Break-In Period? - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

FritzKabino · 03-13-2008, 08:57 AM

I am wondering the different methods you use to break in your bike. It will be time for me soon here in the Midwest to break in my M695. I was told to do a 350 period where I use primarily engine braking. After that Im supposed to ride it like I will every day until my 600 mile service where new oil and that is put in.

What are others opinions on break in?

yuu · 03-13-2008, 09:09 AM

Oh you've opened a can of worms - and this is probably mroe a tech question than a riding technique.. but.

Using primarily engine braking - for what? As the primary way to slow you bike down? That theory is going to get you a wadded up monster and a trip to the ER. The 695 has a slipper clutch, so while you can get engine braking out of it, it's not really that much. While using engine braking during the 1st 600 isn't bad, excess of anything during the break in, is.

Most folks seem to hold the opinion that you should be kind to the bike - moderate RPMs, not redline it etc, but not baby it either Meaning you can go over the factory recommended breaking RPMs and it won't blow up. Also, not running the engine at a constant RPM during this period is a good plan. YOu don't need to get wild and have the throttle all over, it just means try to avoid the 30 mile 60mpg highway haul at constant RPMs

So for the 1st 600, ride it casually, enjoy it, jsut don't flog it.

When the 600 is up, dump the factory oil and replace w/ Mobil1 10w-40 bike... do you valve check and safety checks, etc... then you get to flog it.

CDawg · 03-13-2008, 09:12 AM

Just to give you some background, this is a religious issue. If you use the search button on top, you'll see what I mean. Here's the linky on one perspective:

http://www.ducatimonster.org/faq/faq_break-in.html

...I'm going to not voice an opinion on my break-in style, but you can PM me if you like to discuss off-line.

What I will say is not to grab a handful of front and rear brake for the first 100 miles of so. It glazes the pads and will prevent it from mating properly to the rotor.

Jester · 03-13-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

What I will say is not to grab a handful of front and rear brake for the first 100 miles of so. It glazes the pads and will prevent it from mating properly to the rotor

+1

The only real thing the dealer suggested to me was this above statement. Take it easy on the brakes for the first few hundred miles so they seat properly. This also translates into riding a tad easier on the bike since hard riding will require hard braking at some point.

nutty696 · 09-02-2009, 12:04 AM

agree with CDawag. there are many different opinions on the what and how to's.

i've run in over 20 new engines. i personally don't consider an engine fully run in until it has 2,500 - 4,000 miles on it.

treat your new bike like you would treat your body if you started going to the gym for the first time.

if you can't do 30 push ups, don't expect your brand new bike to do the equivalent, but don't be a tea-total nanny. there's a wealth of info (some complete rubbish) out there, but i'd be happy to discuss in detail if you PM me.

93Octane · 07-26-2010, 11:18 AM

good stuff here

nutty696 · 07-26-2010, 12:34 PM

Update: Monster 1100S definitely feels looser and more willing at 10,000 miles.
Just had Michelin Pilot Power 2CT's fitted. Massive difference in grip.

ScottJon · 02-25-2011, 11:20 PM

I am at the 500 mile mark on my new Monster, i have broken in several new motorcycles in my life but this is the first Ducati.

I tell you from my point of view, if you keep it under 7000 RPM (as much as possible) and dont hammer the breaks (unless you have to, emergencies happen) you should be fine.

I have only riden Harley's my whole life so this whole experience is new to me and i have never enjoyed a motorcycle more than my Ducati.

Enjoy your new bike

nutty696 · 02-26-2011, 09:44 AM

Congrats! You will love your monster the more you ride it. Sometimes, you will not love it quite so much (like stop-go traffic, hot weather, long day rides over 200 miles etc.)

Have Dunlop Q2s on her now, and looking forward to some warm warmer weather in D.C. area.
I have 17,000 miles on my 1100S, and I will never sell her.

metroplex · 03-17-2011, 10:22 AM

Why do we need to take it easy on the brakes for the break-in? Brake pad manufacturers have a bedding procedure that requires taking it up to about 40 MPH and braking hard several times to bed the material (I am simplifying it here but there is a known procedure). In my experience, if I "took it easy" the pads never felt right to me in the long run.