I just got my new 2004 GS500F this week. I did a break-in as suggested up to 500km... 325 miles. Now I am riding more agressivly revving the motor to 8,000rpm and by 1,000km, 625 miles I'll have the first check-up done and start using the full rev range. I believe in the "break it in fast and it'll be fast" philosophy. Does anyone know of serious drawbacks to this ? I've broken in many bikes and always was really careful for the first 100 miles and next 500 miles but never 1000 or 1500 miles as most manufacturers state. I usually switch bikes at 30,000 miles and I don't believe people really give heed to speed restrictions for a full 1500 miles.
Comments welcome
I've been wondering this myself.
I seem to find contradicting information on the Intarweb regarding this subject.
However, some of these make some sense to me and I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has tried these mechanic's suggestions verses the manufacturer's recommendations.
For example
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Quote from: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
The biggest factor is that engine manufacturers now use a much finer honing pattern in the cylinders than they once did. This in turn changes the break-in requirements, because as you're about to learn, the window of opportunity for achieving an exceptional ring seal is much smaller with
newer engines than it was with the older "rough honed" engines.
In addition, there is a lot less heat build up in the cylinders from ring friction
due to the finer honing pattern used in modern engines.
The other factors that have changed are the vastly improved metal casting and machining
technologies which are now used. This means that the "wearing in" of the new parts
involves significantly less friction and actual wear than it did in the distant past.
And:
http://www.dragbike.com/news/01-99/drbrock-0199.htmQuote from: http://www.dragbike.com/news/01-99/drbrock-0199.htm
After the first 15 miles...
Next ride, adjust the idle to its proper position and travel approximately 40 to 75 miles.
Once again avoid full load, red line, and long term high RPM running, but you can be
fairly aggressive if conditions allow (this depends on where you live, I am not endorsing
breaking the law!).
So, which procedure is best for breaking in the engine; slow and gentle, or quick and hard?
This is one of those old addages.....similar to dog and cat people. A while back there was a debate, with some really good information.
Search...might still be around!
I have a 2002 with over 15000 miles and did not baby it at all. Engine runs like a top. Don't be afraid to rev it even during break in. I just purchased a V-Strom 650 and broke it in hard. The worst thing that you can do is to lug it. Use the gear box and ride the damn thing. More bikes are abused by not being ridden enough than being run too hard. Enjoy. I must say that the 2004 looks really sharp.
You most likely have a years warrenty right? If the motor doesn't break by then, it's probably not going to. Don't be afraid to take advantage of it now.
-Anti