MotorcycleHound.com : Service : Breaking In Your Bike
Breaking in your motorcycle
The break In period is the most important time in the life of your motorcycle. The way it is broken in dictates how it will perform and how long it will last. If done improperly, you can scar the cylinders, the valves may not seat properly or any number of other problems. If done properly, it will increase efficiency, performance, and the longevity of your motorcycle.
Every Motorcycle is different, but here are some general guidelines for breaking in your new ride.
First things first. Before we begin with break in, let’s talk about the tires on your new motorcycle. The tires have a coating put on them from the factory to protect them, this coating makes the tires extra slick. Be very careful on new tires, for the first 10 to 20 miles take time to break in the tires by taking some slow turns. Stay away from the yellow lines because they are slick as well. So, no hot dogging your new ride.
For the first 600 miles
- Vary your speed. Don’t stay at one speed for a long period of time.
- Don’t tach it out in any particular gear.
- At 600 miles, or whenever the break in period is over for your bike, take it to the dealership for its first service. They will change the break in oil, check the valves, and do a complete once over on the bike to make sure it is working and performing properly. Ask to see their checklist for more information on the first service.
- If for some strange reason, you do not have 600 miles on your bike within the first 3 months, go ahead and get a service done on the bike to get the break in oil out of the bike.