new top end break in process

[bws2]

I'm making progress on the new top end for my 2001 KDX200 (new piston and rings).

Now I'm wondering how I should break it in once I'm done.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

[MaverickAus]

Kawasaki say take it easy, others say ride it like ya stole it.

[JL4049]

Ride it gently for about 10 minutes then shut it down and let it cool right off. Re torque the barrel and head studs, then ride it like normal.

[jjavaman]

I let it warm up for about 5 minutes, shut it off and let it fool down, recheck the head,make sure there's no air or water leaks and you're good to go!

[IDRIDR]

Here's one point of view: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[offshoretitan]

I totally agree with the 'short warm up, re-torque, ride the hell out of it' theory. Put a new piston, RB carb and head mods, Vforce 3 reeds, and a few other goodies on a low hour 2004 KDX220 two years ago. It doesn't get ridden a lot but when used it rips and hasn't demonstrated a moment's problem. Rode today south of Nashville for several hours and it was awesome. 71 degrees here today on Feb 19th. That's pretty sweet! We had a ride that included several stream crossings, hill climbs, mud, open fields, rocky trails, just everything you could wish for. Shot Sporting Clays at Nashville Gun Club late this afternoon and now grilling some red meat and drinking Scotch - perfect day!

[javjacob]

Let it warm up them run it hard and vary RPM, no coasting or idling (except for warm up). Rings will only seat with a load on them. Idling, free revving, coasting and putting around are what you don't want to do. Not saying to have it redlined riding it like you stole it but get on the gas and go hard through the gears and repeat.

[bufftester]

Let it warm up them run it hard and vary RPM, no coasting or idling (except for warm up). Rings will only seat with a load on them. Idling, free revving, coasting and putting around are what you don't want to do. Not saying to have it redlined riding it like you stole it but get on the gas and go hard through the gears and repeat.

+1 on the placing a load, though I would say run it somewhere between hard and easy. I usually warm it up a couple minutes, then take it on about a 30 minute ride that includes some moderate climbs and fast trails. Run it through the gears and vary the rpms. Then like everyone else I let it cool, recheck torques and look for leaks, and then ride normally.

[Friedom]

I just did this. Warmed it up until the rads were getting warm, then took it out and ran it medium hard. Rings seated well in about 30 seconds.
Pulls power wheelies in 3rd now. 92 dx200, FmF pipe, stock silencer, ported cylinder, rad valve.

"Fun Wheel Drive"