engine break in period

[patrickbateman]

So I'm new to riding entirely, so for a starter bike my buddy recommended a gs. I was having trouble finding a used one that was to my liking, so i bought an 05 that had one mile. Anyway, I'm up to about 150 miles and getting frustrated with the break in period. I don't know how I'm  going to go another 450 under 5k rpm. I was reading an article, in the UK mag Bike, about burning oil and it's relation to the break in period. It mentioned that an "alternative" to using the original oil for the first 600 miles and keeping the revs under 5k, is to use super cheap "mineral oil" and use full rpm range. Anybody ever done this, or have any additional info or options. I'm big on proper maintenance, and I don't want to create future problems by being impatient. Any info would be appreciated.

[kdogg84]

mineral oil's new to me, i bought mine brand new and just kept the revs low and followed the maintenance specified.  it was tough, but went by quicker than i thought it would.  by the time i could open the bike right up, i was really comfortable with the way it rides.

[respite]

They told me to keep the rpms under 6 when i bought my 07 gs new. Took me a month to put 600 miles on it. Time seemed to go by pretty fast.

[patrickbateman]

Thanks for the info gs'ers. I guess I will just have to wait before I can open up the throttle. Unfortunately I live in central Ohio and weather has put a bit of a damper on an unexperienced rider. Hopefully spring will be here soon.

[kml.krk]

OMG. Keeping GS under 6K rpm is kinda ridiculous. I bet it's barely rideable... I don't redline her in every gear but I like to rev it to at leat 7-8K rpms. The most power comes at 8000 rpm and most torque at 7500.
I'm glad I bought used bike!! and even better - it had only 800 miles on the clock when I bought her so right after the brake in period
cheers and good luck with the brake in 

[philward]

OMG. Keeping GS under 6K rpm is kinda ridiculous. I bet it's barely rideable...

It may be less than ideal, but lets keep this in perspective - its only for 450mi.  Go for a couple of day rides and it'll only take a few weekends to get through that.

[CndnMax]

Its not that hard, i've done it- still do actually unless im accelerating i keep it right around 5k unless im in the twisties or freeway

[Speedy500]

Hello everyone,

I own 3 bikes, an 03 and 05 Suzukis, and an 07 Kawasaki.  The 03 and 05 Suzukis both have about 12,000 miles on them each and the 07 has "only" about 1500 miles on it.  I bought each one brand new from dealerships.  From day one on each bike, I rode them like they were already broken in... in other words, I opened the throttle when needed to accelerate and when I needed to pass someone.  The only thing I've done that was per the "break-in" recommendation was changing the oil at 600 miles.  I have not had a single problem with any of my bikes and they don't seem to be using oil that much; in fact, the 03 Suzuki Burgman 650 and the 07 Kawasaki Ninja 650R doesn't seem to use hardly any oil at all when I check the levels between oil changes.  The 05 GS500F does use some oil between oil changes, but it's been said many times that the GS500s do burn a bit of oil.  The oil consumption by the GS500F doesn't seem alarming either.  I also don't see smoke or any tail-tale signs of oil burning when the GS500F is running.  Engine runs perfectly normal as far as I can tell and still seem to have the "power" it had when new just off the lot.

The break-in recommendation for new motorcycle is, I believe, overly cautious by the manufacturers.  The whole purpose of the break-in period is to allow the engine parts to mate to each other and wear down to a perfect fit.  While it certainly can't hurt the motorcycle, so far for me, it has proven to be unnecessary.

In April of 05, I bought my girlfriend a new Honda Reflex scooter.  In order to get the thing home from Inglewood to Upland (California) I had to take it on the freeway (I was in a hurry to get home).  Since the Reflex is a 250cc scooter, it was legal to take it on the freeway but in order to keep up (and not get run over) with traffic, I had to ride the thing at WOT at 8000 RPM frequently while enroute to Upland.  I was concerned that the new engine "could" suffer some damage from the high RPM but it has since proven to be a non-issue.  On every oil change and level check between oil changes, the oil level has perfectly stayed the same and surprisingly very clean looking too.

