Finally broken in.

Ash · May 20th, 2009, 09:04 PM

Hello All,

I bought my '08 Ninja with about 250 miles on it - I have no idea how the previous owner rode, but I would try my best to follow the user manual.

Up until 500 miles I tried to keep the rpms below 4k. Not always easy for a noob getting used to the throttle, and it required a lot of tedious slow riding in the neighborhood, but it was good practice.

For the next 500 miles I tried to keep rpms below 6k. Not as hard to do since I could get out of the neighborhood now. But with the occasional highway jaunt, I did go beyond 6k, but 99% of the time I tried keep to the 6k limit. Good gas mileage as a result - I had recorded 61 mpg!

I am finally beyond the 1000 miles break in! No more peeking down at the tach while accelerating! MPG will drop, but I feel as though a great burden has been lifted!

I was just happy so decided to post.

-Ash

addy126 · May 20th, 2009, 09:13 PM

Ash... everybody breathes that sigh of relief when you follow the odometer breaking the 1000 mile mark. Then at that moment.... you blip the throttle and cross that 6000 rpm mark with wild abandon... <grin> Congrats!

kkim · May 20th, 2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addy126

Then at that moment.... you blip the throttle and cross that 6000 rpm mark with wild abandon... <grin> Congrats!

lol... I did that with less than 50 miles on the odometer.

DerTeufel · May 20th, 2009, 09:21 PM

I rode it like I stole it from day 1. It now has 7K miles on it after a year of riding it, and runs strong.

B2FiNiTY · May 20th, 2009, 11:18 PM

i don't know how you did it but i couldn't have it under 7k in my area. the bike would have been too slow.

Syphen · May 20th, 2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

lol... I did that with less than 50 miles on the odometer.

I didn't really care about the "break-in" period. The bike had to go on the highway to get home.. 120km/h all glorious 9k rpm or whatever it was, the whole way home. Kawi gives me a warranty to fix anything that needs to be replaced.

addy126 · May 22nd, 2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

lol... I did that with less than 50 miles on the odometer.

Kim.......You were so impatient! lol

Snake · May 22nd, 2009, 09:03 AM

Now you can open her up and see what she's got.

NJD022588 · May 22nd, 2009, 10:42 AM

I only lasted a couple hundred miles of "taking it easy"

Although, it was a good way to learn.

kkim · May 22nd, 2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addy126

Kim.......You were so impatient! lol

I'm that, but there are break in methods that run contrary to what the factory recommends and I chose to follow those guidelines instead. Many others do, too.

The factory recommended break in procedure is, IMHO, unrealistic, plus it can lead to a "dog" engine.

Alex · May 22nd, 2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

The factory recommended break in procedure is, IMHO, unrealistic, plus it can lead to a "dog" engine.

I hear this from time to time, but I don't believe it has any truth to it. I've never seen, or even heard of, a single poor dyno result of a supposed dog engine due to how it was broken in. But you can find hundreds of people online who are particularly proud of their specific break-in regimen which in their opinion resulted in a great engine because it hasn't broken down on them yet.

Lurkable · May 22nd, 2009, 01:25 PM

I broke mine in hard and....13k miles later all I can say for sure is that it doesn't burn oil.

backinthesaddleagain · May 22nd, 2009, 01:25 PM

I think ultimately the only way anyone ever knows is to run 2 engines following 2 breakin methods (ride it like you stole it, and baby it). Then get to a certain amount of time/miles and dyno the engines to see power differences (which might be the result of other factors) and tear them down to see wear and tear.

A twist on this is also with different oils (syn vs fossil). Again performance and wear. Thhis would include the transmission and clutch. I have heard some clutch plates have worn better with syn oil, but become less efficient at transferring the power.

Alex · May 22nd, 2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

I think ultimately the only way anyone ever knows is to run 2 engines following 2 breakin methods (ride it like you stole it, and baby it). Then get to a certain amount of time/miles and dyno the engines to see power differences (which might be the result of other factors) and tear them down to see wear and tear.

