How do YOU break in a new bike?
- Thread starter RP1
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I behave for the 650 (mostly) in the beginning, am pretty easy on the engine. I also believe it is all about heat cycles. All my Panigales (3) have been to the 600-700 mile mark, changed the oil and they saw the track right after.
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Last week my bike had it's 1000km (600 mile) service. My dealer reminded me that the run in procedure is not yet complete. The recommended rev limit is now raised to 7000 rpm until 2500km. After that it's open throttle.
Not a problem for me. Being a novice to this kind of machine I'm just easing into it anyway. But I do appreciate the extra 1k revs.
Not a problem for me. Being a novice to this kind of machine I'm just easing into it anyway. But I do appreciate the extra 1k revs.
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Ur gonna have the biggest smile in ur helmet when you finally do rev it to redline b4 shifting
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Did you get yours from Fraser's too?
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Yep. A big factor was their service centre although far from home is easiest to get to.
Had been procrastinating since I first saw one at Sydney Motorbike Show 2017. Visited Frasers a couple of times to see if my enthusiasm had waned - it never did - and somehow managed to resist buying before the third production year.
I actually went to that Show to see the latest BMW R1200RS. That's what I was going to buy without a doubt. Then Ducati came along and f***ed everthing. I was literally seduced.
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Yeah, I have to ride up from Canberra for servicing .. pain, but like their attitude. Couldn't do enough for me. I've got about 2 weeks before I go up to do the service.
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Anyone seeing their rear beak fluids go dark before the 600 mile service? Guessing this is normal with factory fluid but I’m at 400 miles and it looks like .... water already.
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liquid coal.
I just ordered the motive #1160 brembo adapter kit for my power bleeder. it's like a bean sprayer that hooks to the masters reservoirs. add a couple psi then crack the bleeders. no pumping.
with old vehicles, running the plunger past the normal travel can be a bad thing.
my opinion...
as far as breaking in a motor. the ring to cylinder surface will mate no matter what. the lands on the pistons where that flats of the rings sit, needs compression and decompression to break in properly. its why the manual states to vary engine speed during the first few 100 miles.
direct injection cars are the worst over time. the corn fuel fills the lands with poop, the rings get sticky and you start consuming oil. atf and marvel can clean them up Italian tune up style.
gears, bearings and such do have microscopic high and low spots. if you are polishing something, you start with 80 grit, 120, 240.....600, 900,1200, ect to get a nice finished surface. you cant skip a step or you will get unsatisfactory results. if you take a ring and pinion or a cam as an example, running high initial loads is going to stretch the surface and cause little pits. running something under a lighter load will smack off the high spots and sequentially work its way down to a mirror finish.
I hated metallurgy and thermo
I just ordered the motive #1160 brembo adapter kit for my power bleeder. it's like a bean sprayer that hooks to the masters reservoirs. add a couple psi then crack the bleeders. no pumping.
with old vehicles, running the plunger past the normal travel can be a bad thing.
my opinion...
as far as breaking in a motor. the ring to cylinder surface will mate no matter what. the lands on the pistons where that flats of the rings sit, needs compression and decompression to break in properly. its why the manual states to vary engine speed during the first few 100 miles.
direct injection cars are the worst over time. the corn fuel fills the lands with poop, the rings get sticky and you start consuming oil. atf and marvel can clean them up Italian tune up style.
gears, bearings and such do have microscopic high and low spots. if you are polishing something, you start with 80 grit, 120, 240.....600, 900,1200, ect to get a nice finished surface. you cant skip a step or you will get unsatisfactory results. if you take a ring and pinion or a cam as an example, running high initial loads is going to stretch the surface and cause little pits. running something under a lighter load will smack off the high spots and sequentially work its way down to a mirror finish.
