I am picking up my new 2001 400EX tonight at the dealer and I was wondering what is the best procedures to follow to get the engine broken in. I plan on taking it to Silver Lake on May 11-12, so I would like to have it broke in by then. Any help would be appreciated. Also, I get to pick out $300 in accesories from the dealer. I plan on getting some Fox riding pants, Fox jersey, and a pair of riding boots. Does anyone have a suggestion for a decent ($150 price range) pair of riding boots with an all terrain tread. I will probably have to have the dealer order them. Looking forward to my new ride.

P.S. I had to sell my soul to the devil (aka wife) in order to buy this machine. My new nickname should be Mr. HomeImprovement for all the projects that I had to agree to in order to buy this.

 

Heheheh welcome to the Home Improvement club...

As far as break in, nothing major, but I would recommend varying your speed & RPM, don't over-rev or snap the throttle, no full throttle and change the oil & filter after a few hours.

My .02

 

i agree with what MIA said,, take it easy for a couple hours then its safe to get it on good. I would wait at least 5 hours to wind it out completely. I know some people say go through 3 tanks a gas and that. I feel thats unneccasary to wait that long. I rode mine easy for 3 hours, rode it kinda hard (withouth holding it full throttle long) for another 2 hours, and then got on it.

 

I had just recently bought one 4/14/01 and the dealer said I can ride it like I want, anyway I want just as long as I didn't hold it full throttle all the time. He said tjis is when you want the stuff to work out of it. When you take it back for the "check-up" they'll see how the engine is holding up Other wise i agree with the others. Ride it easy for the first 5 hrs. Then don't over rev it. Enjoy.

 

The main thing is don't get it hot. Engines are tight before they are run in so the they run hotter. Ride it for fifteen minutes easy criuse then let it cool off, do it again the same way. I agree with avoiding high RPM, no extended full throttle operation, avoid high crank shaft loads -> another words no heavy throttle at low RPM or hills. I also agree that a couple hours are enough. These small engines brake in fast.

 

Thanks to everyone for all of the info. I think I am really going to like this machine. One additional questions, my dealer said I should bring it back after 10 hours for its first service (consisting of an oil change and valve adjustment). Does 10 hours seem like a little premature to adjust the valves? I plan on changing the oil myself, but the owners manual indicates 100 hours to adjust the valves. Is the dealer just trying to get $135 out of me our should I get it scheduled to get this service done?

 

don't take it back that soon!! do it all yourself. 95% of all the bikes don't need a valve adj. Just remember:
1. Buy the service manual as soon as possible.
2. Adj the throttle cable. A lot of 400's come with a lot of slack in the cable.

 

I just adj. my cable boy what a difference!!! This thing flies now!!!!!!!!!!Good luck with it.