How to BREAK IN your Motorcycle ENGINE: What's BEST?

We all want our engines to last forever and run perfectly. What's the best way to break in a motorcycle engine to achieve something near perfection? Cycle World Technical Editor Kevin Cameron and Editor-in-Chief Mark Hoyer talk about engine break-in on this episode of the Cycle World Podcast to share their research and experience about engine break-in and the "13,000 times" Hoyer has removed his Velocette MSS piston. OK, maybe he's not an expert? Find out now...
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[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I miss the old Cycle World of the 70's . The magazines were so good in the old days. Well worth what you paid for it. You couldn't wait until next month to come. They were read cover to cover and kept for years. All gone now 😢.

[@brakinggnus5229]

Thanks, guys! I'm 70 today and learned a new word-asperities! Ima gonna go and inflate my rings now!

[@connor3288]

Happy birthday man! Ok I'm a day late but still

[@LKESBO]

Happy belated birthday dear 🎉

[@takeonetheater]

I'm 55 and right with you brother

[@Accost2u]

I bought a new zx6r along with a buddy of mine at almost the same time a few years ago. I did a break-in that resembled how I would use it every time I ride (hard but not abusive). He did the Kawasaki recommended soft break-in. Now, anytime we race, I always pull away from him even though we weight about the same and have the same body type. Food for thought.

[@daniels.2720]

Just maybe your balls are bigger...jus' sayin'

[@paulvanhout9695]

These conversations are fascinating and informative - can’t get enough. Thank you!

[@keithburns5707]

Whitney Blakeslee told me a story about BMW race mechanics not putting the cylinders on the bike until the morning of the race and they wouldn’t lubricate the cylinders so the bikes would break in a lot faster that way by the time practice was over the bikes were all broken and ready to race. I tried it it works.

[@nickrider5220]

There's plenty of semi truths out there, but these two give the actual reasons - thank you for these tech talks 👍🏻 I used to get US mags in the 80s and early 90s and I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin's articles back then......and probably even more now I do all my own motorcycle tuning, builds, maintenance etc 🇬🇧🍻

[@miro_s]

Kevin is superb!

[@cpuuk]

KC is a legend amongst legends. Better to rev than labour an engine. But you break an engine in to keep your warranty (damn you snitching ECU).

[@zap5936]

On the aircraft engines you measure your rings at top dead center because of the choke. Also when I let the engine rest at altitude I pull a vacuum to draw oil up around the rings. Never once have I ever had to remove cylinder after overhaul.

[@TylerMcCool]

Modern manufacturing is so good now... but oh to be validated... loading it up is the way, indeed. I actually ran non-synthetic oil for the first early oil change on a new 800DE (around 200 varied load miles) before putting full synthetic in after another couple thousand.. Bike runs so well. Love these series of videos y'all have been doing.. You are both a wealth of knowledge & stories. Cheers.

[@john0270]

on my 800de I used the suzuki synthetic at 300km, and the 'first' complimentry service at 900km. did your bike with the factory oil smell like burnt crayons before the change??

[@theKGB65]

As it always has, Cycle World makes motorcycle ownership wholly satisfying. Especially the technical discussions like this one.

[@WayneSmith-zx3tf]

I did NOT watch the video before commenting. I run 'em like I stole 'em from day one!

[@lesmontgomery6498]

Many years as a motorcycle mechanic. I always told new owners to find a twisty road and ride it at 70 percent. By the by Kevin mentioned John Cornwell in an episode I think I worked with his dad in Toronto.and have photos taken by his mom on my wall. F21 Kawi sherpa t etc. If same Jon remember him riding a cut down S 65 Honda as a kid

[@micyclesport]

Best technical motorcycle show yet! Very fun to listen to, always learn something new from C.W

[@EvanRubenstein]

Much knowledge, beautifully communicated! Bravo gentlemen.

[@Simulera]

Wonderful conversation, thanks. I miss my regular CW arrivals and the associated front to back read, starting with Cameron and Egan. It was a magic time for Moto journalism and knowledge transfer. I recall when you arrived Mr Hoyer, it was obviously a good hire. Thanks. Now, bring that back.

[@nockianlifter661]

I like to find a nice long piece of downhill, get the revs around 70% in a mid gear and then close and open the throttle to get an alternating strong vacuum and high pressure inside the cylinder.

[@theodavies8754]

Excellent discussion. I'm just a clockmaker with a diploma in horology, built recon engines before unleaded fuels. The algorithm works best if you like and comment on subjects of interest.

[@drgallup]

My most recent fuel injector design was kicking my butt given the customer requirements for pressure capability and response time, etc. I kept trying different things until one worked! Eureka! It's so satisfying when you make a breakthrough. Funny enough it was something I'd seen done 28 years ago. It wasn't until I had enough sleepless nights that my subconscious dredged it up.

[@maximus431]

Bought a new 2020 Yamaha star venture a couple years ago. I hit the rev limiter 4 times on the way home because I was not used to riding a bike with such a low speed engine compared to the sport tour bikes I was used to. Didn’t seem to hurt it I have over 50,000 kms on it now. I guess that was the right way to break it in.

