 02:47 PM	#1
NicoleH28 ninjette.org member Name: Nicole Location: Wisconsin Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250r Special Edition White & 2006 Suzuki GSXR 600 Posts: 153	Break In Period Ok, so I know there are a couple threads in the Wiki section about the engine break in period but I don't think I'm close to doing it correctly lol. I live 5 miles out of town on highway with 55 mph to 50 mph to 40 mph... I've driven this a handful of times during the "break in period" ad will continue to do so because there is no other way to get into town...am I going to ruin my bike?

March 26th, 2011, 02:54 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Nope. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

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March 26th, 2011, 02:55 PM	#3
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	just try to avoid keeping the bike at a constant rpm for long periods of time. Vary the throttle... might mean taking some side streets instead of a freeway or accelerate and slow down instead of keeping a constant speed on the freeway (only when it's safe to do so). You are trying to "seat" the piston rings in the engine, which happens best when under acceleration and when using engine braking. truth be told, if you just ignore the break in procedure and just ride the bike as you need to, you should be fine. I'm a believer that it's more important to change out the oil and filter, several times during the break in period, to assure that any metal shavings get flushed out during the infant stages of an engine's life. edit: props to you for using the Wiki.

April 10th, 2011, 06:28 PM	#4
bottom rail on top ninjette.org newbie Name: jay Location: N. Carolina Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): none yet Posts: 8	kkim, how often would you recommend changing the oil/filter during that first 1k miles? nvm, found your discussion of the mile increments of your oil changes in the wiki link to another thread. thanks!

April 10th, 2011, 06:55 PM	#5
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Jay, cool! my thoughts are that you're trying to flush whatever metal particles, that get worked loose during the break in process, out of the crankcase to minimize damage/wear on the trans and clutch components during that initial life stage of your engine.

April 10th, 2011, 07:01 PM	#6
cwb48 Mature motorcyclist Name: Chris Location: Sykesville, MD Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R, blue Posts: 126	If you try to obey the Kawasaki break in procedure, you will be a real hazard on a 55mph road. Just try to vary your speed, and do the oil changes recommended by Kelly and others. Occasional excursions near the redline during the first 500 miles won't really hurt the engine, but I wouldn't "wring it out" all the time. Chris

April 10th, 2011, 07:45 PM	#7
play2pwn Only the good die young Name: Aaron Location: Vegas baby!! Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ninja 250r SE Posts: 86	that the same situation I'm in but the dealer told me just keep within 8k rpm i should be fine.

April 11th, 2011, 03:20 AM	#8
Fly'in Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Al Location: Bay Area Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): C-250R-ST Posts: 287	Yep, I'd change the oil and filter 3 times during the break in period.