How to Break In Your New Motorcycle

Summary

Ryan, a motorcycle reviewer, takes viewers through his process of breaking in a new bike. He explains how the break-in period involves carefully balancing engine heat, pressure, and varying RPMs to seat the piston rings properly. Through cautious rides that avoid both over-straining and under-loading the engine, he ensures long-term performance while preventing potential damage. The video debunks common myths, stressing that breaking in a bike involves a mix of gentle and spirited riding, frequent cool-down breaks, and attention to the bike's temperature. The goal is to prepare the bike for a lifetime of reliable use while following safety precautions.

Takeaways

• 😀 A new motorcycle should be bought in the off-season, like November, for the best deals before the riding season starts.
• 😀 The engine should be idled for 5 minutes to move oil to all necessary parts and check for any manufacturing defects.
• 😀 The first ride should involve low-speed figure eights to get a feel for the bike's weight, balance, and dynamics.
• 😀 New tires need to be scrubbed in to remove roughness and improve grip, even with the decline of pre-release agents.
• 😀 New riders should always start with a low-risk, controlled environment when getting to know a new bike to prevent accidents.
• 😀 Break-in periods are contentious, but the main focus is seating piston rings to the cylinder wall to prevent loss of oil and compression.
• 😀 Overloading or forcing the piston too hard during the break-in period can damage the engine, so moderate care is essential.
• 😀 Hard acceleration or too slow speeds can both harm the break-in process—balance is key.
• 😀 The optimal break-in involves varying RPMs on twisty roads, combining brisk acceleration and deceleration to balance heat and pressure.
• 😀 After the break-in period, frequent breaks and cooling down the engine are essential to avoid overheating or damaging the engine.
• 😀 The owner's manual may recommend riding gently to prevent damage or lawsuits, but experienced riders understand the importance of varied speeds and RPMs during the break-in period.

Q & A

Why does Ryan buy a new motorcycle in November?

Ryan buys a new motorcycle in November because the riding season is almost over, and dealerships often offer good deals after EICMA, making it an ideal time to purchase.

What is the purpose of idling the engine for 5 minutes?

Idling the engine for 5 minutes helps circulate the oil through the engine and allows Ryan to check for any unusual sounds or smoke that could indicate potential defects.

Why does Ryan perform low-speed figure eights during the break-in period?

Ryan performs low-speed figure eights to scrub the roughness off the tires, which is important for improving grip. It also helps him get a feel for the bike’s weight and balance.

What is the main objective of the engine break-in period?

The main objective of the engine break-in period is to seat the piston rings to the cylinder wall, preventing oil loss into the combustion chamber and ensuring proper compression for engine performance.

What could happen if you exert too much pressure on the piston during break-in?

Exerting too much pressure on the piston during break-in can cause deep valleys to form in the cylinder walls, resulting in gaps rather than a proper seal, leading to oil consumption and loss of horsepower.

Why is it important not to lug the engine during break-in?

Lugging the engine, or running it too slowly, can lead to excess pressure during combustion, potentially damaging the piston and cylinder walls by carving valleys that affect the engine’s performance.

Why does Ryan argue against both hard and soft break-in methods?

Ryan argues that both hard and soft break-in methods are not ideal because they focus on either too much or too little heat and pressure. Instead, varying RPMs between the lug line and the redline for short bursts is optimal for engine seating.

What is the ideal riding method during the break-in period according to Ryan?

The ideal method is to vary RPMs while riding on a twisty road, with occasional stops to let the engine cool down. This ensures the engine experiences a mix of pressure and heat conditions, aiding in a proper break-in.

Why does Ryan take breaks during the break-in process?

Ryan takes breaks to allow the engine to cool down. After 10 minutes of riding with varying RPMs, breaks help regulate temperature and prevent overheating, especially in colder weather.

What is the rationale behind Ryan's decision not to trust the bike's dashboard temperature readings?

Ryan doesn't trust the dashboard temperature readings because, even if the overall temperature appears normal, there might still be localized hot spots between the piston rings and cylinder walls that could affect engine performance.

What does Ryan suggest to avoid during the break-in period for new riders?

Ryan suggests avoiding riding at maximum speeds or pushing the engine too hard during the break-in period. He recommends riding at familiar speeds, lean angles, and roads to ensure safety and allow the bike to adjust properly.

Why does Ryan push the bike to its limits after the break-in period?

After the break-in period, Ryan pushes the bike to its limits to ensure that any potential defects are revealed while still under warranty. This helps confirm the engine's performance and reliability.