Am I running in my Kawasaki Z900RS the wrong way?!?

[@Paul-kp1tu]

Some people are just rude, I love watching Willie and his daily exploits. It’s. It not a Bond film level experience but interesting none the less. Keep it up. Re running in… Kawasaki and the other Japanese companies seem to know engines, so I just follow the manual. My Honda Cb 500 x said don’t go over certain revs until you do the first thousand , nothing else. It all seems perfect and I don’t think riding it normally I even noticed the revs .

[@2wheeledwillie395]

"Not a Bond film level experience!!!" 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 that really made me lol! Thanks Paul!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Regarding a long trip on the motorway, no problem at all Willie, especially with 500 miles on the bike now. What I'd do is switch between 5th and 6th occasionally just to avoid a sustained time at the same engine speed. If 5th is a bit over 4k rpm, just lower the speed a bit. But personally I wouldn't even bother with that. The bike will appreciate a good, long run which will give it the opportunity to fully reach its optimum operating temperature. A friend of mine bought a brand new CRF250 from a dealer in Derby and took the motorway home to Devon - no issues at all.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers for the advice mate 👍 yep I did over 200 miles on it at the weekend and it was a joy! Dropped it off this morning for its 1st service and the Remap!!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

@@2wheeledwillie395 Excited to hear how it rides after the remap Willie 👍☺️

[@mickusable]

I think the bikes nowadays are generally so well put together that you should be fine doing the motorway ride, obviously don’t thrash it in each gear 👍

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Mick 👌 yep I'm going to take it steady for sure

[@richardbarrett-peck8395]

Hello Willie, I picked my new Triumph up, went home loaded the panniers, then went to Scarborough for 3 days keeping it under 4000 revs as instructed came back on the Wednesday for the 1st service on the Thursday having completed 750 miles, and it has now completed 30,000 miles of hassle free riding and 5 years old. Perfect

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Great to hear Rich 👍

[@Banditmanuk]

That is a beautiful bike. The colours are stunning. With modern manufacturing techniques, I think there's very little harm you could do to that engine by just riding normally during the running in period. If it's peace of mind you're looking for. Just follow the manufacturers recommendations and totally ignore all the comments. (Also consider if you did post publicly you weren't following the break in recommendations and then needed to put in a warranty claim)

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@haxan6663]

I would have no worries taking a modern Kawasaki on a motorway inside the running in period. I can remember my friend buying a brand new Kawasaki EN500, back in the 90s and riding it from Birmingham to Cornwall within the first few days! It was fine.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Haxan!

[@noggintube]

Why would the Motorway be an issue? Running in is about revs, not speed. Any decent bike can handle 70mph without having the nuts revved out of it. It's just common sense, and fully explained in the user manual.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

​@noggintube you clearly didn't listen to my video!! I'm not concerned about riding at 70mph at all it's riding on the motorway for a long period of time

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Funny aren't they, folk? Once I parked up at Matlock on my new (to me) VFR800. immaculate but 15 years old. Bloke came straight up to me and said, "Nice bike", but then added, "Tyres are shit" 😂

[@2wheeledwillie395]

🤣😂🤣😂 people are strange!

[@johnmartin7158]

I personally think you’ll be ok on the motorway. Just don’t thrash it. Happy journeys.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers JM 👍

[@iantownsend17]

You'll be right mate. It's done enough and as you said just feather the throttle if you really want to. About to head to Dunedin on the bike so should be a great day . Bloody cold though

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Ride safe buddy! 🙏

[@noggintube]

Don't feather the throttle. You need to bed in the rings which need load on the engine. All that is required is not to rev too high during the break-in procedure. That doesn't mean to nurse it everywhere, simply ride normally and be aware of not revving too high.

[@simonbealing]

Just do whatever you are comfortable with. After all if something did go wrong with it i doubt an online expert would split the repair bill with you. Ride safe:)

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Haha!! Thanks buddy 👍

[@johnbrandon9430]

Kawasaki make very strong engines, and as been said just dont push it into the red, build up the revs and alter them up and down during your long journey I had an RS and i wish id kept it, its a brilliant bike, i may just get another. Keep up your chats they're great

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks John, appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@davidgriffiths4234]

Don't worry about going on the motorway. As long as the bike is warmed up and you don't trash it you are good. Enjoy the ride 👍

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Dave!👍

[@kennethheldreich6604]

Don't worry about it mate, it'll be fine 👍

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Ken! 👍

[@lensmann100]

I reckon you should be loaning that bike to Freddie Dobbs, he'd run it in properly - that or drop it! Coffee anyone?

[@2wheeledwillie395]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@critterIMHO]

An older than me engine builder once told me that running in an engine is all about heat cycles. Heat it up. Cool it down. Repeat. But each time push it a little harder until you’re giving it all the beans. Doing it this way, the engine can be run in in a remarkably short period of time. Just make sure you’re allowing it to cool completely between cycles. This works for women as well.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

😂😂😂😂😂 love that!!