Also, my buddy who rides an 02 Yamaha R1, bought his bike new and also didn't follow the recommended break-in period.... I know, I know.. we're all bad people... LOL.  He currently has about 35,000 miles on his bike and not a single problem with his engine either.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

Hello everyone,

I own 3 bikes, an 03 and 05 Suzukis, and an 07 Kawasaki.  The 03 and 05 Suzukis both have about 12,000 miles on them each and the 07 has "only" about 1500 miles on it.  I bought each one brand new from dealerships.  From day one on each bike, I rode them like they were already broken in... in other words, I opened the throttle when needed to accelerate and when I needed to pass someone.  The only thing I've done that was per the "break-in" recommendation was changing the oil at 600 miles.  I have not had a single problem with any of my bikes and they don't seem to be using oil that much; in fact, the 03 Suzuki Burgman 650 and the 07 Kawasaki Ninja 650R doesn't seem to use hardly any oil at all when I check the levels between oil changes.  The 05 GS500F does use some oil between oil changes, but it's been said many times that the GS500s do burn a bit of oil.  The oil consumption by the GS500F doesn't seem alarming either.  I also don't see smoke or any tail-tale signs of oil burning when the GS500F is running.  Engine runs perfectly normal as far as I can tell and still seem to have the "power" it had when new just off the lot.

The break-in recommendation for new motorcycle is, I believe, overly cautious by the manufacturers.  The whole purpose of the break-in period is to allow the engine parts to mate to each other and wear down to a perfect fit.  While it certainly can't hurt the motorcycle, so far for me, it has proven to be unnecessary.

In April of 05, I bought my girlfriend a new Honda Reflex scooter.  In order to get the thing home from Inglewood to Upland (California) I had to take it on the freeway (I was in a hurry to get home).  Since the Reflex is a 250cc scooter, it was legal to take it on the freeway but in order to keep up (and not get run over) with traffic, I had to ride the thing at WOT at 8000 RPM frequently while enroute to Upland.  I was concerned that the new engine "could" suffer some damage from the high RPM but it has since proven to be a non-issue.  On every oil change and level check between oil changes, the oil level has perfectly stayed the same and surprisingly very clean looking too.

Also, my buddy who rides an 02 Yamaha R1, bought his bike new and also didn't follow the recommended break-in period.... I know, I know.. we're all bad people... LOL.  He currently has about 35,000 miles on his bike and not a single problem with his engine either.

Oh really. And what kind of oil do you run? Or what tires? Or do you use wd-40 to lube your chain? What's better, a naked bike, or a faired bike?

[Dober]

So I'm new to riding entirely, so for a starter bike my buddy recommended a gs. I was having trouble finding a used one that was to my liking, so i bought an 05 that had one mile. Anyway, I'm up to about 150 miles and getting frustrated with the break in period. I don't know how I'm  going to go another 450 under 5k rpm. I was reading an article, in the UK mag Bike, about burning oil and it's relation to the break in period. It mentioned that an "alternative" to using the original oil for the first 600 miles and keeping the revs under 5k, is to use super cheap "mineral oil" and use full rpm range. Anybody ever done this, or have any additional info or options. I'm big on proper maintenance, and I don't want to create future problems by being impatient. Any info would be appreciated.

I wasnt able to last the entire break in period at under 5k.  I never had any problems but you certainly dont want to redline it or come that close.  There are many ideas out there for how to properly break in a bike.  I read an article a while ago about somebody who breaks in his bikes rather hard and had pictures to show how well seated the rings were when compared to an engine that had been broken in very lightly.

I would stick with that factory oil until the first scheduled oil change.  I can't really see why they would suggest putting in a bad grade oil especially during the break in stage like that?

[CndnMax]

I read an article a while ago about somebody who breaks in his bikes rather hard and had pictures to show how well seated the rings were when compared to an engine that had been broken in very lightly.

Hard on the throttle but not high rpms is what i've read on how to do it.

[GeeP]

*breaks out the popcorn* 

I smell a fight. 

