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thumper break-in procedures
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Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
I'll be breaking in my new bike tomorrow, it's my first new 4-stroke so I'm not quite sure what is involved, as for break-in.
Apparently TM has not printed manuals for this bike yet, so I don't have much to go by.
I'm not going to have much chance to ride it beforehand, and I'd like to race it this coming Sunday (Rnd. 1 of BC Championships) but I'm not going to do it if it's not safe to.
I know the two-stroke ritual, I imagine this will be different though.
Thanks
Posted by: Antman---------------------
Check out this link:
http://www.mototuneusa.com/
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
After reading that, I'm not sure if that guy is a complete crackpot or if he's on to something..
Is it just me, or does the 'piston on the right' look like it's never been run. There's no way it has a full year of racing on it, unless they polished the thing up after they took it out.
Posted by: fremontguy---------------------
I don't know about the piston thing on that website but the bikini island page was interesting.
Posted by: Anssi---------------------
The method in the KTM RFS manual is more like for your normal motorcar. Ride 3 hours extremely easily, change oil and filters, then ride 12 hours pretty easily, adjust valves, change oil and filters, go all out.
Posted by: SFO---------------------
The wr manual states that after 1 hour of riding your bike is race ready.
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
Another (dumb) question.. Do you need to change the oil filter every time you change the oil? Is it re-usable? Apparently it's the same one that comes on a YZF.
Got the bike today, fired it up and rode it around some. It was very difficult to start, we ended up bump starting it. I think I need to learn how to start this thing..
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
One more question.. This was the first time this bike has been ridden. Is it normal to use a lot of oil on break-in? It only holds a little over a quart of oil, and when I put the bike back on the stand after about 30 mins of riding there was no oil to be seen in the sight glass.
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
nevermind, my mistake. The bike had an oil change without being started since. The oil didn't burn, it flowed into the crevices and oil filter. Doh! It only took maybe 1/8 of a liter to top it up.
I'm not getting many responses here about break-in techniques, come on is this the wrong forum?
Posted by: SFO---------------------
There is a wide range of break in techniques.
One way is riding a new/fresh motor~motorcycle around the parking lot and then taking it to the line for a national and winning.
Or run it through a few heat cycles then retorque everything and then race it.
Try to get TM to suggest something, either the importer or the factory.
If there are any early problems the first question will be, "How did you break it in?"
I can understand your reluctance/caution.
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
I got a manual for the bike online (not printed yet) and break-in procedures are very similar to that of a two-stroke.. I always figured it would be different, so I figured I'd compare it.
I'm not quite adhering to the manual but I'm being easy on it for now, and not running it for more than 15 minutes at a time.
Posted by: endosports---------------------
Cam how do you like the TM so far?
Is it heavy?
I sent you an email and I am getting that gpr out to you and get you a tracking number.
I haven't recieved the arai yet.
B
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
Yes, so far I'm in love with it.. This morning it started on the second kick. I couldn't believe it! This is my first four stroke and I'm clueless to 'the drill'.
Check out www.dubachracing.com, check out his startup tips. Use it like a bible. It sure helped me!
The only thing that's bugging me is the gas cap is leaking like a seive. It looks like the rubber seal inside the cap is too large diameter, so it's not sitting in there flat. I'm concerned about dripping gas onto the head pipe and burning this baby up, so I'm not riding it again until I've found a cure. So far it sounds like a remote issue, as nobody else with the TMs are having this problem that I've talked to.
The bike weighs probably the same as a YZ426F, maybe a bit lighter, but it's not as light as a CRF450. It feels very close to the weight of the KTM 400SX. I'll see what I can do about having it weighed, I'm not sure how to go about it though.
Expect a full ride report after the weekend, my buddy is picking up his '02 KTM 400SX and we'll be breaking them in near Cache Creek, BC. I don't have much to go on, I've only ridden it twice briefly around the yard.
Replied via PM regarding the helmet-damper swap..
Posted by: rennym---------------------
OK, I will take a shot at it,
This is what I do:
Especially if this is your first TM: RTFM (Read the F#$%ing Manual) :D
1. Check the oil filling and measuring procedures from the Manual. Us YZ owners know there is a specific way to check the YZ.
2. Measure and top up any oil necessary.
3. Start the machine and lightly ride it in first gear for a minute or two, varying the throttle but never more than 1/2 throttle.
4. Shut it down and let it cool completely. Check oil again. Repeat 2 or 3 times more.
- The object is to get the machine to warm up a little bit and let the rings and cylinder seat properly. You do not want the engine screaming hot. Proper operating temperature, but don't generate a ton of heat (heavy acceleration, ripping in the mud, etc.). But ride it around in 1st gear to get a little bit of circulation of air around the rad, etc.
5. After 'heat cycling' it a couple of times, now start it and take it down the road or flat type trail and click through all the gears, never reving more than 1/2 throttle or so. Do this for a half hour or so.
6. You should be ready to trail ride it for a couple of hours, being carefull not to overheat it (stuck in a mud pit), or cold seize it (crossing a river).
Run the break in oil until the first oil change, but now is probably a good time to change the oil and filter, as the filter will probably have metal shavings in it from the parts coming together for the first time.
You should be ready to go.
RM
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