Breaking in My Bud

SKA'D_Scooterist · Post by **SKA'D_Scooterist** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:58 am

Can anyone share their experience breaking-in their new Buddy? Should I trust the manual as far as, for example, not operating more than 1/2 throttle for the first 150 miles, etc.? This probably sounds retarded, but the manual doesn't give me much comfort since it was obviously translated from Chinese. I'm new to the scooterin' world and am anxious to ride but don't want to harm the bike. Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks!

S.S.

addictionriot · Post by **addictionriot** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:00 am

I tried not to go over 1/2 but needless to say I did several times. When I took it in for my first service, they said everything looked great. But thats just me..

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:20 am

I followed the manual and varied the throttle so I wasn't riding too long at set speed.

It doesn't take long to rack up the miles so why not be err on the side of caution.

Each to his own.

Eazy · Post by **Eazy** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:22 am

This comes from years of being around race cars, but I've always been told to break it in how you're going to use it.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:59 am

Lots of discussion about this and lots of opinions.

The only things I've found to be consistently advised:

1. Vary the throttle position often
2. Let the scooter cool down completely before restarting (when possible- I broke this rule when filling up at a gas station)
3. Avoid WOT for extended periods of time

Many say that break-in method isn't as important anymore with more advanced engineering. Some people advise break in by riding very cautiously, some advise by going all out.

Following those three rules above should work just fine.

sotied · Post by **sotied** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:25 pm

I can't locate my manual (stupid house is a disaster). How long is the break-in period supposed to last?

I'm at 200+ now and have started to ride it with less throttle babying.

And did someone say earlier that the scoot has to be brought in BEFORE you hit 500 or else?

My shop is about 50 miles away so I'm trying to figure out how I can coordinate my riding distances and still stop riding at 449 so my next ride can be down to their shop.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:39 pm

sotied wrote:I can't locate my manual (stupid house is a disaster). How long is the break-in period supposed to last?

I'm at 200+ now and have started to ride it with less throttle babying.

And did someone say earlier that the scoot has to be brought in BEFORE you hit 500 or else?

My shop is about 50 miles away so I'm trying to figure out how I can coordinate my riding distances and still stop riding at 449 so my next ride can be down to their shop.

I believe the manual goes up to 1000 miles on breakin. Mine has about 300 miles on it and I finally let reason intervene. Riding in town the throttle is never in one position for long and seldom if ever wide open. So I said to heck with it and just ride as I always intend to ride, most of the time conservatively with a dash of speed on occasion.

Seems reasonable to me.

Dennis

hcstrider · Post by **hcstrider** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:32 pm

sotied wrote:And did someone say earlier that the scoot has to be brought in BEFORE you hit 500 or else?

The first service for your Buddy should occur somewhere between 200 and 500 miles. I had my first service done at 500 miles because my dealer told me to bring my Buddy in for its first service at 500 miles. The first service is more than just an oil change for the engine and gear oil. It should also include checks to ensure that your scooter is functioning safely and properly.

The other reason for having your first service done is so you do not invalidate the Buddy's warranty.

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 3:06 pm

hcstrider wrote:
sotied wrote:And did someone say earlier that the scoot has to be brought in BEFORE you hit 500 or else?
The first service for your Buddy should occur somewhere between 200 and 500 miles. I had my first service done at 500 miles because my dealer told me to bring my Buddy in for its first service at 500 miles. The first service is more than just an oil change for the engine and gear oil. It should also include checks to ensure that your scooter is functioning safely and properly.

The other reason for having your first service done is so you do not invalidate the Buddy's warranty.

Yes, according to warranty requirements first service should be done by 500 miles. However, whether this is a good requirement seems up for debate with many dealers. Many of them say that it takes closer to 1000 for the motor to have broken in enough to warrant a check up.

ko57 · Post by **ko57** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:03 pm

Has anyone read this webpage on breaking in a new engine? Something to think about...

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

SKA'D_Scooterist · Post by **SKA'D_Scooterist** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 10:52 pm

sotied wrote:I can't locate my manual (stupid house is a disaster). How long is the break-in period supposed to last?

I'm at 200+ now and have started to ride it with less throttle babying.

And did someone say earlier that the scoot has to be brought in BEFORE you hit 500 or else?

My shop is about 50 miles away so I'm trying to figure out how I can coordinate my riding distances and still stop riding at 449 so my next ride can be down to their shop.

FYI the manual states the break-in period as such:

0-150 miles: Avoid over 1/2 throttling. Cool down engine for 5-10 min per hour of riding. Do not cruise at constant speed.
150-500 miles: Avoid over 1/2 throttling for long rides.
500-1,000 miles: Avoid over 3/4 throttling.
NOTE: Change gear and engine oil after 200 miles.
Over 1,000 miles: Avoid full throttling for long rides