[Swagfu]

OK, so I am sure there are lots of ways to break in a motorcycle...I have only had new bike 2 other times in life, but it was long ago in 2003. What is the new suggested break in suggestions? I was told back then to break it in by varying the RPM's for about 200 miles. Not to hold the bike at a single speed and just cruise. Does this still apply? I want to make sure I am doing the right things with this bike so it lasts me a long time. At some point I will switch out to full synthetic oil as I am a believer and use it in all my vehicles.

Also, when I test rode the motorcycle, the back brake felt like it did absolutely nothing to help stop the bike. The salesman told me that with these bikes the rear brake takes a bit of break in as well. True? I have never heard of that but I have never owned such a heavy motorcycle either.

What do you guys think?

 

[jfro5867]

Hi,

Lots of people will have their own ideas but I would tend to agree with you. Certainly No wide open throttle or thrashing it from cold, vary the revs and just treat it well. This isnt a new engine design so probably does benefit from a running in period. Thats what i am doing with mine because like you I intend to keep this one.

Regarding back brake i think its quite strong actually, in my experience most back brakes are absolute rubbish. I have read that if you treat the brakes too harsh and get them really hot you can glaze the pads and then make them squeal. Personally i have never had this happen so i dont know.

I wouldnt worry too much, just enjoy it.

Kind regards john

 

[JackB]

On mine the back brake will lock up too easy in a panic stop but it is stops well in normal braking.

 

[Wayne Basso]

When I broke mine in, I rode it as normal. That being said, I did not buy it to race it, cruising and shifting
about 3000 rpm. I changed oil at the recommended interval, 6400 km with synthetic, which I use exclusively. I had my mechanic do the oil change and he checked everything else out at the same time and could find nothing needing attention.

 

[Parkway440]

This makes a lot of sense to me.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

[jfro5867]

I have read this before, but i still wouldn't do. I did my degree in mechanical engineering nearly 30 years ago now and i still believe having some mechanical sympathy towards machines and tools goes a long way. Everyone is entitled to do their own thing, just not with my stuff.

 

[JamesG]

I'm going to drive mine anyway I want to, It's a Honda.
If I only get 100,000 miles on it i'll be 200 years old! Lol

 

[Flat Six]

From the owners manual... pretty much how I did it

 

[Odin]

On mine the back brake will lock up too easy in a panic stop but it is stops well in normal braking.

This has been my experience as well. The rear brake is more sensitive and the front requires more pressure than my other bikes.

 

[shrubbo]

Mine is ABS and I have to say I love the brakes on the thing. I ride 2 finger braking and it appears that is good enough to easily lock the front as can be tested with ABS. The back brake is enormously effective as well. Once again with ABS you can just stomp on them with little issues.



I don't remember the rear needing braking in though but honestly that was a long while ago. If it does, it shouldn't take far to do that?