[@AdamS-rn1pu]

Hi, I have had my Brown and Orange RS for 3 years and now at 9k miles, just had its 4th service. Mine had it's first service when I bought it at a year old with 275 miles on the clock, so was earlier than normal. I took it easy until 600 miles then have just ridden it normally since, and had the second service done at about 4k miles or so a year later. Bike has been fine with nothing to worry about, lots of sensible advice from others here, engine is very under stressed so a couple of hours on a motorway nothing to be concerned about. I'll follow your comments on a remap with interest as I haven't bothered so far. I was going to trade it and another cheaper bike last year for an almost new sport touring" type bike, and decided against it and bought a used second bike instead which is very different, its Guzzi V85TT. By the way I'm 61 and have had +30 bikes of all sorts, I think my RS is a keeper as well, I just need to ride it more as fewer miles this year due to touring on the other one. There is a good RS forum by the way, the people there are very helpful. Adam

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Adam ...Great comments buddy 👍 I love the brown and orange RS!! Think it looks SO good

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers Steve!

[@GapBahnDirk]

Of course it's alright. Carry on...... 👍👍

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Lol thanks GBD 😊

[@pinkiewerewolf]

If warranty is a concern then I'd follow the owner's manual. Going by the questions about EFI that you've posted. On my 24' T7, I mainly followed the Owner's Manual but after 150 miles I needed to ride the freeway for a while and at times it was over the RPMs that the manual suggested. I don't mind but it could bite me in the back side if something were to go wrong. I did take it in for the first and second oil changes earlier than recommended because I was going on a longer ride which would have taken me well over the 600 mile first oil change and I railed it after that. Luckily I've got over 2000 miles on it now and it's getting its second oil change along with some modifications.. It's running fine and with earlier oil changes during this time period I think things will be OK. Thats my line of thought anyway. From now on I'll change my oil every 3500 miles or so. The house renovations are coming along nicely Willie!

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks buddy! 👍

[@williamlylecameron9345]

Willie, my opinion is you have been doing the right thing by running the Z900RS as recommended by the manufacturer and I would do exactly the same thing. Regarding the motorway this bike will be fantastic on the motorway, kept at no more than the speed limit, after all you're not on an RE Classic 350, which would not have the power for the motorway. 😀

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Haha! Thanks Will! 👍

[@markstaley5922]

Bless you just don’t worry about running the bike in your first stint is done the worst you could do to it now is not get that first service engine building is totally different to the bygone days of the 60s the Engine tolerances down to microns modern oil is a revelation just enjoy that bike will do well over a hundred thousand miles especially as your never gonna thrash her on a track get a remap it will change her for the better just don’t beat yourself up just enjoy and embrace ownership 👍

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Great comments! Thanks so much Mark 🙏

[@markstaley5922]

@@2wheeledwillie395 your very welcome I’ve owned a lot of bikes over the years and loved them all they are all special yours is special that’s the joy of ownership my friend 👍

[@clayfarnet970]

Don't worry about it. You change bikes like I change my shorts. I envy your style. Wait a sec, maybe that's why I don't have any friends. :) I think you're safe riding it. They are much better machines today.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Haha!! Thanks buddy!👍

[@stevethomas4615]

Mate, don't overthink it, it'll be fine.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Steve 👌

[@ianhalliwell8604]

So long as you don't rev its nuts off, no problem putting a few extra miles on it. I had my first service at 499 miles exactly but that was more down to good luck than good planning.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Ian, yes I'm going to be closer to 700 miles!

[@MsDenver2]

It’s about not straining the engine like going up hill , if your worried just change your engine oil before . I was really careful with my Z1000st and it made it fast in the end . A nice pair of chrome exhaust

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@login1226]

I had a Z1000 st ‘w’ reg great bike 😊

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Bike looks awesome and cruising at 70 should be no issue as you’re 90% run in just enjoy Willie 🤓👍🏻🏍️ I do like a kwaki

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Jim 👍

[@danielbateman6518]

In terms of the break-in, from the data collected in practical testing, it doesn't make a difference if you go for high revs or low revs with most bikes. Like you said from the test between the two honda engines, it ends up the same. Best practice is to follow the owners manual though, especially for the warranties sake. I also wouldn't worry about doing even an hour or two on the motorway, at least on that bike with the power it has, shouldn't be a problem. I was even doing long distance journeys on dual carriageways with my 125, basically blasting it full open throttle for 30 minutes to two hours at a time, at around the same point in the break in process. It's fine, and if anything seems to run better after, I just had to be careful about the heat coming off the exhaust and engine.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Appreciate that Dan, thank you 👍

