There seems to be some confusion when it comes to running in a new bike This is how I do it! Royal Enfield interceptor/continental GT. PAYPAL Donations. threelittlefishes@live.co.uk PATREON. / stuartfillingham
This is one of the absolute best explanations of motorcycle break-in I’ve heard or read. Having ridden for 53 years and owned many bikes from new, it’s always a tenuous period during those first several hundred to one thousand miles. Stuart provides advice with the supporting rationale to understand how to do it right. Thank you, sir.
Yes I agree, this man knows his stuff. Few channels have taken notes from this video and have used it their videos, even the same example of the bicycle which was mentioned in this video.
I keep coming back to this video. Like a lot of people, the Interceptor is my first ever brand new bike. All my years riding I've never had to run a bike in. I've still got a hundred miles to do then I can service the bike. Getting the bike last October was a pain because of our delightful British weather I've not managed to get three hundred miles on it yet. I've bought everything I need to service the bike. I'm an experienced home mechanic and after watching your four part series many many times I reckon I could do it blindfolded now. Thank you so much for all the help you provide to us lot out here. Take care and ride safe.
In my experience traveling with most women is like journeying with a pissed off constantly yowling fussy cat. Sure, they like the cachet or romantic notions of Travel, but not the realities.
@@BilgemasterBillMy wife is the exception. She loves almost everything about travel. The research before decisions. The anticipation. The preparing & deciding what to pack. The journey to the airport and enjoying fake duty-free. She hates take off. The final journey to the accommodation. I’m an ok traveller, and quite organised. I used to fly long distances on business, roughly monthly, for several years. I don’t dislike travel but I’d happily do less of it.
Very good. The Interceptor is my first ever, brand new bike. I've owned seven other bikes over the last twenty five years, but they were all used when I got them. As a mechanic for plant and industrial equipment, I know everything you've said here is sound and good advice. That said, and even knowing all of that, it's an ease of mind to hear it presented this way. Thanks for the video. Cheers.
The breaking-in you recommend is the way I did my 2008 Bonneville - especially not "lugging" (low speed/high gear). It has served me well. She's pulling hard and strong 66,000+ miles later. The Interceptor has really sparked my interest and will likely be the successor to the Bonnie.
Yes, totally agree with all you've said about running in a machine. I would like to add a little on longevity. You need to ride the machine regularly, I think it's fair to say that my 9r was on the road for over 300 days a year, commutes and holidays, no ride days include snow and ice. It was serviced twice a year. In the 100,000 miles of its time with me, shims were looked at but not adjusted twice, and it needed a new clutch, but that was ahem my fault, other than that the engine was 100% reliable. So riding keeps your bike well, sat in a shed they deteriorate much quicker.
Just bought one of these for my wife. It is shockingly good, I want one now also. I am following the manufacturers recommendations as you recommend, I am excited to do the 300 mile service because it is such an easy bike to work on, how refreshing! My wife will have no trouble keeping it under 4000 RPM for the first 500 miles and 6000 RPM until 1000 (as the manual recommends) I would have an exceedingly difficult time doing that. This bike is going to be a game changer for motorcycling in a good way. Great motor, frame, brakes, and suspension. It's just perfect for many people, it's beautiful as well.
Another thing to remember is to ignore the comments and/or opinions of others on the road. While I was breaking in my last brand new bike, doing all the things you recommend, I was chastised by cagers on more than one occasion. Having to ride at a top speed of 58 mph on a 65 mph road (that's often the speed limit even on TX backroads) and being hollered at to "learn how to ride" sucks but it's my bike and I'd rather take care of it properly than concern myself with impatient douche-bags in pickups and SUVs. Nice job on the video. Thanks.
I really appreciate your channel Stuart. I’m 45 years old and have never ridden a motorcycle. I’m signing up for a local motorcycle training course next month to learn how to ride. After completing the course I plan on buying an Interceptor for my first bike. Thank you for all the informative videos!
