2 Stroke Heat Cycles and Engine Break In (Controversial)

2 Stroke Heat Cycles and Engine Break In
Here's my .02 on a strangely controversial topic regarding engine break in. I typically do three 15 minute cycles spacing them apart with adequate amounts of time to completely cool the motor. During each heat cycle, I move the throttle to different ranges of RPMs and occasionally rev the engine.
There are other methods and opinions on this topic... this is just the way I do it.
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[@MichaelSabo]

How do you do your engine break in? Thank you for watching my video 🤘🤘🤘

[@backwoodsmx3274]

Michael Sabo I do it the same way as you always have. I made my choice when I was 11 and I plan to stick to it.

[@willcrosbie8806]

How ever you want your money your rules . Do what you want man

[@tristenarnold8474]

I do a 3-4 heat cycles from 20 -15 minutes each then the first ride take it easy

[@Itllcometome]

Micheal man I’m glad she’s running good to bad you lost her in that bet ...can wait to see it in person

[@tylerallen6235]

Don't you guys hate scammers for bike and quad

[@MxHDXB]

These are one of those dream builds that everyone wishes for once in a life time but hardly only a few get it done due to economy , job, family ,lack of time. But seeing someone else do it step by step with all the heart poured in makes one related to the build and feel proud of the accomplishment in the end. Well done mike !!!

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you man; hopefully I have been able to convey some of the excitement with you and my other subscribers so we can all enjoy it 🤘

[@jaywagner13]

Well said!

[@aarons6592]

🙏

[@mikekent6635]

3-5 heat cycles and easy on the first tank of gas. That’s how I do’em bro.

[@scottbradford4130]

Sweet racer bud

[@jamieobrien3387]

Mike Kent i go balls to the walls and never a problem

[@finjones1131]

Just drive it no need to do that

[@colbywentzel]

@@jamieobrien3387 1 heat cycle, then run'em like you would normally drive it. If its gonna break have it break right away. Haha

[@lettuce953]

I do 2

[@deeganwalton9946]

Damn dude, I’m going to the dunes next weekend. I was actually thinking about inviting you out and showing u around. Your my favorite youtuber so it would have been awesome to meet you

[@kylonendres8380]

I think your break in procedure is right on. That's pretty much exactly the way I've always done it, and every motor I've done outlasted everything else. In fact, I've never blown a motor that I've built, and I've done dozens. So do what you do brother, especially if its working for you!

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for the feedback Kylon Endres, I appreciated you watching my video!

[@shaun88R]

Freakin beastin' out content on the daily!! 🤘 Congrats on 40k brother, you deserve it... and 100k more! 👍😁

[@cashm4705]

It's actually the dream to completely rebuild some sort of motocross vehicle for me. Definitely going to once I find the time😭

[@Codyjames83]

Take lots of pictures and bag and tag label even the most obvious stuff.... save ya lots of time to.... I love this kinda stuff myself always dreamed of having a shop house there's a KZbin guy Cameron I think has that kinda set up even has a track out back he builds really nice bikes to

[@UlisesGlez26]

@@Codyjames83 Cameron Niemela 🤘🏻

[@wankerjacksmith]

Sick build man,love watching your channel. Sounds absolutely mint. You should be proud of what you have achieved. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next vid👊.

[@RattleCanCollective]

Amazing job man, been following the build since the beginning. I’m a die hard dirt bike guy but you really do a good job making it entertaining. Keep it up!

[@jimmadonna1436]

Glad to see have 40K subscribers now, Congrats Mike! 2- 5 minute heat cycles, than ride it kinda easy for a few minutes, than go for it!

[@just_in_time5518]

Mike thank you so much for doing a video on this as per request. I have heard a lot of different ways of doing this as you said. But I think this is a good one .I’m going to use it on my new top end rebuild for my RM 125. Thanks again Bro! Be safe riding this weekend ! 🤙

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you as always for watching Justin 🤘🤘

[@davidbrilmyer2354]

Such a sick build brother!!!!can't wait to see u out rippin fully together and broke in!!!!

[@ryanfader2240]

Love your videos man cant wait to see it hauling ass. I'm working on rebuilding a 1998 yamaha 350 warrior I have almost every thing to do a complete rebuild I hope my build turns out as good as your do.