[Kerry]

Here ... let's share.    

[CndnMax]

[Dober]

Hard on the throttle but not high rpms is what i've read on how to do it.
[/quote]

Ya that sounds a lot like the article i was reading.  Heres a link...

http://mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[Speedy500]

Hello everyone,

I own 3 bikes, an 03 and 05 Suzukis, and an 07 Kawasaki.  The 03 and 05 Suzukis both have about 12,000 miles on them each and the 07 has "only" about 1500 miles on it.  I bought each one brand new from dealerships.  From day one on each bike, I rode them like they were already broken in... in other words, I opened the throttle when needed to accelerate and when I needed to pass someone.  The only thing I've done that was per the "break-in" recommendation was changing the oil at 600 miles.  I have not had a single problem with any of my bikes and they don't seem to be using oil that much; in fact, the 03 Suzuki Burgman 650 and the 07 Kawasaki Ninja 650R doesn't seem to use hardly any oil at all when I check the levels between oil changes.  The 05 GS500F does use some oil between oil changes, but it's been said many times that the GS500s do burn a bit of oil.  The oil consumption by the GS500F doesn't seem alarming either.  I also don't see smoke or any tail-tale signs of oil burning when the GS500F is running.  Engine runs perfectly normal as far as I can tell and still seem to have the "power" it had when new just off the lot.

The break-in recommendation for new motorcycle is, I believe, overly cautious by the manufacturers.  The whole purpose of the break-in period is to allow the engine parts to mate to each other and wear down to a perfect fit.  While it certainly can't hurt the motorcycle, so far for me, it has proven to be unnecessary.

In April of 05, I bought my girlfriend a new Honda Reflex scooter.  In order to get the thing home from Inglewood to Upland (California) I had to take it on the freeway (I was in a hurry to get home).  Since the Reflex is a 250cc scooter, it was legal to take it on the freeway but in order to keep up (and not get run over) with traffic, I had to ride the thing at WOT at 8000 RPM frequently while enroute to Upland.  I was concerned that the new engine "could" suffer some damage from the high RPM but it has since proven to be a non-issue.  On every oil change and level check between oil changes, the oil level has perfectly stayed the same and surprisingly very clean looking too.

Also, my buddy who rides an 02 Yamaha R1, bought his bike new and also didn't follow the recommended break-in period.... I know, I know.. we're all bad people... LOL.  He currently has about 35,000 miles on his bike and not a single problem with his engine either.

Oh really. And what kind of oil do you run? Or what tires? Or do you use wd-40 to lube your chain? What's better, a naked bike, or a faired bike?

Hello NICEGUYFINISHLAST, since you asked...

The oil I use is regular dino-oil; Valvoline Motorcycle Oil 10W-40, part# VV740 (JASO MA/API SF/SG/SJ).  I use that on all three of my bikes.  The Burgman 650 and the GS500F first oil change at 600 miles was done at the dealership along with the "first 600 mile service".  Since then I've used this oil exclusively. The Honda Reflex uses the Honda branded motor oil because the engine doesn't have a "filter" in a sense like I'm use to seeing.  All it has is a "screen" that you pop out and run oil through to clean, then pop back in.  If Honda ever asks, I can show them the HONDA oil receipts.

Tires on my bikes are the stocks that came with the bikes.  The Burgman has the Battlax TH01, the Ninja has the Battlax BT020 and the GS500F came with the BT-45.

The chain maintenance is handled by Motul chain lube/road, Motul Chain Clean, Bel-Ray Chain Lube (although this one coats the chain with whitish goop which I don't really like), and initial cleaning to remove the gunk is done with Berryman brake cleaner solution.  I also polish the bike with Plexus plastic polish which makes the bike look very shiny.

I have never rode on a naked bike.  All my bikes have fairings so thats the only experience I have.  I prefer fairings to block some of the wind hitting me at freeway speeds.  My Burgman, of course, has a tall windshield and it keeps me out of the wind very well.

Any more questions?