It's been done a few times by some of the more anal-retentive folks on the 250.org site. There are no conclusive gains. Certainly doesn't hurt anything to have a particular system, only time I'd object is when that belief is pushed onto others with the implication that if you don't follow that system to a T, your engine will be weaker/less reliable/less fun/smell funny/have low self esteem.

backinthesaddleagain · May 22nd, 2009, 01:38 PM

i have even heard at the dealer one guy sells a customer oil, then the another employee says hi to the customer and asks what hes buying. another employee then says why did he sell you that? this causes the 1st employee to want to choke second employee.

not to mention 2 engines, same break in regimen, same oil, 2 different hp numbers on the dyno.

kkim · May 22nd, 2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I hear this from time to time, but I don't believe it has any truth to it. I've never seen, or even heard of, a single poor dyno result of a supposed dog engine due to how it was broken in. But you can find hundreds of people online who are particularly proud of their specific break-in regimen which in their opinion resulted in a great engine because it hasn't broken down on them yet.

Believe what you want... you are entitled to your opinion as I am to mine... and I am in no way "pushing" my methods on anyone. Do what you want... would you prefer I keep all my opinions to myself, instead?

Alex · May 22nd, 2009, 02:46 PM

Of course not, IMO the whole point of forums like this is to share what we think and talk about it. In some cases we get to debate it ad nauseum as well, which can be fun in its own way.

But in this particular case, internet motorcycle boards have gone off the deep end, and this board, which is in some ways targeted at newbies, doesn't have to dive in along with the rest. The mantra of break-in being the be-all and end-all, along with the conspiracy theory that the designers and builders of the motorcycles know less about what's appropriate for their own products than its customers, well, it is only an opinion. And IMO, it's an opinion that is supported by absolutely nothing other than a bunch of other opinions. It can most certainly be shared as many times as whoever wants to share it, but as it can be supported by just about nothing concrete, it isn't immune to others happily sharing their counter opinions as well.

kkim · May 22nd, 2009, 02:56 PM

... as long as you're not telling me to shut up.

Alex · May 22nd, 2009, 02:59 PM

Never!

Worst case is I'd implement a per-post fee only for those riding green bikes on islands.

kkim · May 22nd, 2009, 03:36 PM

I'd be okay with that. Just as long as it wasn't something aimed specifically at me.

CodE-E · May 23rd, 2009, 01:06 AM

I followed my dealer's advice and drove my 250R at under 6k rpm for the first 500 km, and under 9k rpm until the 1000 km service. Now (~1300 km) I just keep the revs low right after starting off with a cool engine, to let the oil get into all the engine parts and get to proper operating temperature. But after that, I ride it up to the red line if I feel like it.

I rode a lot in the last few days after I got my bike back from the 1000 km service. Being able to rev the Ninja up is a f***ing blast!

CC Cowboy · May 23rd, 2009, 08:45 AM

Kelly, they are aiming for you. Duck, you lunatic.

kkim · May 23rd, 2009, 10:58 AM

May 20th, 2009, 09:04 PM	#1
Ash ninjette.org member Name: Ash Location: Baltimore, Maryland Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 114	Finally broken in. Hello All, I bought my '08 Ninja with about 250 miles on it - I have no idea how the previous owner rode, but I would try my best to follow the user manual. Up until 500 miles I tried to keep the rpms below 4k. Not always easy for a noob getting used to the throttle, and it required a lot of tedious slow riding in the neighborhood, but it was good practice. For the next 500 miles I tried to keep rpms below 6k. Not as hard to do since I could get out of the neighborhood now. But with the occasional highway jaunt, I did go beyond 6k, but 99% of the time I tried keep to the 6k limit. Good gas mileage as a result - I had recorded 61 mpg! I am finally beyond the 1000 miles break in! No more peeking down at the tach while accelerating! MPG will drop, but I feel as though a great burden has been lifted! I was just happy so decided to post. -Ash

