break in period

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by roseman

Two primary theories -

• follow the owner's manual and vary speed keep it within the suggested speeds per gear, and for 500 miles. There is actually a sticker on the speedometer when you pick it up. Take a fun ride, mix up your road types, taking some highway, 2 lanes, through town. Enjoy it the ride back and don't rush it.[/*:m:pmev000z]
  
• Ride it like you stole it. push the engine and get a quick seat on the rings.[/*:m:pmev000z]

Myself, I trust the engineers who built it and went with option 1.

I chose option 2....varied the speed, but ran it up and down the RPM spectrum hard and heavy to set the rings quickly. Was at 90mph indicated well before 600 miles. My bike had 0.9 miles on it when I drove it out of the lot. It has 4200 now and runs like a top!

I'm with BD.....ride it like ya stole it.....

[pagemastr]

Mine is now a month old and never been ridden.

Been wondering about the break in a little when I pick it up. After reading MOM and the posts, I am opting for the" ride it like you stole it manner of break-in" Sounds like fun

[desertdog]

Last fall when I picked up my new 08 I did the recommended break in for about the first 100 miles. Then gradually started riding and running it harder and running up and down the gears and varying the speed and rpms.

I think its as much about what you are comfortable doing as it is about what different people's opinions are. I don't think any one of them are wrong. Kind of like what type of oil to run.

[waterman]

My biggest question is what is the difference between the engineering of a car engine and a motorcyle engine? Not much in my opinion. The rings still have to be seated and auto mfg don't give a break-in instructions.

[pooker]

The way you ride is the way to break it in. If you ride like an old man then break it in by the book. If you ride like a hooligan than give it all ya got!
I have never babied a bike in my life so new or used, I break it in the way I want to ride.

[dandolfn]

Mine is now a month old and never been ridden

That would be tough on me.

Bought mine ten days ago and I have 350 miles on it.

I'm a more cautious type and I'm trying to break it in according to instructions.

At least in another 150 miles, I'll be able to take it up to 80 mph.
From there, the next 500 miles should be a breeze.

This Nomad is definitely not breaking a sweat at 60. Just feels like it's loafing along.

[jussmatt]

Well...I kinda followed the "guidelines" and to be honest, I kind of wish I hadn't. Sometimes, I feel like I'm a little under powered, where others on here are talking about all kinds of power....and those being the ones that opted for the "ride it like you stole it" method. If I had it to do over again... I would opt for the "stole it" method! IMHO!