[@wheelie63]

what took these conversations so long !?...... shoul'da happened years ago. this is priceless !.......thx.

[@connor3288]

The evolution of motorcycle brakes would be a great show, as well as transmissions. I thought I heard MotoGp uses something called seamless shift gearboxes with essentially no loss of drive torque when shifting, I will have to check that out again. I think they said it had poor life however so wouldn't be suitable for motorcycles sold to the public.

[@F3udF1st]

I don't see the problem, the only thing that'll happen is break-in will be delayed... I'm gonna follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Anyway, good discussion.

[@ericmondale3493]

Early Commandos had some cam/lifter issues. Dealers were told to immediately run the engine to 3000rpm and hold it there 30min. They tend to smoke.

[@motostacker3321]

Great timing for me. Picked up a new hyper 950 SP yesterday.

[@mikemohn2124]

after 13 years of doing break in miles for Triumph West Coast test fleet, over 220 bikes, I could feel when they were broken in, nothing tangible, just seat of the pants, rode conservatively for 50 miles then how bike was ultimately designed, never a problem and after applying it to my own rides, never a problem....the argument goes on.

[@BlackArroToons]

Interesting break-in video, thanks. I remember reading about break-in, in Cycle World Magazine years ago. You guys are the experts, thanks for the tips over the years. With my 3 bikes so far, I would ride as normal in the first 300 miles with the exception of trying not to keep the revs in one spot for more than five seconds at a time, just to vary the revs more. But I'd go above the 35 mph speed they suggested for my 250's as I needed to hit the freeways at 65+ mph to get to work back then. Results? No engine issues from 0 to 35,000+ miles earned on each of my 2 Ninja 250's over the years, traded in for my new '21 Ninja 650, which is broken in already and running great so far.

[@blipco5]

Can’t watch right now, I’ve gotta clear my schedule for full attention to see if I’ve been doing it right all these years.

[@cengizozbek5285]

Great and very informative shows. Made even better when Mr Cameron brings in show and tell parts and pieces. In relation to this episode I had my newly acquired sport bike R1 run in on a dyno before ever riding myself. Can’t imagine running in a sport bike in traffic. Thanks again.

[@chrissunde1104]

Thank you for valuable content!

[@kj385]

Great content! Hope people will take this to heart. Whenever I say it no one listens 😅

[@BABYPOP028]

As always thanks for the discussion guys! These are great podcasts !

[@chrishimes5656]

Thank you. Great discussion.

[@ralphrich3358]

Thankyou gentlemen, a very learned and comfortable way to start the day.

[@zap5936]

With 50 + years in the aviation engine building and motorcycle building nichasil and air cooling does not mix. Aircraft cylinders are never very straight and they are nitride and tapered. Yes we run the first five to ten hours on straight mineral oil muti viscosity . Also high power settings ..... lower rpms high manifold pressure s with resting. I just did one today.

[@jgoogleheim8880]

When I bought a 23 Honda Goldwing bagger DCT the manual said first oil and filters (engine and DCT clutch) change at 4,000 miles! Ok so I'm old and I said what??!! I brought it in at ~700 miles and had the service done because mentally I wasn't ready for asperities and oil additives. Maybe it takes 4,000 miles to get things to get where they need to be. I'll go back for the next change at 4,000 miles. Well my first bike was a 1970 Bridgestone 200 cc scrambler. That 2-stroke smoked like there were cigars in the pipes. It was fun though. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

This is brilliant! Great to see and hear you two with practical knowledge discuss a topic that is near and dear to me. Thanks so much...

[@robertchampagne3829]

I have a documented Kenny Augustine Triumph. I'd love to have someone see it before I croak. Great story behind it. Raber approved and that's hard to get. bc

[@andygilliland]

Can KC do a deep dive on MotoGP ride height devices? please

[@JohnNewton-ev8ch]

Gents, how about some visuals of "60 degree cross hatching, etc?"

[@dragonhoard9371]

I rev it to max rpm till i see the exhaust glowing to establish that im the boss and that motor don't stop till i say!

[@TheItalianZone]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:23 *🛠️ Engine Break-in is a debated topic, focusing on achieving peak performance and longevity for motorcycle engines.* 01:45 *🛢️ Traditional engine break-in involved wear particles in oil, but modern oils with anti-wear additives have changed this process.* 03:35 *🚗 Anti-wear additives in modern oils can hinder traditional break-in methods, leading to excess oil consumption and low performance if not done correctly.* 08:45 *⚙️ Proper break-in results in intimate contact between piston rings and cylinder walls, crucial for good sealing and longevity.* 15:38 *🛢️ Using modern oils with high anti-wear additives may not be suitable for old engines or engines with specific break-in requirements.* 18:28 *🔧 Dry assembly and controlled break-in procedures on dynos are common in racing to achieve optimal performance and longevity.* 23:14 *🏍️ Factory engines have evolved with precise manufacturing, reducing the need for extensive break-in procedures seen in older engines.* 26:19 *🏍️ New motorcycle engines are well-manufactured and close to finished by the time they are sold, requiring proper treatment rather than extreme break-in methods.* 27:51 *🚗 Treat new motorcycle engines right following the manufacturer's break-in recommendations for safe and optimal performance.* 28:18 *🏍️ Adding some combustion pressure during break-in can lead to improved performance and lower oil consumption in motorcycles, creating a smoother and happier engine.* 31:00 *🚗 The use of a plateau finish in engine bores can reduce wear particles, improving engine longevity and performance by maintaining better contact between piston rings and cylinder walls.* 35:21 *🏍️ Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for engine break-in to allow piston rings to seat properly, ensuring optimal performance and longevity without overthinking the process.*