May 22nd, 2009, 02:46 PM	#17
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	Of course not, IMO the whole point of forums like this is to share what we think and talk about it. In some cases we get to debate it ad nauseum as well, which can be fun in its own way. But in this particular case, internet motorcycle boards have gone off the deep end, and this board, which is in some ways targeted at newbies, doesn't have to dive in along with the rest. The mantra of break-in being the be-all and end-all, along with the conspiracy theory that the designers and builders of the motorcycles know less about what's appropriate for their own products than its customers, well, it is only an opinion. And IMO, it's an opinion that is supported by absolutely nothing other than a bunch of other opinions. It can most certainly be shared as many times as whoever wants to share it, but as it can be supported by just about nothing concrete, it isn't immune to others happily sharing their counter opinions as well. __________________________________________________ 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)

May 22nd, 2009, 02:59 PM	#19
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	Never! Worst case is I'd implement a per-post fee only for those riding green bikes on islands. __________________________________________________ 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)

May 23rd, 2009, 08:45 AM	#22
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Kelly, they are aiming for you. Duck, you lunatic. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

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May 20th, 2009, 09:13 PM	#2
addy126 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: addy126 Location: Tx Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki N-250 + '09 Vulcan 900 Classic Lt Posts: A lot.	Ash... everybody breathes that sigh of relief when you follow the odometer breaking the 1000 mile mark. Then at that moment.... you blip the throttle and cross that 6000 rpm mark with wild abandon... <grin> Congrats!

May 20th, 2009, 09:21 PM	#4
DerTeufel ninjette.org member Name: Aaron Location: Wildomar Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2009 KTM 690 SMC, 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (track bike) Posts: 172	I rode it like I stole it from day 1. It now has 7K miles on it after a year of riding it, and runs strong.

May 20th, 2009, 11:18 PM	#5
B2FiNiTY ninjette.org member Name: D Location: cali Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R Posts: 114	i don't know how you did it but i couldn't have it under 7k in my area. the bike would have been too slow.

May 22nd, 2009, 09:03 AM	#8
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Now you can open her up and see what she's got.

May 22nd, 2009, 10:42 AM	#9
NJD022588 ============ Name: Nick Location: Occoquan, VA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 518	I only lasted a couple hundred miles of "taking it easy" Although, it was a good way to learn.

May 22nd, 2009, 01:25 PM	#12
Lurkable 250Arrrgh! Name: Andrew Location: San Francisco Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250R, 2001 996 Posts: 143	I broke mine in hard and....13k miles later all I can say for sure is that it doesn't burn oil.

May 22nd, 2009, 01:25 PM	#13
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	I think ultimately the only way anyone ever knows is to run 2 engines following 2 breakin methods (ride it like you stole it, and baby it). Then get to a certain amount of time/miles and dyno the engines to see power differences (which might be the result of other factors) and tear them down to see wear and tear. A twist on this is also with different oils (syn vs fossil). Again performance and wear. Thhis would include the transmission and clutch. I have heard some clutch plates have worn better with syn oil, but become less efficient at transferring the power.

May 22nd, 2009, 01:38 PM	#15
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	i have even heard at the dealer one guy sells a customer oil, then the another employee says hi to the customer and asks what hes buying. another employee then says why did he sell you that? this causes the 1st employee to want to choke second employee. not to mention 2 engines, same break in regimen, same oil, 2 different hp numbers on the dyno.

May 22nd, 2009, 02:56 PM	#18
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	... as long as you're not telling me to shut up.

May 22nd, 2009, 03:36 PM	#20
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I'd be okay with that. Just as long as it wasn't something aimed specifically at me.

May 23rd, 2009, 01:06 AM	#21
CodE-E Ninja Newbie Name: Ben Location: Austria Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): EX250K9 Posts: 126	I followed my dealer's advice and drove my 250R at under 6k rpm for the first 500 km, and under 9k rpm until the 1000 km service. Now (~1300 km) I just keep the revs low right after starting off with a cool engine, to let the oil get into all the engine parts and get to proper operating temperature. But after that, I ride it up to the red line if I feel like it. I rode a lot in the last few days after I got my bike back from the 1000 km service. Being able to rev the Ninja up is a f***ing blast!

May 23rd, 2009, 10:58 AM	#23
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.