@@davidmuir6849 Thanks! I actually ended up buying a 2006 Triumph Scrambler after finishing my riding course. I got a great deal on it and it's a gorgeous bike. Trying to get out on it as much as the weather will allow. Cheers!
The only thing that I would have added Stuart is that the brakes and tyres benefit greatly from this gentle approach, many an accident with both four wheels and two, especially on damp and or cold surfaces, is from not allowing new tyres to wear in properly before expecting maximum grip and handling and likewise with brake pads.
All my time in college, I've been using my 150cc class bike. Years with it have taught me how to run-in and maintain bikes. I am about to get my Interceptor soon, so I watched it and I'm glad I did. You covered everything that I even encountered in the small bike. Back then, I didn't know what to do. But now I do, thanks to you.
Just took delivery of my new Interceptor, this video is excellent advice and information with a simple, easy to understand approach to running in a new bike, first class!
Hello, Stuart. I've been interested in the Interceptor since it was no more than a rumour, and I have a Royal Enfield dealer mere yards from my house. I've been admiring the model ever since it appeared in the showroom. I'm now in a position to change my bike and your videos have been an important part of my research into the machine in question. I took the demonstrator bike for a test ride last Monday (17/06/19) over a comprehensive route of my own devising involving urban, suburban and motorway conditions. I was most impressed and the Interceptor is probably the leading candidate to replace the excellent Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog that I've owned for 15 years from new. I've been riding since 1963 and have bought several new machines as well as a number of used ones. Overall I concur totally with your assessment of the optimal running-in procedure. It does pay rich dividends in the long run in terms of performance, reliability and the minimisation of costs. One particular machine I owned had been very carefully and assiduously run-in by its one previous owner, with the result that it always performed better and consumed less fuel than almost all nominally identical bikes owned by others. At least, that was the opinion of the people who serviced it for me. So there are tangible benefits from doing exactly as you describe. Best regards, Tony.
So very apt, clearly brought out and with very straightforward explanations. No bells and whistles, to the point. Just exactly what is required. A big thumbs up and all the best.
Thank you Stuart. I am at 100 miles on my new Interceptor and my friends just couldn’t understand why I would stop every 10 😂. You Sir, are appreciated.
Spot on Stu. I've followed the manufacturers run-in procedure on every new bike I've bought and found that it's also a great way to get to know the bike better. Those little nuances that each bike has are usually exacerbated in the run-in period which, in my experience, gives a 'personal' feel to the bike. Thankyou sir!
Had my Interceptor two weeks now and love it.I rode a demonstrator,returned it 3 hours later.Also tried a Speed Twin,took it back after an hour,and knew well before that which one I wanted.People said I would miss the power of my previous bikes,not so.This is a good,well explained video.The dealership I used said that Enfields are supplied with a running in grade of oil,to be changed after 300 miles.
So i just bought my Interceptor downtown drag. And I am to receive it in a months time, and the first thing I do before I pick up my bike is watching all of Stuarts videos. you have the most informative channel thank you so much!!!
A brilliant video as usual. Just bought a royal enfield interceptor 650 today. Been following this channel for a while. Always good, bone dry humour. Love it. This particular video has answered all my questions and doubts.
Very well presented Stuart. I have many country roads here in Southern Oregon for just this purpose. The 10/15 mile pauses during a day's ride is a good idea. Thank you for that. Good day
A very informative and thoroughly entertaining video Stuart. You had me in stitches with your analogies and comments. I think you would agree with me when I say that running in a new bike is very much an organic experience. Where man (or woman )and machine are becoming acquainted. What a joyous experience this can be. Getting to know your steed. After the running in period, man and machine become one, and they live happily ever after.😁
Stuart, I've watched many of your posts, but it only dawned on me with this post, that you are in fact a poet with a magic pot spewing words of obviously authentic wisdom. Well done, luv what you're doing & will look for more of you & your bike.
Thank you for the concise and understandable explanation of the break-in process. Tomorrow I pick up my new Interceptor and drive it 1 1/2 hours home on secondary roads. The video has lessened some of my angst. The forecasted high of 8°C (48°F) should keep both of our temperatures down.