[@YouCantSawSawdust]

I would like to try an experiment where I could pin the rings, possibly just the top compression ring, in the grooves and then assess the data on blow by and leak down. This would be for a race engine only, that wuld be rebuilt every 5,000km or so. My theory is that is difficult to get a piston ring to seal and conform perfectly to the cylinder bore surface when in rotates 3 to 4 rpm during operation.

[@rayrayray4116]

So a question arises… 2002 Honda 200XR. NEW Piston , Rings. Did not touch lower end. How to break it in? Non Synthetic and take it to the Vintage Hare Scramble? It’ll break in nice? Then change oil and run semi syn?

[@samcooke2742]

Mike Hailwood said he didn't know or care what was going on in his engine? Hard to believe that a Manx could be ridden that way.

[@tomconte1765]

I think break-in technique varies between air cooled and liquid cooled engines. Air cooled engines can overheat quicker during break-in, which is bad, so riding short, easy rides varyiig throttle is best until about 300 miles are ridden.

[@LTVoyager]

No, that isn’t correct. The break-in procedure is still the same. High cylinder pressure for short periods of time to knock off the high spots, then slow speeds for a time to allow dissipation of heat and wear particles. Riding easy will tend to glaze the cylinders rather than wear them in and that is bad.

[@dereksmith5019]

First time i've heard of someone else using Cratex rubber abrasive .

[@Larpy1933]

Thanks for your comment. I didn’t catch the brand name. My high school machine shop teacher (1971-1974) taught us how to polish away very light surface rust with such a device.

[@dereksmith5019]

@@Larpy1933 Cratex was the brand , i used it for polishing the carb. and other things , paint removal , plus copper pipe when soldering . I used it with my Dremel .

[@douglasgrosch228]

break in oil has to be dino and run that for first few oil changes if you want to move to synthetic ?/

[@LTVoyager]

No, it doesn’t. Many cars, Corvette being one, come from the factory with synthetic. So do most new Toyotas.

[@DanaPeters-c5g]

😮🎉 Dr.

[@lars277]

Owner's Manual. Owner's Manual.

[@peterkoning21]

I don't think it is necessary to run in todays modern bikes. Ride it normally, don't abuse it but ride it ! The tolerances and finishes are so good these days.

[@shadessean]

2 stroke tuning

[@ronaldernst1967]

Ride it.

[@stephenwalsh8184]

🏍👍👍👍

[@RufusCapstick]

No matter what the topic, there's always someone who can segue in "I ride my bike hard" 😂😂 some sort of masculine validation or something like that 🤔

[@tomkarnes69]

S&S 132 CI with less than 1000 miles blowing oil out both heads, pooling under the bike, and all over my boots. Whatcha think???

[@scottwheaton9689]

Sounds like your new motor has bad blowby/poor ring seal issues with oil coming out the breathers on both heads. Could also be an issue with a blocked crankcase breather system forcing additional oil vapor out of breathers. Good luck.

[@dougbelasco6261]

if it's a Milwaukee 8 you need to vent oil filler cap

[@888jackflash]

PAY KEVIN MORE

[@gardemeister]

So İtalian tune up is legit.

[@horatio8764]

Yep it's a thing

[@Erunanethiel]

Türk müsün

[@gardemeister]

Evet

[@Erunanethiel]

@@gardemeister selam o zaman yüksek devre devam :D

[@gardemeister]

@@Erunanethiel Aynen :)

[@jamesonpace726]

Smart guy - paving the floor with basketballs & then trying to walk. Those are the atoms, not smooth no matter how much polishing....

[@dogpaw775]

oops!, i;ve always honed dry.

[@fonziebulldog5786]

Engines built today 2024 aint the same as built in 1950s. Case solved.😄👍

[@juicebox853]

Much talk about a non-existent problem. How many engines are you seeing that have rings that do not seat? ZERO

[@wdhewson]

Sadly this video is so full of errors that I cannot continue to watch !!

[@JohnNewton-ev8ch]

How so?

[@LTVoyager]

Actually, you are so full of ignorance that you can’t handle the truth.

[@danmoore3224]

Service manager Kawasaki, Laverda, Jawa CZ & rat shops. 50 miles & rings are set, now if you are a speedster then hard & fast or just or put around for long life! easy break-in then hard riding it will blow!

[@douglasgrosch228]

Chris Moore @mooremafia pro tuner drag racer - youtube says heat cycles rev 3-5 k rpms for 15 sec then idle do it again again X10 AT full heat let cool do it again to 7k rpms - 5-7 cycles then ride it ride normal .. change break in oil change then all good ! then dont be scarred to rev it after - run little hard cheers