[@MichaelSabo]

I'm sure it will be a beast dude; good luck with your build!

[@HondaATC330R]

Holy crap. Awesome videos. Nice job editing and great mechanical work. You are particular like me. Been watching for days!!:) ride safe!!

[@tylermatheson2118]

Absoulty beautiful build, love all videos inspirational, its gonna rip at the dunes have so much fun and be safe cant wait for some footage

[@jasonward9559]

I have been building 2 smokers for over 25 years I do 3 15 to 20 min heat cycles bump the throttle several times through out the run time and then 1 ride at about 45 mins and no full throttle then let them cool off then run them like striped apes !!!! And yes I do let the motor cool down in between each heat cycle !! Love the content brother !!!! You can diff build some SICK 2 SMOKERS

[@everythingloud4068]

3-15 minute heat cycles and easy first ride has always worked for me when I had 2 strokes

[@boomerrang6132]

I would love to break some new trails through the trees on that thing. paddled up at Winchester bay.you did a stellar job on this thing.also, how you were transparent wiith all the details, showed the little fabs you had to do to make it come together, your nod to Arlen and were wide open for criticism and hater nonsense 😂 much respect, homie.I very much enjoyed this.Keep 'em coming.Oregon quad, dune and dirt lover, James Long 🤘

[@martinking2825]

Love your videos man keep up the good work did you use the same pipe and take off the heat paint.

[@jaysevanblargan9426]

Glad to hear your going to silver lake bro! I live right up in that area & it's my favorite place to ride.

[@DoodMangSpeaks]

dude you do some awesome work. if you didn't know already lol you are talented. Your builds run as good as they look. You make this look easy but its not. This build absolutely tops the banshee you did imo. Love both builds but this build is insane in the best kind of way dude... This one was next level for sure

[@motofarmmx2430]

Glad to see you fixed the kicker that was driving me nuts.

[@hadxyn9655]

I love your videos! Btw awesome quad!🤯

[@Thewatson77]

Good stuff as always. I’ve always done pretty much how you said you do yours. My only difference would be that I ride fairly hard the first time. Not 100% balls out but I’d say a good 80% run for a full tank running a little on the fat side. I’m sure this thing will be just fine with what you said you’re gonna do 👍🏼 looking forward to seeing the graphics all done 👊🏼👊🏼

[@eddean5090]

It like your reading in mind that's exactly what I do. I have been rebuilding 2 bangers for a little over 30 years now. One thing I never have people talking about Is altitude it make a big difference in tuning the bike. I'm looking forward to messing around with Lectron carbies and would love to see you put one on your quad

[@dirtworxphotography245]

That sound tho. Think its my new ring tone haha. Sick build man

[@nickmaddox5469]

Crispy! Beautiful build. Love the colors.

[@bearkreekboys]

You r doing it the best way possible! I do the same thing. Using a temp gun helps as well!

[@mikebates2050]

Great video. Thanks for info. Quad looks great.

[@josephgillespie6108]

Thanks for the info I just got done putting an arctic cat 550 in a Polaris trailblazer 🤙

[@quadvloggs6876]

Your doing next level builds man keep it up this thing is absolutely insane would only dream of owning something that nice lol

[@jordanpanich]

Good luck at Silver Lake! It's a blast to ride there! Those Sedonas will do just fine there... You'd be surprised how well knobbys do in the sand as well!

[@naomidixon4915]

That's a damn good video on breaking in been dragging feet on firing up my build lot of $ into it n the instructions I got I'm struggling to do it. Mini revs at idle thats what I'm gunna do

[@jordanpatin2736]

I'm excited to see that thing rip at silver lake. Definitely one of my favorite places to ride

[@joshuataylor7763]

U screwed up big-time!!!!! U shoulda took it into 2vintage's "SHOP" to break her in. Would have at least lasted a whole weekend minus Sunday. Love the build Sabo.

[@MichaelSabo]

Lmao 😂

[@Peace.In.Reptiles]

Ya so what the kid can use wd40 instead of premix he uses that crap for everything its agravating to watch I'm just waiting for him to buy a 500 that actually runs correctly cuz if his bikes ran correctly he would have definitely wrapped one around a tree by now

[@UlisesGlez26]

She's not gonna be MiNtY..😔 or go up on EvErY gEaR, heartbroken.

