Breaking in a New VFR800 at the End of a Season?

Recently bought a "new" 2014 VFR800 Interceptor, which is being delivered tomorrow. It hadn't even been prepped until I bought it, so it's as "new" as a 2014 can get. I live in Ohio, where it's obviously getting colder, but there's probably still a little time left in my season. Just curious for opinions about whether to try to "break in" the engine before having to park it for winter.

I think the manual says the "running-in" period is 300 miles and that the oil and filter should be changed at 600 miles. (I'm sure there are other opinions on both numbers.) My concern is how many miles I'm going to be able to put on the bike before the weather forces the issue and ends the bike's 2016. I might be able to get in 300 miles, but I kind of doubt 600.

Any experienced opinions about whether I should ride it at all this season, or let it wait until 2017 ... and start fresh from there?

Thanks!

 

Here's my take, but first Congrats, sweet VFR for sure. That being said there are many myths and facts about the proper break in thing is today engines are built at an almost go out and rape em build . there is a lot on the web explaining. One thing that sent a red flag to me was, You say it wasn't serviced until you bought it? Hmm knowing Honda does a quick run on the dyno at where they are built, has me asking did the dealer change the oil prior? getting rid of the stuff that sat for two years? Other wise I'd go by the manufacture request first for warranty reasons. but you can ride it for the most part any way you want . yes next oil should be at the 5-600 mile mark . Me, I'd change it 100 but thats me.

 

Congrats on the new bike.

I could have that run in, in 2 days easy.

 

I would run the piss out of it, and ride it every chance you can, to get to 600 before the weather changes. Then get the 600 mile service done and go for one more little ride before you park it for the winter (assuming you really do have to park it...I'm in Denver, and still manage to get it out at least once a month, all winter long).

FYI, I picked my bike up on a Saturday and had it in for the 600 mile service the following Friday...no commuting, just hitting the canyons every day after work.

 

If it was my bike, I would put the 600 miles on it, have the oil changed and ride it more. I don't park bikes for long. But I live in a place where the weather is meant for human habitation. ; )

 

Yeah do as Dave says and just get out and ride that bitch as far as you can! Then take it in for the 600 mile first service before Winter hits - even if you're a few hundred short.

 

Delivered tomorrow and not going to ride?? There is no way you could keep me off that thing. I would jump on it and go and go and go and then go some more up until I saw the first snowstorm rolling in. That would be like waking up on Christmas morning and your parents telling you that you can't play with your toys!

 

What ever happens in the oil exchange, make sure there's no K-N filter involved

 

I looked st the weather for Columbus Ohio. Your forecast says highs in the 70 until mid next week. If you pick it up tomorrow (Friday), assuming you took off work, and have the weekend off, 600 miles should be really easy.

As far as break in.... I break stuff in stout. I do a couple of heat cycles and take it to redline. Get those rings sealed.

Make sure those tires don't have any oil or preservative on them. Air down for the first 20 miles or so. Scuff em up really well. I'd be more concerned with the tires than the engine.

Congrats. Post pics. I want to see it.

 

Guys, what about almost three year old tires???
Tommy did you ask for new tires?


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Change the oil, ride it for 50 or so miles varying the rpms and engine load. Change the oil again, ride it for a couple hundred more with no constant rpms but start running higher rpms, 75% throttle or so, change it again. Good to go, start running up to near red line. The engine will be broke in way before the transmission, that will take well over a thousand. I'd change the oil again before 1k. Might seem like a lot but I do go to the effort on a new motor.There are a ton of break in theories but I think the aviation industry has more info and more at stake.

 

Now that's a great example of a genuinely helpful member willing to give to another member so sacrificially.....

 

Unfortunately, I didn't ask for new tires. But I got out the door low, so I have room to play.

 

You are so helpful and at no charge AM--- what a gal


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Tyres will be fine. Get out and ride the thing

 

I'd ride the tires too. Your not going to railing it right out of the gate anyway. Check them and then ride it. Don't forget those oil changes. B

 

Lots of good advice, bottom line go ride it, never stay at one rpm to long, shift a lot, no lugging it either as well as no babying it, change oil often, don't use KN filters.

 

Remember, get on it, but not too hard, just hard enough, but not any more than that, a little bit more won't hurt too much, just not a lot more. Make sure you do it for short periods of time, if you do it for a little longer, it's OK, but try to limit how much longer it is, just long enough is normally good. Ride the tires, but don't ride them too hard, just enough, but not railing, make sure they are touching the road, but not in the same place for very long or under a lot of torque. Oh, and change that oil, use the good stuff, the other stuff is ok, but for not as long as the good stuff and by all means, change that filter......I'm totally joking.