General Information
116
Running-In
R.P.M.
cboa
Running-in is the name given to the
process that occurs during the first
hours of a new vehicle's operation.
In particular, internal friction in the
engine will be higher when components
are new. Later on, when continued
operation of the engine has ensured
that the components have 'bedded in',
this internal friction will be greatly
reduced.
A period of careful running-in will
ensure lower exhaust emissions, and
will optimise performance, fuel economy
and longevity of the engine and other
motorcycle components.
During the first 500 miles (800 km):
• Do not use full throttle;
• Avoid high engine speeds at all
times;
• Avoid riding at one constant engine
speed, whether fast or slow, for a
long period of time;
• Avoid aggressive starts, stops, and
rapid accelerations, except in an
emergency;
• Do not ride at speeds greater than
3/4 of maximum speed.
From 500 to 1,000
miles (800 to
1,500 km):
• Engine speed can gradually be in-
creased to the rev limit for short
periods.
Both during and after running-in has
been completed:
• Do not overrev the engine when
cold;
• Do not let the engine labour. Al-
ways downshift before the engine
begins to 'struggle';
• Do not ride with engine speeds un-
necessarily high. Changing up a
gear helps reduce fuel consump-
tion, reduces noise and helps to
protect the environment.