Excellent, detailed advice born out by my own experience and that of my Dad - an Air Force pilot who taught me to "fix things before they break," i.e. the merits of preventive maintenance. I am studying your channel as I prepare to own another bike after a 4-year hiatus. Thanks!
I just got my new Interceptor yesterday, just stumbled on your video, very informative and the break-in period precautions well explained..Thanks Stuart..!
Thanks for the great video, Stuart. You've cleared up some of the uncertainty I had after reading the manual. I'll be completing the breaking in process on my Interceptor with much more confidence now!
Excellent video. I've followed your advice and just rolled 300 miles on new interceptor yesterday has I pulled it into my shed. I'll be loading it up and taking it in to my dealership (100 miles away) for its first service soon. Thank you for all of your informative videos
This is amazing content. I just bought my Interceptor in Romania and this advice is priceless. Your expertise is much apreciated, Sir! Carry on this noble work! Cheers
I want to recommend the book of Robert Pirsig, which actually I am sure you will know. You have that eastern buddhist state of mind. Love it and love listening to you advise, comments and tips. Thnx
Thanks Stuart. I've never had a new bike before and am thinking about an interceptor. I'd actual chosen a dealer 100 miles away, and was planning on a of 100 mile runs thinking that it would get me though the break in period quicker! Time for a rethink!
Thanks! I’ve just returned to biking after a considerable period of time and Im currently running in a new bike (just less than 200 miles covered to date). This is the video that I needed to see.
Agreed on your points in the video, and those of Jeff Slade. I always go up to the specified rev limit and always run in on roads that require full use of gears and progressively harder use of the brakes, as Jeff says, the whole machine needs bedding in, not just the motor and gearbox. Very few think about themself -ie the rider-- you are on a new machine so you need to "run in" yourself as you gradually explore its characteristics (even if you have only traded in an earlier model for its latest version, but to a lesser extent.) I separate "handling" from roadholding, handling to me is how the bike can be flicked from right to left lean, and steered through tight situations, I include any tendency to under/oversteer as handling traits. Roadholding is how the bikes chassis allows the tyres to maintain grip with the road surface and hold a line through a bend. On servicing, I think the interval is a baseline, I would reduce the mileage if hot weather and short journeys with heavy traffic density, ditto if short journeys in colder conditions, I don't service my bike because its done 5K miles or whatever, I service it so its good for the next x thousand miles. Steps off soapbox to put kettle on LOL;
Damn it man I just bought a red interceptor yesterday in San Diego California. What timing with your video popping up? That said your video concurs 100% with my break in procedure for when I bought my new 1972 Kawasaki triple 2 stroke 350 cc. This isn't coincidence. It's very good break-in procedure.
Comprehensive and sensible advice on running in a modern bike. I did all of that when I bought my Triumph Bonneville 865 in 2012. I have owned approximately 40 bikes over many years and the Bonneville was my only brand new bike. It has paid dividends and I have had zero trouble as a result.
This is very similar to a magazine article I read many years ago “ The gentle art of running in” it was called, and I followed a similar process with any new vehicle that I had to run in. Great article Stuart
Hi Stuart,I want to thank you for this video as it has reassured me that I’m not doing anything wrong running in my Bullet.I’ve been getting many false neutrals and imagined it was because I’ve not ridden a motorcycle for about 22 years.The engine has been over revving
as a result and I thought I must be doing damage,so really reassuring to know everything’s OK. infact I’ve done about 150 miles now and the false neutrals are far less and I’m getting used to the occasional back fires at low revs.So Thanks again Stuart.
I am finding your videos quite informative. They became a great reference when I finally ended up purchasing an Interceptor 650 a few days ago. The market for them in the United States seems to be taking off. The dealer had six when I stopped by. By the time he delivered it a week later there were none. I am quite happy with my purchase and your videos informed my decision making. Thank you.
