How to Properly Break-In Your New Motorcycle
The period of “breaking-in” a bike lasts for the first 500 to 1000 miles the bike is on the road. This is a crucial time for ensuring that motorcycles have lower emissions, better fuel economy, and better engine longevity. Here’s how to properly break-in a bike.
How Breaking-In Works
When a new motorcycle first rolls off the lot, the internal friction of the engine is at its highest. This is because all of the parts have not been “bedded in” by an operation like in a pre-owned motorcycle. After the first 500 to 1000 miles, the friction of the bike drops significantly, leading to better emissions, fuel economy, and overall longevity. Breaking-in a bike correctly can also help key components of the vehicle to operate better over time.
How to Break-In a Bike
Every bike should be approached differently. That’s why the best way to learn how to break-in a bike is to consult the operator’s manual. Although some riders will advise to “keep it easy” and others say to “ride it like you stole it,” every bike will respond to different break-in strategies based on the manufacturing. Manuals will list the shift points to use while breaking-in the ride as well as which oils to use for the first few thousand miles. During this time, treat brake pads gently so that they don’t overheat or glaze. Also, be sure not to lug the motor and downshift before the bike begins to labor. Finally, be sure to do the first servicing as instructed, and leave it to a professional.
What to Avoid While Breaking-In
Many bikers opt for the “ride it like you stole it” method, which can actually do more harm than good. Riding with unnecessarily high engine RPMs during this time will only lead to complications later, including mediocre gas mileage and low overall performance. The truth is, due to modern manufacturing, breaking-in bikes is not as crucial as it once was, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
If you want to make sure you’re handling and servicing your bike properly to get the best performance, learn more about TC Powersports’ services.