[kml.krk]

I've got one more question and it's thread jack. sorry for that.
Anyways here is the question:  how do you like 07 Kawasaki 650R?? if you could write something more than i.e. "it's cool"
thanks
KaMeL

[Speedy500]

I've got one more question and it's thread jack. sorry for that.
Anyways here is the question:  how do you like 07 Kawasaki 650R?? if you could write something more than i.e. "it's cool"
thanks
KaMeL

Hello KaMel,

Between the Ninja and the GS500F, I actually like the GS500F better for commuting and general motorcycling needs... LOL.  Here's why...

The Ninja for some reason feels top heavy.  When you lean it over ever so slightly to the side, you can immediately feel the weight.  It could be my imagination, but I've also heard someone else say the same thing... that Kawasakis tend to be top heavy. Now, mind you, once you're moving it doesn't matter, it's only when you're sitting still that the weight of the bike seem very noticeable.  The Ninja is indeed very quick and has very strong pull.  If you'll read some the motorcycle publication on performance stats, you'll see that although it won't match the Supersport bikes in 1/4 mile drag races, the 60-80 acceleration in top gear matches or beats quite a few of the Supersport 600 and 750 bikes, as well as some litre bikes.  The bike is tuned for low and mid-range power, and by the seat-of-the-pants acceleration test, I can say that it does feel very fast.  I have absolutely no problem keeping up with my buddy's R1 up until we hit the triple digit speeds, then, obviously his bike just keeps on going while my 650R starts winding down.  Even then, my speedo indicates 140 MPH when I'm fully opened up.

The fairing looks very nice and does a fair job of keeping me inside the airstream during freeway riding... except for the windshield.  I had posted earlier that the windshield did a decent job keeping the windblast off my chest and shoulders... well, I change my mind.  The GS500F seems more comfortable in the air "bubble" at freeway speeds.  The Ninja feels like it's throwing the wind right at your chest and you can feel the air pressure pushing at you (more than the GS500F does) when travelling at sub-lightspeed.  After a long trip, it gets tiring.

The Ninja turns into corners very well.  The stock tires are Battlax BT020.  I don't know too much about them but the times I rode my bike up on Glendora Ridge Road, the bike felt solid and very well planted on the road.  There were no "wiggles" or "shimmys" or "wobbles" that I could feel no matter how hard I was braking into a turn, or accelerating out of a turn.  The bike is shod with 120/70ZR17 in front and 160/60ZR17 in the rear.  I like the fact that there is more contact patch in the back but honestly, I feel just as confident on my GS500F on mountain road as I do on the Ninja.  The GS5 also seems to handle the mountain road carving duties very well.  Once in a while the soft front suspension will give me a pogo-style bounce while knee-deep in a fast turn but "most" of the time, I ride very sane and keep the speeds under sub-sub-lightspeed.

Speaking of suspension, the Ninja's suspension are hard!  The front seem extremely stiff and you can feel every bump on the road.  On the Ninja650 forum, there are many who report that they've changed the springs and oil.  My bike is completely stock (not even fenderectomy done to it) so I would say that for commuting, I like the softer suspension of my GS5 than the Ninja.  Setting the rear suspension pre-load on the Ninja is very easy; the pre-load collar is directly accessible from the side and takes seconds to access and turn.  The GS5's preload collar was much more difficult to get at because of the suspension setup.

I like the brakes on my GS5 better than the Ninja's.  Even though the GS5 has only one rotor in the front and Ninja has two, the brake feels more powerful on the GS5 than on the Ninja.  There's been quite a few discussion on 650R forum about the weak brakes on the bike.  I don't know if its due to pad issues or something else.  Don't get me wrong, the brakes on the Ninja will bring me to a stop in a hurry, but the "feeling" I get is that GS5 has better bite and grip.  I haven't overheated the pads on either bikes to be able to tell you how they perform when pushed to its limits.

The Ninja gets about 45 MPG while my GS5 gets typically 50 MPG.  The highest MPG I've gotten with my GS5 was 60.  The higest MPG I got with my Ninja was 45.  LOL.  And I don't baby the bikes.  I crank the throttle open often.  Even with the high(er) RPMs on the GS5, it still gets better gas mileage.