[@Peace.In.Reptiles]

@@UlisesGlez26 dude I think it's hilarious everybody knows who that kid is I watches videos just to remind myself of what not to do

[@UlisesGlez26]

@@Peace.In.Reptiles haha, same (wd40 on break pads)

[@spiderdanielcoetser9148]

Very good details stunning detailed videos buddy well done to you you inspire me to build my Kdx200 1989 even more in 2O22 every day thumbs-up all the way to you friend🥇👌🏽🏋️‍♀️😎🕺

[@everythingloud4068]

that thing is pretty snappy man. cant wait for the first ride vid.

[@backwoodsmx3274]

That’s what I’ve done on all my engines Since my yz 125 when I was 11 I researched and made my choice and that’s what I’ll stick to

[@DavidJohnson-ri2on]

Was told by dune land that you can get by with knobbies if you air them down. Planning on going this weekend too. Maybe see you there.

[@jaybirdls1]

Michigan guy here, I got lucky and found skat tracks on wheels with front tires too for $400 shipped!! Maybe if I’m even more lucky I’ll see you at the dunes!!

[@mattgyver1]

That’s a nice shot with the 2 stroke exhaust blowing in front of that new silverado front end.

[@theexisting1514]

On the home stretch! Can't wait to see it rippin

[@luke9299]

When we break in aircraft engines we warm them up to operating temperature and then run them hard under load

[@pcostyle11]

Thats interesting !! Ive heard alot about breaking in like that

[@mindyabiz7]

Yes sir. Know how. Good mechanic work!

[@lifeasitis2839]

Hey man can wait to see you this weekend hopefully we can do some ripping on the dunes 🤙🏼

[@MichaelSabo]

Looking forward to meeting you too 🤘

[@jasonhendrie5411]

Man you do it the way you do it everyone has there own method rock on bother 🤟🤟🤟

[@zacharysmith5855]

Dude I love you videos u r awesome and can’t wait for the video of u riding it

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you bro! Means a lot!

[@andrewstahl6916]

Cant wait to see vids of both the 250r and the banshee at the dunes! You gotta do a top speed test of both of them in the sand!

[@davehouston1410]

Sounds amazing !!! Awesome built !!! Amazing

[@ononewheel7]

She sounds good man! I usually do a few 10 minute heat cycles on my builds then 1st ride i will stay off the rev limiter for an hour or so after that i don’t go crazy but ride it a little harder after that change the oil and ride the hell out of her! Ive had good luck over the years w my builds especially w racing these things but i usually do a new piston every 20hrs seeing has i run H/C pistons! New quad is running good getting 4 holeshots and 4 wins and even a couple record overalls for me 😁

[@jayblaz-e3922]

Dam that’s a amazing build. We do a lot of restoration on old school quads we just finished a lt 250r 88 and just like your trx it’s just amazing way more than what we expected. Project build at the moment lt500 87 . One last thing some people just don’t believe how expensive these classic 2 strokes are to restore but then again it’s cause they don’t understand how creativity allows use to modify so many modern parts. Great vids awesome content 💪🏻

[@Pittsburgh-412]

You should put a video on your channel building the lt500. Thats the one and only quadzilla

[@jayblaz-e3922]

It’s been on my mind I just hate being on camera. But if I knew I could build a likable channel I would definitely post some vids on our bike builds and diy repairs . I appreciate the motivating support

[@Chris-fl9hk]

Man your doing great don’t even worry about it.....lol I know it’s hard to ignore sometimes but obviously you know what your talkin about your shit always looks killer and runs like a top....life a garden man dig it......rock on brother !!!!!

[@braddurham145]

No way I have been getting shocked for the last 7 years thank you so much lol

[@MichaelSabo]

lmao!

[@robertwilson5754]

Your doing it right with the break in. Love that qaud you did it right bro

[@jaywagner13]

After broke in and carb tuned, are u gonna do any dyno runs? Would love to see that. Cant wait to see it on the track.