Last week I did a 340 mile round trip to take the same photo you have at 1:00 with my Orange Crush Interceptor. 340 miles in a day on back roads is no bother with the Interceptor.
I've just picked up brand new Interceptor and love it- my first ever brand new bike ( have owned 37 bikes in total) and I'm taking my time over the break in and I totally agree with everything you have said. I started with very minimal throttle but allowed free revving between the 2000 and 4000 rpm range and am gradually introducing a little more throttle as the miles pile on and at 500 kilometres am now taking it to 4500. Now due for it's first service.
I was dreading the first 500 kms on my bought-but- not-yet-picked-up Classic 500, but after seeing this video I'm actually looking forward to it! Thanks, Stuart :-)
Hello Stuart I know this is one of your older videos, but I just subscribed. This spring I plan to buy a new INT650 and appreciate how knowledgeable you are and can't wait to put what I have learned from you to use. Thanks, Bob
Just getting back to biking after a twelve year hiatus and with an Interceptor a similar bike ergonomicly to what I had in the sixties, then later moving on to japanese bikes wrapping it up with a Honda v45 Magna which was a much more laid back low smooth ride So now it feels like back to the old days, its nice to know the bike feeling a bit clunky and a bit awkward is kind of normal till broken in and its not all me being so rusty myself, so thanks for the tips and what to be expecting with my new Royal Enfield. Im expecting many happy miles in the future Joseph
Fortunately, my dealer (family owned, 3rd generation) has been around for a long time and their salesmen are very knowledgeable and don't turn over. They do a good job explaining the break-in process, which is the same as you have described. The comment on engine braking is spot on.
Im planning to purchase the Interceptor Glitter and Dust in the spring . So this info was very informative Its 35 years since I ran in a new bike (Honda CB 250) took 600miles to do it correctly. So its changed a bit Thanks Stuart.
Hi Stuart thank you so much for the running in explanation it was quite informative. I have been looking for a bike for the wife and she likes retro and I showed her the Interceptor and she has fallen in love with it. So we are off to the show room to see how she feels on one. I have been a Police motorcyclist for many years and now live in Oz so I think the climate here is well suited to the Interceptor, I just have to make room in the garage to fit a third bike. Keep the videos coming mate.
Thank you, Stuart. I enjoy your videos almost as I much as I enjoy my INT 650. This video helps much in understanding a proper break-in period for my new bike. Kind regards.
Nice, following the valuable tips in breaking in my silver spectre. Have covered just 150 miles so far and saw your comment on tappet sound in an other post. My learning of the same is tappet sound settles down considerably once the engine is hot at its peak and exhaust sound also gets heavier ( bass heavy, don’t think if one listen to then would think of an exhaust upgrade) and it’s quite good as well when you take it out of the apartment early morning neighbours won’t get disturbed of their sleep because of a thumpier exhaust
Hi Stuart, further to the above and after covering 1500 kms and 1st service on my interceptor here's few of few observations :- 1. Performance is top notch, mileage is between 23 kpl to 27 kpl however at speeds higher than 120 kph gets a feeling that motorcycle back end is pushing slightly towards the left. I did coupe of times 150 kph since at that speed my entire focus and alertness was towards the road didn't divert my mind to notice the push off to the left 2. Got stuck twice in bumper to bumper traffic for around 40 min each at air temperature 38* C and humidity around 85 %. I believe after 20 min engine struggled to cool off by oil cool mechanism thus RPMs dropped below idling mark of 1200 and hovered around 800. Then on moving from rest RPMs would first kick up to 1500 mark and then come back to 1200 mark thus matching with the throttle opened in 1st gear to start from the stop. Finally after 40 minutes when i drove it for around 5 minutes , the normal idling RPMs were back i.e 1200 3.Yesterday I was riding at 120 kph and had to do emergency braking, unlike test drive conditions where there is no traffic and panic, in real life panic situation brakes and stability came up good and eventually i crashed at 40-60 kph. Engine as supposed got switched off on tripping that really saved me and motorcycle from dragging. Though crash guards took the impact and no other part got damaged except brake pedal bent a little, i feel it has become little buzzy in the foot-pegs at speeds exceeding 70 kph though this could be crash guard had dislocated a little and touching the engine at the bottom. Also since the crash i believe tappets / valve noise a increased a little, what is your say about it ? 4. Lastly, i have started riding a motorcycle after 10 years, is it that twin cylinder engines are noisy in general, since i have been driving car for all these years i am noticing it more and very particular about it or my machine in actual is making more noise ? 5. Overall you there no better VFM motorcycle currently in the market. In India Interceptor 650 on road price with crash guard and sump guard is Rs 300,000 or USD 4183
With my previous bikes when breakng in a new motor at least for the first 200 to 300 miles i use the minutes by miles rule, for a certain amount of miles i stop the same amount of minutes for cooling/heat cycles. so far so good.
