| Author | Message | ||
     Anonymous |
I'm used to Big Twin cruisers, and always staying in the low rpm ranges, so this Buell thing is very different. Does anyone have a comment on how critical it is to break in the motor for 500 miles? It's tough because u have to stay under 3500 rpm. I don't think that is even in the power band. What rpm range , when it is broken in, should I be riding in? I'm so used to short shifting! | ||
| Glitch |
It's tough because u have to stay under 3500 rpm It's only 500 miles...a weekend of riding What rpm range , when it is broken in, should I be riding in? Relax and ride where you are most comfortable...just ride. | ||
| Apex1 |
Just keep short shifting like you do on your big twin until you pass the 500mi. break-in mark. The XB's are still relatively low reving engines & make plenty of torque at low RPM's. It's kinda annoying because even in 5th gear you can only go 60mph or so without exceeding the 3500RPM limit. I suggest finding a road you really enjoy & just go cruising for a while. Once your bike is broken in & you start to wind it up a little more you'll notice it's strongest from 4500RPM on up. The power delivery is pretty linear on these things so they don't really have a "power band" to speak of. Note: There are lots of theories as to proper break-in procedure. Some even say go ahead & rev it up right away to seat the rings properly! | ||
| Aesquire |
The writer at Mototune Is of the opinion you should break in the engine, in a progressive manner (see web site) NOT just start it up and wail on it. He also speculated that the factory wants you not to kill yourself right away, hence the mellow running for 500 miles. My bud Wulfstan, who is an ace mechanic & ran his own Suzuki dealership, swears by the factory advice, at least for 300 miles or so. I say, follow Apex1's advice. I find the XB's to be near telepathic in steering. Focus on handling, amuse yourself by dodging pebbles on the road. Get used to the controls, so you don't have to look to work them. Wear the chicken strips down over some miles, the mold release stuff still on the tires can make you lowside if you take the bike even close to it's limits. (lean angle's that are everyday after the tires are broken in, will dump you in a heartbeat, on brand new rubber) Any fool can hammer the throttle, (and most do) having to replace steering head bearings (wheelies! whee!)at your 500 mile checkup will really get you a rep at the dealer that'll be hard to live down. When you DO wick it up, you will still be shifting fast, the XB engine revs up QUICK. Enjoy. |