I hated metallurgy and thermo
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motul 5.1 lasts ok for 1,000 miles back there but the right stuff to use is RBF660. Either one is better than the factory .... they use. Mine was toast by 80 miles. This is what 5.1 looks like after 1k hot, hard miles:
compared to what factory fluid at 95 miles below:
Amazon.com: Motul 101667 RBF 660 Dot-4 100 Percent Synthetic Racing Brake Fluid - 500 ml: Automotive
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how many psi's did you exactly use while bleeding the brakes with the #1160 brembo adapter kit?
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I haven't used one on the bike yet but 7 - 8 psi usually gets the fluid flowing on the cars. any set up that uses a hose between the reservoir and the master needs to be low pressure as the hose may not be designed as such. or if your hose is old, it could blow brake fluid everywhere.
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Hello there from France !
Sorry if my English is not accurate, not my native language.
Owner of a Ducati Superlegera V4, I read carefully owner's manual, and I was surprised about what was mentioned about break-in period. Less than 6000 Rpm till 1000 Kms then less than 7000 Rpm till 2500 Kms. I initially thought about a misleading translation, imagining the second part of breaking should be a progressive linear increase of 7000 Rpm from 1000 to 2500 Kms which would lead in a 1000 RPM more every 200 Kms.
Why to think so ?
- Panigale V4 has a maximum 16,000 RPM. I do not imagine after 2500 Kms reaching 16,000 RPM when it never exceed 7,000 RPM
- I break-in all my previous motorcycles this way, without any engine problems (Kawasaki ZX-6R, Aprilia 250 RS, Ducait 748R, BMW S1000RR, BMW HP4). Engines did not have any failure, were efficient, and gave full satisfaction when using them on track (mostly) simply taking time to warm them before use.
- I was recommend such break-in by trusted mechanics till now and it looks to me more accurate to be progressive.
- I do not imagine break-in of such an engine would be more restrictive than old engines even if...who know....which lead me here to ask questions.
When asking my dealer, I was said to do following break-in (info from French tech support)
- less than 6000 RPM under 1000Kms
- less than 9000 RPM under 2500Kms going progressively to 9000 RPM
I am still sceptical, because still remaing 7000 RPMS. I would accept it for V2 maybe as max RPM is lower...but a V4 ?
I will try to contact factory and let you know. I am suprised no one did till now.
Regarding HP4 Race, I confirm there is no break in. I own one, and did not imagine doing a break-in on track (to dangerous with other riders). I assume they can do it in factory. I visted once Alpha Racing and they show me they have a tool which allow to simulate any track for engine. Changing gearing, programming whatever they want. I hope they do for HP4. Regarding changin engine at 5000 Kms, I still did not reach this limit and do not intend to change. Antother owner told me engine only has a good metrology, and it will simply loose power (I have more than enough).
Have a nice days and fun.
Sorry if my English is not accurate, not my native language.
Owner of a Ducati Superlegera V4, I read carefully owner's manual, and I was surprised about what was mentioned about break-in period. Less than 6000 Rpm till 1000 Kms then less than 7000 Rpm till 2500 Kms. I initially thought about a misleading translation, imagining the second part of breaking should be a progressive linear increase of 7000 Rpm from 1000 to 2500 Kms which would lead in a 1000 RPM more every 200 Kms.
Why to think so ?
- Panigale V4 has a maximum 16,000 RPM. I do not imagine after 2500 Kms reaching 16,000 RPM when it never exceed 7,000 RPM
- I break-in all my previous motorcycles this way, without any engine problems (Kawasaki ZX-6R, Aprilia 250 RS, Ducait 748R, BMW S1000RR, BMW HP4). Engines did not have any failure, were efficient, and gave full satisfaction when using them on track (mostly) simply taking time to warm them before use.
- I was recommend such break-in by trusted mechanics till now and it looks to me more accurate to be progressive.
- I do not imagine break-in of such an engine would be more restrictive than old engines even if...who know....which lead me here to ask questions.
When asking my dealer, I was said to do following break-in (info from French tech support)
- less than 6000 RPM under 1000Kms
- less than 9000 RPM under 2500Kms going progressively to 9000 RPM
I am still sceptical, because still remaing 7000 RPMS. I would accept it for V2 maybe as max RPM is lower...but a V4 ?
