Topic: How to run in the engine??

[emilios]

Hi
I just rebuilt a K0 engine..everything new...like a rebuilt should be...new chains..chain tensioners..bearings..pistons...valves..etc..
my question is till how much rpm should i run the bike??
Thanks

[nancy]

This is how I have done it..but i am NOT an expert.
Initial start up needs care - don't let it either rev or chug. No idling. Give it steady 20-30 secs 1500 - 2500 rpm. Off.
Next startup and run - keep revs under 4,000 - but keep a good work ethic going on the motor. Keep the revs climbing and go up and down the gears. Give it a handful and then let it slow back down -down a gear -  followed by another handful. I did this for about 100km...over 3 rides I guess.
Dump your 1st oil inside 400km or so.
Run the bike harder rather than more softly from now on. Rings work in well this way. Give it some!
Avoid steady paced engine running.
Mark

[iron_worker]

My method (and there are lots of them out there):

-Try not to idle the engine when breaking in (especially on the first few runs)
-Do not rev over 5k for the first couple or rides
-After that, do not rev over 6k for the first 1500 miles
-No steady state riding
-Load up the engine/accelerate. Give it lots of throttle but keep in mind the 6k rev limiter.
-Try to stay out of traffic! Rings that are breaking in produce more heat. You need the wind moving over the bike as much as possible.
-I changed my oil at 50 miles, 200 miles, 500 miles, and 1500 miles. It was amazing how black my oil was on the first oil changes but you should see it clear up over the next few. There were also a few shiny bits in the oil the first couple changes and I'm told this is normal but should also taper off over the next few changes. It also is a good idea to run a magnetic drain plug or epoxy a magnet to the filter if possible to pick up any ferous shavings.

That was my method and I think it worked OK... though I'm tearing into the engine again this winter due to an oil leak anyway. ha 

IW

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

My take:

Be SURE it's mechanically sound first. Then like said vary the revs. I keep them under the sweet spot where they want to take off with a limit of 5-6K. Give it a nice ride or two away from city traffic. Start increasing the rpm load around 100 miles. At say 500 miles change the oil and drop the hammer just don't run the piss out of it YET. You'll get the feel of when it needs to happen. Remember, these bikes don't like to lug around. They WANT to have the #$%* run outta them on occasion, just not no lugging initially.

[Vinhead1957]

Also break it in on non synthetic oil!  The regular oil allows the normal break in process

[Dream750]

I use the 750 K1 to K6 owners manual as a guide for stock or nearly stock engines. Since you have a 750 K0, you get an extra 500 rpm on the red zone limit upon reaching the 1,000 mile mark. 

[emilios]

Thank you all!!!
Its my first K0..and everything is stock..except 0.25 pistons...so i want to run engine in correct..
Now i know how to do it..
Thanks again!!!

[ncstatecamp]

Do all of these apply if it's only top end and no bearing replacement? If I only do rings, lap valves new seals and hone, is the procedure the same?

[PeWe]

What about this?
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

I read  a technical thesis written by a guy in a technical colleague that had made tests and verified the hard brake in as good when verifying the pistons afterwards. He linked to the link above.
The hard brake in make the piston rings to seal better. I'll do that this time. Heavy acceleration followed by decelerations. Very important the first short period while the hone pattern is still there....

[ncstatecamp]

If I'm just lapping valves and honing cylinders do I need to use a zinc additive when breaking it in? Not sure if rings are necessary yet.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Just use standard 'motorcycle' oil and you'll be fine. It has more zinc than 'regular' oil you'd get for your car.

[lrutt]

I tried the std breakin procedure (read taking it somewhat easy) on a 1970 Triumph and that sucker smoked like a #$%*. So, nothing to lose, I thrashed the hell out of it to try and force the rings to seat better. After couple bouts of that she's been smoke free now for 3 years. Crazy I know but what can I say, it worked.

Ditto sticking with dino oil for several thousand miles.

[goldarrow]

Ride it hard, ride it the way it's supposed to be ridden.  Ride it hard