Stuart, Thanks for this wonderful informative video. I now have an answer why my INT 650s engine use to heats up so much making me uncomfortable on the saddle before the first service (of course it was peak summer around a month back where I’m living), now it’s a lot better.
WELL,pick up the Interceptor yesterday and started the running in thing just as you said in this vid.90 miles so far will do 2 x 50 mile runs today letting bike cool right down between runs.
Great video Stuart, very informative. I've just paid a deposit on the new RE Classic 350 ( DEC 2021) which hopefully will be out in the spring, I downloaded the Instruction manual, which gives good running in instructions, No rev counter of course, so will have to err on the side of caution. I remember back in the 90's running in a new Bullet 500, and being overtaken by pedal bikes whilst going down hills in the Peak District ! Living on the edge of the Peak, flat roads are at a premium, so some pretty slow accents will be called for, not to put a strain on the small single cylinder engine. Thanks again, all sage advice, Stay safe.
Many thanks Stuart! I love all your videos but this one is a lifesaver as I was super worried about the gearbox on my new Interceptor, but now I know it's normal.
I agree 100%. It lets you get to know your new bike, and allows the tyres and brakes to bed in. I remember seeing in a dealers a large sports bike in for new discs in less than 200m as the owner had taken it straight out on the motorway with heavy braking involved.
yet again spot on i am buying one this week with only 80miles on it so i will run it in its 60 miles from home so couple of stops should do the job really looking forward to getting this bike its the continental 650.
If your interested at all, I think it would be great if you wrote a book to help people learn to ride properly and safely, advice on buying a first bike, your reviews, and more about your riding history. I would definitely pick up a copy. Just a thought.
Great information! You answered a lot of questions I had. I live in Southern California and the dealership is 80 miles away. But to bring it home I would have to get up to freeway speeds. For a $100 they’ll deliver it. That sounds like the safer route
Waffling on??? I don't think so... Any rider worth his salt should be listening to this with rapt attention.. You don't get this kind of knowledge everywhere. Great going Stuart! I can definitely come off this video having learnt something!
I bought my first ever Bike at 59 years old. I knew, ( and know ) zip. I’m relying on others for expertise. I have a RE 500 and found videos on hard run ins. I was hooked. Probably because nothing there to advocate manufacturers advice. Plus...... it played to my inherent laziness. The 500 has no rev counter so went by feel with no experience. The results have been ok I guess. But nothing experience wise to give me a crystal ball of what will happen a 1000 km down the road Certain ranges are so smooth now that I have to give a double take. But what now ?? I will get a tiny tach soon to finish off my run in. Plus, I’m purchasing an Interceptor in a few months in it’s Embryonic state. I will endeavour to do as you, ( Stewart ), and other knowledgeable riders espouse. Thank you and may pop in for a coffee in a couple years when I fly my 500 over for a Britannia tour. Thanks
I have owned a plethora of new bikes over the years and I always take it easy for about 100 miles then ride it hard with gradual increase in throttle opening. When full throttle is achieved I pull up, let it idle for a bit to dissipate heat evenly throughout the engine then turn it off, let it cool and do it all over again. This is done for about 500 miles then the bike is ridden as pleased. Most importantly never labour or lug the engine and vary the revs , use the gearbox and have fun. This method has served me well over many years.