The Ninja is a cinch to start with a cold engine.  You just turn the key and start.  Engine fires up, wait 30 secs, then ride.  The bike doesn't cough, burp, fart or feels like it's going to die on you.  The GS5, I typically will start (on a cold engine) with the choke lever fully engaged, then while it's still revving in the 4K mark, I'll drop the choke a bit to lower the RPM, engage the 1st gear, bring the choke back up, then ride away.  After about 2 - 3 miles, then I'll lower the choke... in the meanwhile the GS5 just accelerates and zooms without feeling like it's going to die out on me.... which has happened in a middle of intersection with cars approaching when I drove off one morning with a cold engine with the choke turned off after I thought I let it warm up enough....

You sit on the Ninja more upright than on the GS.  I prefer the ergonomics of the GS5 to the Ninja. The seated position, bar reach, foot position feels more natural to me on the Suzuki.

The Ninja stock exhaust sounds nice to me. I don't quite understand the need to replace the stock exhaust because at idle, it has a deep in-line twin thumps radiating from under the bike.  Frankly, I think it's pretty sweet sounding without being loud.  When at speed and you open up the throttle, it really sounds sweet.  You get a deep "Brrrrrrrrrrrr" that changes in tone with throttle position.  I like it!

Oh and last thing, the gas low warning light "LED" on the Ninja is unbelievably bright.  When that thing kicks in, it's like a laser shining into your eyes.  At night, it's so annoying, I've put window tinting film over the LED to tone it down a bit.

My GS5 is used as a daily commuter from Montclair to LA everyday. Most of her duties are freeway driving.  My Ninja is for my weekend fun ride.  But... even on my weekend rides, most of the time, it's my good'ol GS5 that I choose as my weapon of choice.  Thats how much I like my GS.  My riding friends don't understand it.  But... here's something interesting, one of my friend who rides has a Ninja 636.  Everytime we ride, he wants to ride my GS and he offers up his 636 for the day. He says the riding position on his 636 hurts his back and wrist....  go figure... and they can't understand why I like my GS...   LMAO.  I told him to get rid of his Ninja and get the GS500F.  Can you guess what look he gave me?   

[Kasumi]

Yea ive heard this too from a few mechanics about break-in period. We've had long conversations about whether it helps or whether it doesn't and we came to the conclusion, from them working on my bikes and my experience too that it makes very little different whether you follow the break in or not. We agreed that starting your bike for the first time and tearing down the road at max rpm before anything has warmed up wouldn't do it much good but that if you let it warm up properly and had a long ride theres no reason why you shouldn't ride it as normal.

We also thought that it was more important on older bikes that were far more "tempramental" as in gaskets sealing properly, piston rings seating and old manufacturing methods which meant that parts weren't so precisely made which meant they needed to wear together with other parts. These days the engine of most performance motorcycles is so finely built that the parts marry together excellent from the factory and the only thing that they need to do is "polish off" against the corresponding parts but that this doesn't take months and miles of riding using no power to do it. Just make sure its fully warmed up and ride normally, just dont ring its neck for your first hour or so of riding.

[sledge]

I am always sceptical about claims like this that go against the grane and dispute what the manufacturer recomends.

My concern would be with warranty issues, assuming you have put this mineral oil in the engine during run-in and red-lined it, then it develops a deep engine fault. Would you expect Suzuki to pay out despite the fact you have ignored the recommendations? Do you think they wouldnt recognise the fact it hasnt been run-in to their recomendations? Maybe on an engine rebuilt by yourself and where you are carrying the liability it could be considired but not straight-from-the-crate.

Another point to consider, and one thats often overlooked the GS engine is decades old and doubtless made in the same way and to the same standards it was 20+ years ago. Do the comments relating to the hone cross-hatch and degrees of tolerance apply to this engine or is it just the more modern designs built to higher tolerances.

I have only has 3 brand new bikes and I didnt quite follow the makers instructions with respect to running in but at the same time I certainly didnt thrash them. No problems ever occured.