I will try to contact factory and let you know. I am suprised no one did till now.
Regarding HP4 Race, I confirm there is no break in. I own one, and did not imagine doing a break-in on track (to dangerous with other riders). I assume they can do it in factory. I visted once Alpha Racing and they show me they have a tool which allow to simulate any track for engine. Changing gearing, programming whatever they want. I hope they do for HP4. Regarding changin engine at 5000 Kms, I still did not reach this limit and do not intend to change. Antother owner told me engine only has a good metrology, and it will simply loose power (I have more than enough).
Have a nice days and fun.
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- NSW, Australia
As a second language (or 3rd/4th/5th?) your english is great. When do you take delivery of your v4 SL?
Also, have you made it to 5000km on your hp4 and needed a complete new engine?
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- France
One week ago exaclty. And still did not do more than 200 meters to bring it into my trailer. I wanted to install protection in front of engine radiator before dring it but UPS France decided to change delivery (as usual) last minute, so I will drive without this week-end
No I am still 3700 Kms or so and do not plan to change it. To be honest I will ask BMW a commercial gesture and hope for an engine as client relationship management was very poor (to be polite). Anyway, I will not change it at 5000 Kms.
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Awesome! Must be surreal to walk in your garage and see it sitting there. Forget buying one, I just want a chance to lay my eyes on one hahaha
Fair enough, it’ll be interesting to hear your thoughts on how the SL and HP4 compare to one another.
Would love to see some pics if you get the chance
Fair enough, it’ll be interesting to hear your thoughts on how the SL and HP4 compare to one another.
Would love to see some pics if you get the chance
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First of all...I wrote to Ducati Customer services at 13:06 and just get answer at 15:15....at Least they are quick ^_^
Here is the answer:
"Dear Mr. #####,
by means of the present email, I forward you the feedback that has been given me by our Technical Area Manager in relation to your information request.
In particular, he confirms the data that are reported on your bike's User Manual concerning the Superleggera V4 brake-in. The brake-in has to be realized under 6000 RPM for the first 1000 km and under 7000 RPM from 1000 km to 2500 km. Moreover, the speedometer bar, in the first period of usage of the bike, turns orange when 7000/8000 RPM are overtaken and this value could also reach 9000 RPM when the engine is hot. This function only represents a visual warning, which can be helpful for the customer. However, it doesn't implicate any limitation or electronic protection.
Please note that the above mentioned visual indicator will be automatically removed by the dealer during the first service (1000 km), but the RPM limits remain those described in the Owner's Manual up to 2500 km.
In conclusion, we would like to underline that race bikes as the new Superleggera V4, need a break-in period with higher values, because of the fact that the final use is different. It is indeed necessary, for the Superleggera V4 Engine, to realize an optimal brake-in, in order to guarantee reliability, duration and, moreover, performances in the long run.
I hope that we answered to your questions in a complete way.
Please feel free to contact us back again in case of any other doubt or necessity.
We remain at your disposal.
Best regards,
Elisa
Ducati Support
Ducati Motor Holding Spa
Borgo Panigale – Italy
www.ducati.com"
Regarding my Garage you would be very disappointed. I currently leave in Paris Area and square meters are expensive. We are living like small laboratory animals in Boxes. Thus My Garage is the following:
- 748R is parked in a Garage that I own in a far away city
- F800GS is in Garage of my building in a place dedicated for motorcycles (4 places for 7 floors building including basement)
- HP4 Race and Superlegera are parked about 2 Kms away from my flat, in a private parking for I would call "rich people" not rich enough to have parking where they live....My motorcycle sleeps in trailer with all material for track. And now that I have two motorcycles for track, one will be kepts next to trailer...Impossible to come in the evening easily to make some adjustement or clean the bike. It's kind of poor life when you are living in city ^_^
Here are european sisters...One in Mugello, the other one in garage.
Here is the answer:
"Dear Mr. #####,
by means of the present email, I forward you the feedback that has been given me by our Technical Area Manager in relation to your information request.