Hi Stuart, great videos, I was told by the mechanic from the dealership that letting my 350 meteor run a bit before riding it was not needed, I asked him as I read that was a good thing to do, so when dealership mechanics are telling you wrong it's not very helpful lol. I let it run a bit anyway, I'm in my running in period and I did take the bike up to 60 a couple of times on a flat road only for very short bursts but then straight back to 40mph max, naughty but I just couldn't resist ;-) felt good though she ran well.
Went out for the first time on my new Continental 650 yesterday - did 50 km (30 miles). I agree with your recommendations here but the Owner's Manual (in both English and Thai language) adds to the confusion by giving two apparently conflicting sets of instructions. Firstly, it recommends a maximum speed in 6th. which equates to 3000 rpm with speeds corresponding to even lower rev limits in lower gears (e.g. max 30 kph = 1800 rpm in 3rd). It then recommends a maximum rev limit of 4000 rpm for the run-in stage I'm at. Having tried the first recommendation on yesterday's ride and found it encourages lugging, I'll be using the 4000 rpm limit from now on.
Great video! I did both on my classic 500. 1000 km by the book then hard run in with rapid acceleration and decel after that, worked a treat! Great video and explanation!
Spot on IMO. I generally ride pretty much like that all the time. I call it having sympathy with the bike. On my Triumph, in the running in period, the screen went orange if you exceeded the allowed RPM. This helped. I'm only doing 5000rpm at 60kph (national speed limit) of the 10,000rpm available in top gear. Not really stressing anything. Also, the clutch & gearbox became a lot smoother after the running in oil was changed & smoother again after next oil change which I did after 5,000kms, not 10,000kms (personal preference & cheap insurance). Oh, and how's Willow?
Thank you Stewart...... brilliant as always ..... I’m up to 940mls and think that I wasn’t far off what you were saying , wish I was a time traveler and could have watched this before my run in period .... many thanks for sharing..... Fred
Every mechanical part has to mesh be seated to run free , gears have to slide in one an other , when new they are slightly forced into each other ,same thing with pistons and rigs , you have to make the effort to feel what the motor is doing , that way your brake in will be done right and it prevents mechanical problems before their normal tear and ware , excuse my bad english
What i always and IMO is important , is to let the engine warm up before every ride. This lets the piston rings and bore to be at about the same temperature and expand slowly, after that ride normally and preferably lots of engine braking, this will let the rings properly set into the bore , everything else inside the engine is pretty must run in. Change the oil at the first 500km and don’t use fully synthetic oil before 3000km. But anyway, if it in doubt just follow the manual, that’s the only insurance you have to safe the guarantee.
Great advice, I'm picking up my new Interceptor next Saturday. It's certainly not a disagreement but in the owners book of my Aprilia RSV1000RR it said to ride off as soon as you'd started the bike (probably at max revs and pulling a wheelie knowing the Italians). Having a look at the downloaded Interceptor manual now, thanks for that nugget too.
Good point about short shifting, which is how I mostly ride. I was persuaded by the condition of his stable and his general knowledge of bikes the 1800 miles the previous owner clocked up from new were by the book, as I vet the owner as well as the bike when buying.
Thank you for another great video. I just bought my Interceptor and I've put 100 km so far (second day) . I watched this video one more time just before I went to the dealership to collect my bike and of course had already read the manual. Now, it feels quite natural, as you say, to ride between 2000 and 4000 rpm, but apart from that ,the manual says that you have to observe some very specific speed limits depending on the gear which I find impossible to follow because it feels like lugging the engine. I would really appreciate your thoughts on that. Thanks again for the great work!
Thank you so much Sir. I am a new subscriber and love your videos. Picking up my Interceptor 650 soon. Keep the lovely and informative videos flowing. Safe and happy riding.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge... I am very impressed with your presentation... Many owners and riders never think about "Break In" periods.