[@paytenarnold2562]

Hey so just a heads up when ur in the sand dunes I would recommend jetting a lil fatter because the sand does put a lot of torque on the machine. That what me and my brother do with my yz125 and his banshee

[@954ethan3]

After every rebuild on the first start I bang rev limiter for about 5 min

[@donttreadonme2235]

*sends rod through case* ( insert shocked Pokemon meme)

[@2strokeatvbro630]

And it doesn’t blow up?!

[@Stergos69]

Love your videos, have you ever had any experience with KFX700 ? Was thinking of getting one.

[@jamiekelley5399]

This really helped me

[@mikebates2050]

The 350 raptor I rebuilt. I let it idle for about 10 min changing the rpms after that took it out to the trails and rode it for 20 minutes or so taking breaks of about 15 minutes. I did that for about 3 hrs then went home and changed the oil. I never ran it hard and made sure to go up and down in the gears. the next weekend I took it out and kind of did the same thing but rode it a little harder. After riding change the oil again. I have put about 15 hours on the motor and I have changed the oil three times. I’m going to change the oil to 20/50 because it’s hot as hell now. It seems to be running good so far.

[@leift70]

straight on dyno wide open in every gear for all the brand new bikes. The 2 strokes you dont want to over oil for break in or piston rings don’t seat properly.

[@seanmorris1486]

Silver lake is a blast you will love it. The 250r is definitely at home there.

[@Smokinbighit]

I have heard a shop that builds crazy 100+ hp banshees will break them in doing max dyno runs right away after they are warmed up. They say those motors last and they make the most power

[@carlosquintana6930]

Man came out sick I love the sound of the two-stroke👍👍👍👍👍👌💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@adamjareman6251]

It sounds so good I have watched this video like 3 times now just to heat this beast

[@kylonendres8380]

Hey, gorgeous bike by the way!!!

[@DUNEATV]

I like your break in procedure! I do the same...

[@wheelssnipecellye2115]

You hit the nail on the head when you said ask 10 different people 10 different answers

[@grandpa-of-3898]

God I love 2 strokes but your killing me I cant wait to see it kicking some as* break in yeah there's hundreds of ways and everyone's is the bests do what sounds good to you great video

[@MichaelSabo]

mickey asbill thank you for watching! 🤘

[@slimetudda7143]

Sounds great

[@jesseison-bowman3964]

I was always very concerned that I would not give the engine enough break in time so I would mix up a tank of belray H1R at 32:1 and run the entire tank through at idle using the heat cycle method which took forever. However I took a brand new crank bearings and top end to Little Sahara once, idled around the pits a little and said screw it and went out and rode balls to the wall all night with no issues (no nikasil) just a ProX310 jug with a fresh Wiseco and .010 overbore

[@mmholling87]

In my opinion I think it's ok as long as there is a load on the engine and you're not panic reving with no load.

[@oneogredneck3652]

New sub here. Sick bike btw. Screw scat crap paddles I've never had luck with them. You can never go wrong with Sand Stars.

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for watching my video and for subscribing One OG Redneck!

[@PowerHangry420]

Opinions are like A55holes every one got one......, Mike Do you....let them Hate!! I Fckn love this build 🤙🏽 Keep on keeping On Bro🤘🏽

[@MxHDXB]

I myself in crowded places start my quad and look at the exhaust smoke and coolant reserve tank. Makes me look PRO, but honestly I dunno a shit what i am looking for.

[@Greywolfwarrior]

LMAO 😂

[@jesseison-bowman3964]

Wtf lol go ahead and check the master cylinder sight glass to really fuck em up

[@DoodMangSpeaks]

before you start it stick your finger in the exhaust an smell it to see what kinda fuel/air ratio you are at

[@aaronnealey488]

Dude load up and come to the 250r legendary tour meet up in Little Sahara Oklahoma at the end of September. Should be 40-50 250rs out there or more.

[@mitchellheath1837]

I miss the dunes my favorite spots are glamis and pismo beach in Cali you will have a blast dude with any paddle tire have fun

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you bro, I want to make a trip to Glamis and Pismo one day.