In particular, he confirms the data that are reported on your bike's User Manual concerning the Superleggera V4 brake-in. The brake-in has to be realized under 6000 RPM for the first 1000 km and under 7000 RPM from 1000 km to 2500 km. Moreover, the speedometer bar, in the first period of usage of the bike, turns orange when 7000/8000 RPM are overtaken and this value could also reach 9000 RPM when the engine is hot. This function only represents a visual warning, which can be helpful for the customer. However, it doesn't implicate any limitation or electronic protection.
Please note that the above mentioned visual indicator will be automatically removed by the dealer during the first service (1000 km), but the RPM limits remain those described in the Owner's Manual up to 2500 km.
In conclusion, we would like to underline that race bikes as the new Superleggera V4, need a break-in period with higher values, because of the fact that the final use is different. It is indeed necessary, for the Superleggera V4 Engine, to realize an optimal brake-in, in order to guarantee reliability, duration and, moreover, performances in the long run.
I hope that we answered to your questions in a complete way.
Please feel free to contact us back again in case of any other doubt or necessity.
We remain at your disposal.
Best regards,
Elisa
Ducati Support
Ducati Motor Holding Spa
Borgo Panigale – Italy
www.ducati.com"
Regarding my Garage you would be very disappointed. I currently leave in Paris Area and square meters are expensive. We are living like small laboratory animals in Boxes. Thus My Garage is the following:
- 748R is parked in a Garage that I own in a far away city
- F800GS is in Garage of my building in a place dedicated for motorcycles (4 places for 7 floors building including basement)
- HP4 Race and Superlegera are parked about 2 Kms away from my flat, in a private parking for I would call "rich people" not rich enough to have parking where they live....My motorcycle sleeps in trailer with all material for track. And now that I have two motorcycles for track, one will be kepts next to trailer...Impossible to come in the evening easily to make some adjustement or clean the bike. It's kind of poor life when you are living in city ^_^
Here are european sisters...One in Mugello, the other one in garage.
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Break-in posts are always fun. Heat cycles, RPMs, special break-in oil, etc. I believe you have about 20 miles to break in a motor. After that, you either screwed it up or did it correctly. You may believe something else, which is fine and dandy.
The owner of my local Ducati shop visited the Aprilia factory in Italy last year and his jaw dropped when he saw what they did to new motors taken straight off the production line. They put them in a mock bike connected to a dyno and ran the piss out of them for several runs. They then check the numbers and called the engine good (if the numbers were good). He said the headers would glow red on the dyno runs.
Some may believe this info, and others may baby their bikes for the 600 miles. My bikes see hard pulls and hard engine braking for the first 50 to 100 miles, and then I call them done. I also change the oil after the first 50 miles. It doesn't really matter if my bikes have seen issues or not since I am statistically insignificant. I will say it is much more fun running them hard from day one!
Some light (older) reading: Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power
To each his/her own. Enjoy.
-0260
The owner of my local Ducati shop visited the Aprilia factory in Italy last year and his jaw dropped when he saw what they did to new motors taken straight off the production line. They put them in a mock bike connected to a dyno and ran the piss out of them for several runs. They then check the numbers and called the engine good (if the numbers were good). He said the headers would glow red on the dyno runs.
Some may believe this info, and others may baby their bikes for the 600 miles. My bikes see hard pulls and hard engine braking for the first 50 to 100 miles, and then I call them done. I also change the oil after the first 50 miles. It doesn't really matter if my bikes have seen issues or not since I am statistically insignificant. I will say it is much more fun running them hard from day one!
Some light (older) reading: Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power
To each his/her own. Enjoy.
-0260
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2021
- Messages
- 366
- Location
- midwest
This is why I change my oil after a quick break-in. This is the magnetic oil drain plug from my 2021 Panigale V2 after 93 hard miles of riding over two days (I missed my normal 50-mile oil change, but not by much). Notice the shards of metal. The oil filter was full of metal as well, which was easy to find by dragging the magnet through the folds of the filter.
-0260
-0260
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