Newbie Break-In Question

[bearbait]

Hi, all,

I am the happy owner of a brand-new 1600 Nomad, and I am looking with dismay at the factory break-in period instructions (not over 60 mph for the first 500 miles, etc.)

In the past, on other bikes, I have pretty much ignored break-in speed limitations, and simply refrained from either (a) winding the pi$$ out of the bike or (b) riding for long periods at an unchanging speed, until I had the first (600 mile) service out of the way.

Elsewhere, some folks say "follow the factory guidelines" while others say "ride it like you stole it" and - I believe - the majority handle break-in the way I have always done.

But still: what's the consensus of experienced Kawasaki owners? Most of my background has been Suzuki, and I suppose Kawi could be different.

Thanks in advance for your input. I have fallen in love with the Nomad and have no desire to mess it up.

[ianicky]

Hi bearbail and welcome to the forum, unfortunatly i cant answer your question as my Nomad was already run in, but im sure someone will be along soon to give you advice.

[waterman]

My break-in was the first 20-30 miles was in town riding. Stop and go. After that, I rode it home 35 miles on the highway. A couple of times slowing down and then speeding up. Didn't look at the maximum speeds. Just went. I believe that these break-in guidelines are old and not in line with the engineering of today. The tolerances are so much better today than 20 years ago.

[moenko]

I read a few interesting articles about the subject online a while back, and it was posted that bikes (and cars for that matter) should be ridden hard during break in. Don't ask me technical backgrounds but it had something to do with the piston rings settling in properly etc. Also hoping for some tech genius to chime in on the issue....

And again, welcome Mike to KawaNOW and congrats on the new beauty. See you soon ;)

[bosko]

Welcome bearbait

I just rode my 08 like I normally ride. Not like I stole it but I don't baby it either. I've got over 500 miles now with no problems (knock on wood).

I bought an 05 S83 and applied the same procedure.

My Dad has the 650 Burgman executive, Man that thing can move for a scooter. He loves it but it's still a scooter and won't give up his Gold Wing.

[bearbait]

Bosco, I know about the Burgman 650. In fact, I traded on in to get the Nomad. I was looking for a cruiser-style bike with the comfort, stability and quality of the Burgman, and so far I think the Nomad fills the bill.

Thanks for your input.

[bosko]

Forgot to add, Congrats on the Nad, you won't be disappointed.
I just love this bike and Sylvia loves it too.

I believe you should also change engine speed often.

Don't ride at 50 for hours on end, but vary the load on the engine.

[bosko]

Sorry one more post.

What color is it and do you have pics?

[Top Cat]

I read somewhere the rings seat on todays engines after the first 30 miles or something like that.
Anyway, I didn't follow the breakin Kawasaki outlines. I rode as fast or as slow as I felt like at the time.
I might add, there was no residue ( metal shavings, gasket material, etc.) in the screen when I changed my oil the first time.
I say ride it like you want to. I'm not a mechanic but I did stay at a Holliday Inn once

[caddman11]

First off, congrats on the new Nomad and welcome aboard from Indiana. It's great to have you here.

The rings seating is the issue with break in. I bought my Nomad new also, and with the addition of 300 lbs over my previous bike, I realized very quickly that it was going to take a little time to get use to the new weight. I drove my bike like I wanted too, I just didn't hold a steady speed for long periods of time. As I got use to the weight, I drove it a little harder. My rings must of seated ok because I'm not using any oil and everything seems good. I did take the bike above 80 a few times, but only in short stretches.

[jussmatt]

Hey Bearbait! Welcome Aboard the Crazy Train!!!

As for the break in.... to be honest, I followed the chart/instructions being this was my first NEW bike. I kind of wish I hadn't though... I rode it a lot, but not a lot at one time. After the break in periods were over, it felt like when I wanted to go at the comfortable speeds, it felt like I was straining it a little. I did switch straight over to synthetic oil on the first change and it made a HUGE difference to me...engine wise, knocks/pings/etc...and the "hard" shifting went away immediately!! A year and 19,000 miles later...I've got NO problems at all. I think following your own advice will work out fine with not following the "break in rules" to the letter but not winding the engine out or stressing it out either.

Hope all that rambling helps!!

[VulcanE]

The issue of seating rings is that you only have until your "hone" wears out on the cylinder walls. The hone is there to , for lack of a better term,"file" the piston rings to fit the contour of the cylinder walls. Most I know will wind it up, hold it a couple of minutes, back off etc, etc. Your not looking for speed, but for RPM variances. I waited until my 3rd oil change to switch to synthetic oil so my rings would be completely seated before going to the slicker synthetics. 3 1/2 years later, the only time I add oil, is when I do an oil change.

BTW welcome to the forum from NW. Georgia, lots of great folks here.

[bearbait]

All great info so far, and thank you all kindly.

Bosko, it's blue/silver. Personally I would have chosed red/black if one had been available, but the blue/silver is mighty sharp.

[schoeney]

Welcome Bearbait.
You will get alot of good info from our members. I can't help you with the break in as I bought used. But I can tell you the newbies buy the beer!

[blowndodge]

80% of the ring seating process happens in the first few minutes of initial motor start up. before the engine is installed in the frame. During this process the engine is fired up and ran up to redline repeatedly.