Breaking in a Ducati

[hawc]

So I've been patiently and dutifully keeping my Sport 1000 below 5,000rpm for the first 1000km. Short shift, short shift, short shift to get to 100km/h. I can't wait to finally wind it out (to whatever the redline is 9,000rpm -1100rpm?) Anyone past the break-in period on their sport classic? Anyone not waiting until 1000 km and just winding it open now?



(I'm at 530km now. That picture was taken when new)

[mh900e0974]

another very important part of the break-in process is to create multiple heat-up and cooling cycles during this period. also, remember to check tightness of parts during break-in, as things have a habit of vibrating loose until they are fully seated.


ciao and prego,
johnc

[IAMYellowDuck]

Redline is about 8000 on those motors, I think. The rev limiter will let you know, anyway.


BTW, congratulations on the bike. They really are beautiful, and I would have one too if it weren't for the kitchen in need of renovation and the new baby. Oh well. Maybe there will be some used ones around in a few years?

[AussMax]

I think limiting the engine to 5,000 is being over-cautious. The book recommends no more than 5,500 - 6,000 in the first 1,000km (600miles). It's difficult if you go only to 5,000rpm, since the engine doesn't really even feel smooth until you're at 4,000 rpm. Laboring the engine at low rpm can't be any good for the engine either, so you have to strike a balance. The 1,000 rpm range is too narrow; it would make the bike pretty tedious to ride.

I went no more than 5,500 for about 200 miles, then up to 6 every now and then for the rest of the first 600 miles. Full run-in, according to the manual, is 2500km. At 1,200 miles, I'm almost there so I've touched 7,500rpm briefly from time to time.

You're gonna love it when it's more run in and you can start to twist the throttle again. It pulls like a train. OK, it's not a 999, but it's still plenty of fun for the street. CHARGE!!!

As for tightness of bolts etc, I love the way Ducati marks most of them with fluorescent green paint. It's easy to see if any bolts have worked their way out.

[pakalolo]

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[CusSpoCla]

I've been keeping my GT1000 under 6K per my dealer's recommendation. With 300 miles on the bike so far, the engine has loosened up and I've had occasional short blasts past 7K just to see what she'll do. So far, no problems to speak of other than some minor popping on decelleration (too lean). I'll have the EFI looked at during my first service.

Mike

[pakalolo]

dude All I can say is run it hard go over the 6k rev ...did u read the article...but remember dont tell that to the dealer cuz they might turn around and say your warranty is no longer...run it hard dont be shy...