How didja break-in your new Buddy? Made any difference?

Drumwoulf · Post by **Drumwoulf** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:13 am

Reading in this forum several different views on the Buddy's break-in period, I just gotta ask before I get mine:
How did you break-in your new Buddy? Did you follow the complicated business in the manual exactly?
However you did it, do you feel it made any difference in the quality of ride later on?

Thanks,
drummer
(who want's a ruby red one, soon!)

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 11:33 am

I can't imagine who could possibly manage the break in recommended in the manual.

I just tried to stay away from heavy throttle in the first 150 miles or so, then pretty moderate until the first oil change, then all bets were off.

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 2:38 pm

The key to a successful break-in isn't neccessarily the speed you go, it lies in NOT maintaining steady speeds for any length of time. The rings have to set to the cylinder and that is brought about by forcing the rings up against the cylinder wall without TOO much force. This is accomplished by hydraulic action caused by the different forces the piston rings will experience.

In other words, accelerate and decelerate on a regular basis...DON'T take it for a 10 mile high-speed run for a while. I would say you shouldn't maintain any steady speeds for at least 500 miles. Acceleration is okay. Deceleration is okay. Steady speeds aren't okay.

--Keys

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 4:34 pm

Sometimes it seems like every rider has his or her own break-in method. Some advocate following the manufacturer's recommendations precisely, which usually means a very conservative break-in. Some advocate a more radical approach like riding it like you stole it from day one.

Everyone swears by their own method. And, no matter what method people seem to use, you don't often hear about catastrophic engine failures.

Me? I like to follow the manufacturer's recommendations as closely as possible but I tend to be a little more aggressive than they recommend. Most importantly, I follow the advice already put forth by Keys above, don't run at steady speeds. If you're riding around town the typical stop signs and traffic lights will keep you from doing this. If you're on the highway, you have a much greater chance of running at a steady speed for too long. I also like to mix in some long uphill runs under load. Finally, if you're riding a manual transmission, one of the most important things is don't lug the engine.