Hey everyone,

I've been riding my LTR for about a month now, but I still haven't broken it in, since I only have about 5 or 6 (recommended break in is 10). One of the things it says to do after the initial one month is to change the oil and oil filter. But is this really necessary if I only have 5 or 6 hours on the machine?

My dad told me to just wait until I have reached 10 to do the oil change and filter change. I think I will do everything that is recommended for the 1st month except for the oil and filter. I have heard that on the LTR after the break in you should take it to the dealer to have the valves in the head shimmed and adjusted. At this time I guess the dealer can do the oil and filter for me as well.

What do you guys think of this? I figured to post it in the sport section because other 450 riders on other bikes may be able to chip in.

 

If you have been breaking it in easy, then it is already to late to do it right:

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


You want to do a very early oil/filter change, to get any metal shavings left over from machining out of the engine early on. I change mine at 1 hour, then again at 5 and 10 hours. Petroleum oil (Maxima Premium or Honda GN4) during break-in, then switch to a high quality ester synthetic like Redline or Maxima (Ultra, Extra, or 530MX for cold weather).

All the 450's need frequent oil changes. This article explains why:

http://www.belray.com/scripts/...1d7-b921-64a4cf6d0144


Your first valve adjustment is very important, so don't negelect that!

 

So, seeing that your thumper tolerates a lot of compression blow-by, and your oil gets contaminated by fuel and diluted out very quickly....you need to do an oil change every 5 hours or so anyway, so now is the time!

 

Listen to the man!!!!He knows his stuff!!!