Forum

[Rattlebattle]

I was talking about riding demonstrators at a dealer not a private sale. If the dealer can’t be bothered to run in a bike that’s his affair but if I wish to try one before buying I’m going to ride it according to what it is. I don’t actually ride test bikes flat out (I ride ones that actually go fast not just these bikes). Most dealers want £500 deposit or more against damage so I’m not going to take liberties. All I am saying is that I’m not prepared to mollycoddle a demo bike on a test ride, or risk blowing the engine, but there’s little to be gained by tiddling around on one.

[2cvandy]

There's a lot of bollox talked about running in new engines. Just listen to the engine instead, it'll tell you if it's not happy. Probably better to let it rev a little than have it lugging along slowly in top gear anyway.

[Bullet Whisperer]

The running in period is probably of some value to the manufacturers and dealers, as it will absorb some of the mileage and time lapsed during the warranty period, while components get an easier life. Not that I am in any way cynical, of course.

[Jamesy]

It's a long read but explains why engines need to be "run in".

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Break-i ... al_run-in)

[stinkwheel]

Interesting article, which broadly promotes a "hard" run in. Although it is on wikipaedia and so is no more to be trusted as correct than my opinion.

[Revband]

An interesting book to read is, Triumph a Production tester's tales by Hughie Hancox, he was a factory bike tester back in the 50s when every bike was test ridden before leaving the factory. He says that every bike was tested flat out at speed before it was passed.

[sofiaspin]

With my new C5 Euro 4 I took it easy up to 500 miles with max speed of 55mph. I did an extra - Silkolene - oil and filter change at 900 miles. I am pressing on now routinely hitting 65mph. The only concern is the rev limiter kicking in and the bike is sluggish and it has no urge beyond 65mph. It has 1350 on the clock. My old Electra X was a flier compared to this Euro 4 C5.

[Jack the Lad]

My Electra efi was a lot better after 5000 miles - or perhaps by then I just had more realistic expectations. The Himalayan seemed to get more wind in its sails after 2000 miles. My experience suggests you just need to thrash it for a few more miles and remember it's an Enfield, not a Fireblade!

[Marko]

I too read Hughie Hancox's book.. I also have a slightly warped understanding of running an engine in... if it hasn't gone bang during the 1st 100 miles I do start giving it some welly