Modern Buddy

I have a new Stella 4T. I am also new to shifty and the rear break pedal thing. Additionally, I used to live in Florida where it is really flat, and now live in the mountains with really scenic, but windy back roads.

It will be a while before I will be taking the Stella out and really getting it up to speed. Instead, I am riding up and down the same stretch of road, practicing shifting, braking, and such. I have taken a couple of rides where I got to cruise along at about 40 for a few miles.

Is there any harm to be done with such "gentle riding". I say gentle, because there have only been a couple of hard shifts, and I think adjusting the clutch cable may have helped with that.

I don't know anyone I can trust to take her out for a tougher ride at this time.

I don't think this will harm your bike at all.

Lots of people recommend a gentle break in period for your bike.

The most important thing is to vary your RPMs. Don't cruise along at one speed in the same gear for too long.

I recommend taking it up high every now and then too. It doesn't have to be all out in 4th gear. Cranking it up in 2nd or 3rd will work as well. It's a bit like exercising a muscle—you want to flex it along the full range of motion. The technical reasons aren't quite the same, but without going to deep into it, it will improve lubrication, performance and overall longevity.

Of course, not everyone agrees with that bit. But what nearly all agree on is that it's important to vary the RPMs.

ericalm wrote: But what nearly all agree on is that it's important to vary the RPMs.

Yep! Now I will stay quiet!

Thanks, So I will make sure I rev the motor up a little here and there, in 2nd or 3rd even if the speed of the bike is not so great while I practice.