[DonBenito]

Hi folks,



I've been lurking for awhile and your enthusiasm helped convince me that the TW200 is the right first motorcycle for me. I live in Tucson,AZ where 35mph surface streets, rutty dirt roads, and OHV trails abound, so the bike seemed like a pretty good way to cover my commuting and recreational bases.



I bought a brand spanking new 2011 TW200 a few days ago, and the first 60 miles have been a blast. I've been taking it in small 15-20 mile runs on pavement and dirt alleyways to vary the gears and throttle, keeping the throttle pretty low in accordance with owner's manual break-in recommendations. I've also tried to space my short trips out to let the engine cool down as much as it can in these parts.



I've read a few pointers on break-in in previous posts, many of which endorse variations on the so-called motoman method, the high-revving break in that seems to be preferred for race bikes.



My main question is this: Has anyone simply followed the far less involved/labor-intensive manufacturer's break-in instructions and lived to regret it? My understanding for bikes in general is that a quick high-revving break-in with multiple oil changes leads to a higher performing engine with a shorter life, but following the old low and slow break in method results in a longer lasting (though slightly less powerful) engine. Has anybody just "gone by the book" and screwed up their bike in the process?



Most of the info out there seems to be geared towards more modern bike engines, so I thought I'd look here for a more TW200 centered point of view.

 

[Revolverman]

If I had a new one, I would follow the book for warranty reasons if nothing else.



Do it just like the book says, I would not think you would notice that much difference anyway even if you did do the other way.



Another thing, statistics would play a huge role in what you said, and I can not imagine that somewhere there is a group of motorcycle enthusiast keeping up with motorcycles that were broke in fast and hard, and they had notes on all this. I would say it is not possible. I think it is someones personal opinion.



Revolverman.

 

[cdsdave]

I have always gone with the book when breaking in new motors and to this date that has yet to let me down. 12,000 miles on my 08 tw and I have yet to need a valve adjustment or any other issues with this fun little bike. I have a mechanic go over the bike every other year.

 

[B-dub]

Hi folks,



I've read a few pointers on break-in in previous posts, many of which endorse variations on the so-called motoman method, the high-revving break in that seems to be preferred for race bikes.



My main question is this: Has anyone simply followed the far less involved/labor-intensive manufacturer's break-in instructions and lived to regret it? My understanding for bikes in general is that a quick high-revving break-in with multiple oil changes leads to a higher performing engine with a shorter life, but following the old low and slow break in method results in a longer lasting (though slightly less powerful) engine. Has anybody just "gone by the book" and screwed up their bike in the process?



Most of the info out there seems to be geared towards more modern bike engines, so I thought I'd look here for a more TW200 centered point of view.

The manufacturer's break in certainly works, you're not going to see or feel the difference unless you tear down the engines or ride motorcycles that have been broken in with and without using the Motoman method. The Motoman method simply optimizes the break in for better performance and longer life. Personally, I agree with most of what Motoman says about breaking in the engine because my personal experience backs it up. If you don't agree, I would at least take his advice to change the oil early.

I think it is someones personal opinion.



Revolverman.

I would encourage you to read what Motoman has to say. You can find his ideas here.

 

[DRF64]

We seem to have competing views on the same topic: http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/4850-dont-baby-your-tw/



all well and good. Jack Kilpatrick and Shana Alexander.



Just don't call qwerty "Shana."





dan

 

[qwerty]

motoman's method is entirely appropriate for the modern crotch rocket, with its metallurgy and machining far superior to the 1960s technologies of the TW and most cruisers. He is right about the oil changes, though. You're due now. If you want a faster break-in, stick with a dino oil specifically blended for motorcycles with wet clutches in a viscosity appropriate for your climatic conditions expected up to the next oil change. If you want maximum engine life, go ahead and switch to a good synthetic oil blended specifically for motorcycles with wet clutches. Either way, the difference will only be the few thousand miles extra it will take to break in the engine.



Sounds like you're riding so far has been good. As miles accululate, gradually increase throttle while keeping rpm moderate (up hill and accelerating), rpm while keeping throttle moderate (down hill and decelerating) for the next couple hundred miles. Then gradually increase throttle and rpm to maximum so that by around 500 miles you are taking full advantage of both. Continue to avoid prolonged throttle settings and do not hold a set rpm for more than a couple minutes. This will do to your engine exactly what motorman's method does to modern crotchrocket engines--prevent the creation of a sharp ring groove that limits power output and damages sealing edges of rings that reduce effective compression and increase blow-by.



Keep the oil full and screen and filter clean. Keep the air filter clean. Go ahead and grease the swingarm. Lube all pivot points and cables.



Yamaha saysP:

1. 0 ~ 150 km (93 miles):

Avoid operation above 1/3 throttle. Stop the engine and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes after every hour of operation. Vary the speed of the motorcycle from time to time. Do not operate it at one set throttle position.

2. 150 ~ 500 km (311 miles):

Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle. Rev the motorcycle freely through the

gears, but do not use full throttle at any time.

3. 500 ~ 1,000 km (622 miles):

Avoid cruising speeds in excess of 3/4 throttle.

4. 1,000 km (1244 miles) and beyond:

Avoid prolonged full-throttle operation. Vary speed occasionally.