There sure seems to be a lot of differing opinion on breaking in a new motor. Some say that the extensive factory suggested break-in is the way to go and others say that it is there to so that people just don't get on a new, tight machine and ring it out while it's still not warmed up good.

I know that in automobiles, the rings used today are superior to that of years ago and the break in of the rings are almost instantly.

My concern was more along the lines of breaking in the cam lobes, but even camshaft companies don't suggest extreme break-in periods beyond the initial 30-minutes or so.

It almost seems that break-in would be more dependant on the number of cycles that the engine was started, ran and allowed to cool back down, since the start up is where most of the wear takes place.

If anyone has a thought on this, let me know because I'm itching to put my new Raptor on the dyno.

 

Bash, 20 hours is an internity when your supposed to be somewhat putting around. I'll be watching this thread, good topic.

 

I followed the recommended break in for my 400EX to the letter, while a friend of mine, only rode his easy for about 3 to 4 hours. His runs just as strong as mine, doesn't make anymore engine noise, starts as easy as mine, and doesn't seem to have suffered any ill effects from his method.

I firmly believe that the break in period is as you said Bash, an excuse, and possible a way to get new riders more familiar with thier bikes before they run them flat out.

My step father rebuilds 2 stroke bikes, and they usually only baby those for about 30 minutes, then drop the hammer.

 

HEAT caused by a LOAD is your engines worst enemy when new, not RPM. My opinion is that the first hour of operation is the most important. My suggestion is to HEAT CYCLE your engine three to five times within the first hour. Accelerate moderately through the first few gears and vary load on the engine for approx. ten minutes. Then let the motor cool for approx. thirty minutes. AVOID WFO RUNS THROUGH THE GEARS, this creates too much LOAD and HEAT. After the first hour high rpm runs through the first few gears is OK, but winding out through fifth might create too much heat. After a few hours of semi-aggressive riding I say LET IT RIP!!! Change your oil and filter after ten hours then RIDE, RIDE, RIDE.

Ride HARD, ride FAST but keep your A** out the grass.

Banzai!!!!

 

Bash,

Excellent topic!! I'm also curious to see what some of the other responses will be.

When we picked up our new machines last year, I painfully halted my wife and daughter from firing it up and lettin' it rip the night we got them home. Instead, I painstackingly read the manual for some guidance on break in procedure. Then decided NOT to follow the instuctions and do what I always do.

To make a long story short, we were nice and didn't go WAFO for about 90 minutes. Then, we couldn't stand it anymore and rode 'em EVERYWHERE for the next 3 hours. Through the creek crossings, into the biggest water hole we could find, up the highest hill around...you get the picture. Then I changed the oil after we got home.

To date, approx. 16 months later, we've logged just over 1200 miles and have never had a problem.

maxandblade@hotmail.com

 

Hate to break it to all of yall, but you are not the first people to ride your brand new machine!
Who do you think built it. The guys in the shop at the dealership get pretty bored building that machine for an hour. So when it's time to prep it. It gets ridden hard from the first minute. I would know!

 

Hate to break it to you, but I was at the shop during the whole assembly, I was the first one to ride it they never rode it until they asked me to ride it and I said yes.

 

Majority don't happen that way,but anywase it really doesn't matter. I really dont think it does anything to the machine. Don't you just love the new burn smell on a new quad. Hope everyone is having fun with your new raptors. I might get one soon.

 

I know I can smell the silicon gasket material and and the fresh burnt exhaust pipe, its great.

 

Hate to break it to you, but some people have more sense than to wait 3 months on a quad and then let some guy rag it out for you.

I was there and saw it in the crate, saw if filled up with gas, and gave permission for the mechanic to test drive it.