[@alexz120100]

I'm only 5 hours from silver lake and i still haven't been there yet. I plan on going this year

[@markherman4023]

Life long silver lake here Mike. Get a hold of me and I'd love to show you the ropes around the place. Got my fully built 350 dune banshee ready for you try and keep up with too.. lol maybe then after the place kicks our ass I could take ya for some rounds in the buggy. Place is just up the road and it's my Achilles heal.. place is such a blast!

[@kenwilks6289]

Just rebuilt the top end on a 2001 Trailblazer 250 (I know you're jealous, lol). I used a NAMURA top end kit. The instructions say to do at least two heat cycles. They recommend driving it for 30 minutes to an hour, but taking it easy, not giving it full throttle, but if you do, very short spurts. Then let it completely cool down, (x2). I just do what the instructions say. That way if something goes wrong, I know it most likely wasn't me.

[@867diesel]

hearing that LED said the same thing i do for my first ride on a new build . i think its safe to say ive been around 250R's for a while and know a thing or 2 lol

[@dakotamell2744]

My dad has a 86 and a 87, on thre 87 I’ve broke in a 310 and a 330 kit on it and I always did 1-3 heat cycles then ran about 2 tanks though them just to be extra safe but that second tank all gears all different rpm ranges just making sure the motor is used every way like it would be in the future

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for the feedback Dakota Mell, I appreciated you watching my video!

[@bradbegay3951]

Don’t really think there a wrong way...if it works it works...sweet video...🤘🏼...

[@pauluptmor8731]

Does the quadracer piston work on the 86 rear caliper? I need to rebuild it

[@nate-my6me]

new mike video let’s gooo🐐

[@reminoel483]

I do my breakins just like yours! Ive always ran 32/1 in ALL my 2strokes tho. Quads Sled boat anything

[@matthewsherman1224]

Your videos are awesome to the point….😅

[@LloydchristmasXe274]

3-6 heat cycles of 15/20 minutes of various rpm. Then easy on that first tank of gas constantly pulling the plugs. I never go past mid throttle so I get a good reading on how it cruises and the mid range. Once you have that the rest is gravy

[@dannyboy4536]

Can’t wait to see the top speed. Looks great though.

[@jamesdrak753]

Never done a 2-stroke, but on 4-strokes the first heat cycle is to bring it up to temp. Making sure fluids are topped up and moving, using the cheapest oil that meets specs, all parts well lubed with lucas engine break in. Also never letting it idle more than 10 seconds, and never over 50% throttle. Then a second the next day in the same manner. The third i will ride taking it easy, while never going past 75% throttle. Then i change the oil. The oil will now be factory to that model. Then run a full tank as if i would normally ride but at only 90%. Then another oil change and let it rip.

[@BrendanMX]

I usually do 2 heat cycles, then ride for one tank or 2 hours with varying load, no lugging no running it out, after that rip it. I usually leave the pre mix at 32:1 and leave the jetting alone

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for the feedback Brendan MX, I appreciated you watching my video!

[@andyb9994]

Dude I've said it many times, that R is bad ass, and it sounds sweet, it's your build break it in how you see fit, you have built enough engines and you know what your doing don't listen to the haters. I usually run a tank of fuel on a easy ride, then let it rip, (2 cycles). Anyway the R is bad ass bro I love it. 👍👍

[@caa3117]

When we were racing the 250r's we have done it both ways when we didn't have time for break in time. That being said the way you are doing it was the way all the engine builders back in the day recommended. But you need to put a fan in front of it and vary the rpm's.

[@Koji_dsq]

nice job again!

[@connersnow298]

Awesome vid and bike

[@raymocandler]

I usually ride it for heat cycles, staying under half throttle. Always heard the rings seat better having the engine under load. I honestly don't think it matters much as long everything is put together properly.

[@tylerc7336]

Love the vids, made me check out Craigslist for a cheap bike I can build its been awhile since my last one

[@lbarura4627]

Good shit bro i got ny bike in a box its everyones dream to do what you did

[@250rtrxjunkie]

LTR Brake pistons will fit in the front only as the rear is to long compared to OEM. I know this because I tried. 😑

[@henriksandstad480]

When I bought my bike the last owner didn't tell me that he put a brand new cylinder and piston in, so I went full throttle from day one, haven't had any issues.

[@luuk_is200]

It never hurts to break in a motor. But you can probably get away with just a good warmup