I know the breaking in of the engine has been beaten up on this forum pretty hard but I have a question. I am close to the 631 miles on my new 2014 Panigale S (love it) and would like to do a track day this sunday. Is it ok to let it rip since I am at the break in mileage or should I do the break in service first? I do not plan to ride much for the next couple of track days and it would be nice to postpone the $400 for a bit. Thanks
Breaking in engine and initial service
Help Support Ducati Forum:
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2013
- Messages
- 61
- Location
- santa barbara
I would do the oils change first.
Don't want the little bits of "break in" metal running around your engine at close to max RPMs.
I did the same thing, ran the bike in on the street for the first 600 than hit the track but not before the oil change. I would even argue that an oil change and filter should be done at 200 to get all the bits out.
Do the oils change your self before the track day as it easy, then bring it in for the first service after your track day to reset ECU.
Don't want the little bits of "break in" metal running around your engine at close to max RPMs.
I did the same thing, ran the bike in on the street for the first 600 than hit the track but not before the oil change. I would even argue that an oil change and filter should be done at 200 to get all the bits out.
Do the oils change your self before the track day as it easy, then bring it in for the first service after your track day to reset ECU.
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2012
- Messages
- 2,548
- Location
- The Med
First priority should be to get the filthy oil/filter out and get the bike running on some decent clean oil, particularly if you're planning on getting the stick out!!
Also consider that if you turn the dashboard into a flashing frenzy of shift lights, prior to the first service, well, it'll be well and truly noted come warranty time. May not be an issue for you, but a consideration it remains.
Also consider that if you turn the dashboard into a flashing frenzy of shift lights, prior to the first service, well, it'll be well and truly noted come warranty time. May not be an issue for you, but a consideration it remains.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
- Messages
- 1,070
- Location
- Lawrenceville, GA
You need to do some homework. The 631 mile/first service is not the "let it rip" point. Owners manual specifies limiting to 7k rpm for 1553 mi.
Putting off scheduled maintenance jeopardizes warranty and is never a good idea - especially first service.
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2012
- Messages
- 2,548
- Location
- The Med
Cut paste from manual, with DMH's super conservative advice, should we lessen the life of our babies:
From 1000 to 2500 km
At this point, you can squeeze some more power out of your engine. However never exceed 7,000 rpm.
Important
During the whole running-in period, the maintenance and service rules recommended in the Warranty Card should be observed carefully. Failure to follow these instructions releases Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. from any liability whatsoever for any engine damage or shorter engine life.
From 1000 to 2500 km
At this point, you can squeeze some more power out of your engine. However never exceed 7,000 rpm.
Important
During the whole running-in period, the maintenance and service rules recommended in the Warranty Card should be observed carefully. Failure to follow these instructions releases Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. from any liability whatsoever for any engine damage or shorter engine life.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,465
- Location
- Auburn ca
Most of us beat on them out of the gate, and magically our engines use/burn less oil.
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2014
- Messages
- 461
- Location
- Las Colinas (Dallas), TX
To be honest with you, I would call in on the dealer and speak to the techs that will be working on your bike should there be any future warranty issues... they will ultimately be the ones submitting the claim and providing either the support or lack thereof to Ducati.
The techs at my dealer advised me to ride it hard and fast during the break in period and treat it as I would expect to be riding it in the future. Your advice may vary, but listen to and adhere to what they say.
As was indicated already, just don't skip or skimp on the service intervals.
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2012
- Messages
- 1,863
- Location
- Yonkers, New York USA
read the owners manual...its clear enough - whats in there makes the most sense
.....but you'll see a zillion variations here on "how to do it" for sure...
I think it is an intereting topic for sure. There were a few threads on it and many opinions. I like the advice about changing the oil at 200 miles though and wish I had done. Based on the manual it may be a while before I can get to the track and let it rip. The good riding in Miami is non-existant so the track is the spot to hit curves.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,465
- Location
- Auburn ca
That why many techs tell us to beat on them?
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,465
- Location
- Auburn ca
Change it out at 600 and your OK.
200, I would not do it unless I flogged it hard on a track.
I was easy on mine for about 200 as I had to slab it that far to get home from the dealer. After that I beat on it.
My bike is perfect without a single hiccup.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
- Messages
- 1,070
- Location
- Lawrenceville, GA
I thought you flat landers ran the Cloverleaf GP for cheap track days.
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2012
- Messages
- 888
- Location
- SF Bay Area
There's "best" per warranty and "best" per engine break-in. For many, the hard break-in route and a good relationship with your dealer is worth the risk to warranty issues....choose accordingly.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2012
- Messages
- 1,088
- Location
- NW Arkansas, USA
Know that the bike tracks all aspects of engine use and thus if you care about your warranty, then you should follow the the prescribed break-in period and practices.
Note: Even if you have a good dealer, if you have a catastrophic engine failure, Ducati may require the data from the bike before giving the dealer the OK to address the issue under warranty.
Note: Even if you have a good dealer, if you have a catastrophic engine failure, Ducati may require the data from the bike before giving the dealer the OK to address the issue under warranty.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,465
- Location
- Auburn ca
ONLY if they can prove "your use" created the failed condition.
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2012
- Messages
- 888
- Location
- SF Bay Area
^^ What Styler said. For my race bike, I rode it for 100miles on the street and then exclusively on the track from that point on with no issues at all. If there was ever an issue due to my racing I was willing to accept full responsibility. The same goes for insurance. If you're not willing to do that then break-in per the manual.
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2012
- Messages
- 1,088
- Location
- NW Arkansas, USA
Actually, that is incorrect. They do not have to prove a causal relationship. All they have to do is prove that you did not follow the requirements of your warranty. It is very black and white. Do this, and you have a warranty. Do not do this, and you are SOL.
Similar threads
Register CTA
Register on Ducati Forum! This sidebar will go away, and you will see fewer ads.
Sign Up
