You’ve finally done it – you’ve bought your first motorcycle after months (or years) of saving, researching, comparing models and finding discounts.
Once it comes right off the factory floor, your two-wheeled machine looks like a million dollars and dreams with no miles on it and comes with a flawless finish. From the moment you’re handed the keys by the dealer, you’re bound to run into many sweet periods because of all the different experiences and sensations that lie ahead.
Now that you’ve got your gear together, it seems like the only thing to do is fill up your sweet new ride with a full tank of gas and head on a long trip. Before you go all-out and hop on the opportunity to get on a cross-country trip, however, there’s one more concern that you need to address: “What is the break-in period of my motorcycle?”
Why the Break-in Period Matters
Whether you’ve got a Japanese sportbike, American cruiser, European sport-tourer, or an internationally-beloved moped, your motorcycle is bound to have a break-in period.
For any new two-wheeler, taking the time to work your new machine in is essential because of the numerous bits and pieces that have to be worn down a bit to rub off any rough edges from the factory. Components like the valves, piston rings, and cylinder bores need to be broken in because a fresh-from factory finish won’t make for the smoothest riding experience.
Whether you choose to follow a “shortcut” or stick to your dealer recommendations, breaking in your motorcycle will work wonders for its longevity!
The Specifics of Wearing a Motorcycle In
Although some details may vary depending on the manufacturer of the bike or the model itself, the specifics of what constitutes a sufficient break-in period are all the same. If you can’t wait for a full-fledged ride but want to keep the product of your hard work in perfect shape, here are the details you’ll need to account for during the process:
1. Not riding your motorcycle constantly at the same speed: Any break-in period will always require you to ride a bike at varying speeds. The main reason for this is because continually driving at the same speed won’t give an engine the full spectrum of exposure it needs to even out across all RPMs and speeds.
2. Not using full throttle, suddenly accelerating, or suddenly braking: During the break-in process, your motorcycle won’t necessarily be in the most durable shape because its parts are still new and not seasoned or well-worn enough to take on more demanding conditions. Seeing that all your parts are relatively new, you’ll need to protect them by taking it easy in the sense of where you can’t floor it, brake hard, or accelerate suddenly!
3. The thousand-mile mark: When it comes to determining the duration of when you need to stick to the break-in period, it’s vital to note that the length depends on the distance you’ve travelled and not the amount of time you’ve spent riding. For good measure, it’s best to maintain the same conditions that you’re confined to when breaking your motorcycle in for at least a thousand miles to ensure that everything is neat and orderly!
Conclusion
Although the experience of having a new motorcycle will always be an exciting one, you should never overlook the importance of adequately breaking it in until it’s ready for more demanding conditions. By taking the time to follow the critical pointers mentioned above (alongside your manual’s specifications), you can ensure that your two-wheeler gets the exposure it needs to run smoothly!
If you’re looking for guides on the best beginner motorcycles for 2020 or motorcycle license application processes in Canada and the US, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to check out our blog today for more!