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Evening Willie they say it’s going to rain quite a lot tomorrow weather it will of cleared out by afternoon I don’t know running in I would do it by manufactures recommendations you never know if there’s any signs that can show it’s been thrashed your safe then take care ride safe mate

[@2wheeledwillie395]

I'm not going till Saturday buddy...I'm definitely not going to thrash it!!😱 cheers for the comments 👍

[@jpmon-wd6xe]

I think you would be fine on the freeway you already have 500 miles on it I would not worry just very your speed have a safe trip

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks buddy, appreciate it 🙏

[@peterdane9138]

Take the train😂

[@2wheeledwillie395]

😂😂😂😂

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

Modern engines are pretty sound to be honest. You've covered the most important 500 miles so it'll be fine for a Motorway stint.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks GG! 👍

[@randygoins5601]

What jacket is that ?

[@2wheeledwillie395]

It's from Next (about 5 years ago!)

[@ruahinesrider]

Heat cycles when bike is new ride it for short distance 20km be gentle 4000rpm & let it sit for 30mins then ride it again & repeat till about 300km then ride further but 40-50km max rest till 500km. Then ride no more than a hour till done about 1000km then you can ride bike longer 90mins & don't go over 5000rpm till 1200km & then be sweet.After 1200 don't go over 5000rpm to often just short bursts to 6000rpm to 1600km then bike run in & go hard out.Heat cycles are the most important for first 800km especially only 20km runs for first 300km & wait 25-30 mins before riding again & then increase distances.Lot's of gear changes often & not staying in one gear to long.You done 500miles so bike almost run in another 100miles you'll be able to ride for a couple hours & go up higher in RPM.I would ride 100miles max & have 20min rest then after that bike be run in.Best to be gentle for first 1000km.

[@ruahinesrider]

They'll also change break in oil at first service usually at 600miles & bike will run better with new normal oil.Don't worry to much if go over 600miles by a bit just get first service done as soon as you can after your big ride & Don't ride bike after big trip till you can first service done so kms aren't to much over.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks RR 👍

[@ruahinesrider]

@2wheeledwillie395 I'm running my Speedtwin 900 in & manual said 1000km till first service.I went on big ride on weekend dud 370km but I didn't ride for more than a hour as others needed to get gas ⛽️ or a cigarette brake which is 15mins atleast 20mins talking having drink etc.At 800km service light came on & I remembered the Trident first service was done at 800km.Deakerships are different some do 1st service at 1000km my dealership does them at 800km.When I got home I was at 850km & it 110km to Dealership so I'll be 160km over the 800 but still under Triumphs 1000km recommendation.I will book in bike today for late next week for 1st service & won't ride bike till then.They're sweet with only a few kms over 100-160km over.Also on the Speedtwin 4000rpm is almost 120kmh on Trident being a naked bike 4000rpm was only 80kmh😲 & took 500km before going upto 5000rpm which was 106kmh & 80kmh is slow on bike but Trident revs out further than modern classic.

[@noggintube]

Did i get that right, youre remapping already? So you're worried about the break-in and warranty etc, but happy to ruin the warranty with a remap 🤦

[@2wheeledwillie395]

I'm not worried about the warranty just damaging the bike and yes it's being remapped next week

[@borderlands6606]

The 900RS will be ticking over at the national speed limit. Just vary the throttle as you proceed. A bit much that a new bike will need remapping in 2024 to achieve a proper input response.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@paulbooth1373]

Willie, you've done the early part of the run in so a few motorway miles at constant speed will just be "icing". All the dirty work is done already. Don't worry.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Reassuring thanks Paul 👍

[@noggintube]

Nothing wrong with motorway miles during break in, just don't sit at the same speed and same gear for hours on end for the complete break-in period. If a long motorway run is unavoidable, drop to around 50ish now and again in 5th and vary speeds a bit with changes between 6th/5th. It's not ideal, but not the end of the world. Also if you can drop off at certain junctions and do some back roads now and again will help if course.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

@noggintube That's great thanks buddy 👍

[@Bob-xc2us]

Read the manual and run it in accordingly. Take it on the motorway. Just vary the speed occasionally. You've got 500 miles on it so it is 85% broken in. The rings and bearings are undoubtedly bedded in by now and the oil filter takes care of any resulting particles. It's liquid cooled so overheating should not be a concern. If it's not broken in by now it will be by the end of your trip. Cheers BJ

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers BJ! 👍

[@syedhussain5242]

Do it mate ride it. The bike will be fine. Modern motorcycles are very resilient

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks mate...yep definitely gonna do it 👍

[@syedhussain5242]

@@2wheeledwillie395 👍

[@joetocchio9666]

It'll be fine. Just don't redline the crap out of it. And don't take advice from utube. Love the doves, they must be happy watching you 😂😂😂.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Joe 👍 I'm a bit obsessed with the doves!!🕊 🕊🕊

[@PeterHolland-mu7yn]

Got my 900ss ie on the Friday best man for my mate on the Saturday met him at the ferry port on the Sunday rode 350 miles with wished him a great honeymoon turned round rode back to Cherbourg, boat home took it in for its run in service on the Monday with 750+ miles on her they were gobsmacked. ….. Pete 🇫🇷

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Haha! Great story Pete! 🇫🇷

[@Lee-70ish]

I know Zip about modern Japanese bike running in Willie . My old Hondas all had been basic bench run-in, so you could take the speeds up a bit compared say to Enfields. On a bike, that's as quick as your Kwaka. imho 60 to 70 should be fine . It's not like you're starting from ground zero May see you at Stonham, probably Thursday ( good weather forcast), unless the wife has other plans next week We're house hunting in Felixstowe 🙄

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Lee...would be good to see you at Stonham buddy 👍 Good luck with the house hunt!

[@Jagshemasher]

Don't over sweat the running in - just don't thrash it but running at 5000 rpm vs 4000 rpm for 60 minutes will not harm your engine. Make sure you change the oil regularly with a good quality synthetic oil. The engine rpm and engine load are different things. a Z900RS is so under-stressed at 70-80 mph its not even funny. I have an FJR1300 and it will do 80-90 mph without any effort at all. The Z900RS is a great bike - its on my list of other bikes.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Brilliant thanks buddy 👍

[@Bassman1999]

Motorway….just vary your speed, up and down… 60-75. Drop down to 5th occasionally. Just make sure you change things as much as possible.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@tamayaytam]

The break in (run in) process is highly exaggerated. Don't accelerate harshly, don't rev high before warm up. Keep rev down as stated on the manual. Different bike but mine says 500 km under 4000 rpm next 500 km under 6000 rpm. That's it.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@guyfuller1369]

I’d take the A roads. You’re less likely to arrive at your destination pissed off.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Very true Guy! 👍

[@Borntobemild2625]

Stick around the 60/65 MPH on the motorway & it will be fine.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@peteramsay4053]

How do Willie 😊 follow manufacturers instructions 😊 as others have said , gears and rpm's 😊 ya have a bike for riding so go ride it 😊😊 ride safe 😊

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers Pete! 👍

[@stevewicks9718]

Hi Willie, firstly I'd like to say I enjoy your videos, excuse my ignorance regarding the remap of your bike, but would a local Kawasaki dealership do it for you, and that way maybe it wouldn't affect the warranty, just wondering ?

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Hi Steve, it's an emissions problem really... due to euro 5 emissions law so nothing that Kawasaki can do.

[@stevewicks9718]

@@2wheeledwillie395 Okay I see, thanks for the heads up, all the best.

[@Kevin97587]

If sitting on the motorway for 45 mins does any damage, the bike had a problem to begin with. Just change gears a few times maybe to vary the rpms and thats it

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers Kev 👍

[@briansummers5389]

Your bike has a big engine, at 500 miles you can increase the revs it won't harm it.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers Brian 👍

[@andybeahan2189]

I wouldn't worry if you've already done 500 miles 👍

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers Andy 👍

[@simongilbert2704]

just ride it normally , it's virtually a car sized engine , so if it won't do 60 mph on a m'way ???? just vary the speed a little , yes , a little , riding below 70 will have a lot less wind load on the motor , don't worry about going over the service miles , it has a fair bit of oil and a filter and can easily do 5000 miles before a first service , but for safety - get it done as close to the asking , i will guarantee the motor will be fine [ t@c will apply ] ha ha ;;

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Haha! 😂😂 Thanks Simon! 👍

[@Kestrel-FG]

Just ride it.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Lol! Thanks Clive!

[@scottwallace3050]

Three hours cleaning was time well spent, my God that green metallic color just pops!

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks mate 👍

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

🎉Damn Willy you like the Simpsons? I used to drop and watch em I do agree fender extensions p.a is like muck when the xxxx gets wet and f- that "biker" dude sorry been microbrewing willy I had to have the royal delivered but it was brand new couldn't get it to carlisle from Gettysburg under its own power I'd definitely find a different way to get there.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Thanks Jay, I think I'm going to risk it buddy...I've already done 500 miles on it so things should pretty much be "bedded in" Hope yr doing okay bud

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

@@2wheeledwillie395 variation of speeds in each gear bud if applicable I personally would be concerned because your engine is a young one even though you've reached the break in criteria, and modern bikes are quite flawless in the quality of components "meshing " bless ya and yer ship 🛳 🥂

[@peterdane9138]

Seriously just keep to the manufacturers instructions and you will be fine.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Cheers Pete 👍