Back to riding

[rubix777]

I got my new 650R last Friday and I've got 50 miles on the odometer. I've done the first oil change since I'm attempting the hard breakin. I've done some reasearch and http://usu.net/sites/motorcyclebreakin/breakin.html seems to be a middle ground between wringing its neck and allowing the rings to glazing over.

Obviously this time around I realize that I am human and do not have an exoskeleton to protect me.

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=P1011091.jpg

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=P1011090.jpg

[Steel]

Originally Posted by rubix777

I got my new 650R last Friday and I've got 50 miles on the odometer. I've done the first oil change since I'm attempting the hard breakin. I've done some reasearch and http://usu.net/sites/motorcyclebreakin/breakin.html seems to be a middle ground between wringing its neck and allowing the rings to glazing over.

Obviously this time around I realize that I am human and do not have an exoskeleton to protect me.

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=P1011091.jpg

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=P1011090.jpg

Oooh red. Nice lookin bike. That's a parallel twin, right?

[richtazz]

Break it in like you'll ride it (but be smart and keep the rpm's down under 2/3 redline for the first little while.) If you try to baby it too much, you could end up lugging the engine, which is really bad during break in.

Beautiful Bike Rubix777. Glad to see you're going back riding after your accident!!!

[rubix777]

Throughout all the different methods of breaking in a new bike, the common thing I see within these different methods is not to maintain a constant RPM (like a lot of freeway riding) during the break in period, as it would cause the rings to wear without really being set.

Yeah, lugging is really bad. I know its bad in cars as well.

[rubix777]

Originally Posted by Steel

Oooh red. Nice lookin bike. That's a parallel twin, right?

Yeah, it is. I was reading reviews about the Suzuki SV650, which is a V-twin and they seem to get more power out of that 650cc.. The SV650 also had better reviews than the 650R, but I like the way Kawasakis look.

[aussieidiot]

i like to look of the kwaka but its down on power compared to the suzuki.

its true about breaking in new bikes/cars.

when i was an apprentice, we had two new utes. one was driven by the bosses son all soft and sweet. the other, by the apprentices and another tradie. the first never had any grunt. couldn't even pull a trailer.

so i believe in giving it to the bike for to break it in. i rode mine the way the article said but i never thought about it

[caddydaddy]

Very nice bike! I like the 650R in blue. How does it compare to the 250R that you used to have? I've ridden a SV650 and liked that bike!

[rubix777]

Originally Posted by caddydaddy

Very nice bike! I like the 650R in blue. How does it compare to the 250R that you used to have? I've ridden a SV650 and liked that bike!

The 250R was good for practicing on and getting used to low speed maneuvers because it was light and really flickable. I was able to weave the dotted lines while going about 50 mph. The seat was comfortable, however I'm sure you've heard that the front suspension is kind of soft. It's a nice bike for riding around in the community, but it lacks some grunt if you're riding mountain roads. Seems to be always screaming even though you're only going 70 mph.

The 500R felt significantly heavier, but had some additional power. Riding position is slightly sportier, but still comfortable compared to super sport. Not as flickable as the 250R, but can still handle pretty well. Downshifting is necessary to pass on the freeway.

The 650R, although I haven't done any real cornering on it yet seems like it handles way better than the other two. Suspension is definitely stiffer and the nose doesn't dive during braking as did the 250R/500R. Good midrange. I like the raise handle bars as it makes it easier to steer.

The 650R has more than enough power for daily commuting and the 500R has just about enough. The 250R should be ridden on local roads. Once you exceed 60 mph the wind kind of knocks you around.

I was reading reviews on the SV650 and it beat 650R in power and handling (performance). However, they mentioned that the 650R was more comfortable for long rides, which it is. The SV650 is priced lower though. I would have gotten the SV650S, but that would've made it more expensive than the 650R.

[motorcycle_psycho]

Originally Posted by rubix777

The 250R was good for practicing on and getting used to low speed maneuvers because it was light and really flickable. I was able to weave the dotted lines while going about 50 mph. The seat was comfortable, however I'm sure you've heard that the front suspension is kind of soft. It's a nice bike for riding around in the community, but it lacks some grunt if you're riding mountain roads. Seems to be always screaming even though you're only going 70 mph.

The 500R felt significantly heavier, but had some additional power. Riding position is slightly sportier, but still comfortable compared to super sport. Not as flickable as the 250R, but can still handle pretty well. Downshifting is necessary to pass on the freeway.

The 650R, although I haven't done any real cornering on it yet seems like it handles way better than the other two. Suspension is definitely stiffer and the nose doesn't dive during braking as did the 250R/500R. Good midrange. I like the raise handle bars as it makes it easier to steer.

The 650R has more than enough power for daily commuting and the 500R has just about enough. The 250R should be ridden on local roads. Once you exceed 60 mph the wind kind of knocks you around.

I was reading reviews on the SV650 and it beat 650R in power and handling (performance). However, they mentioned that the 650R was more comfortable for long rides, which it is. The SV650 is priced lower though. I would have gotten the SV650S, but that would've made it more expensive than the 650R.

I've ridden both and I liked the SV650S for tearing up some mountain roads and what not but for long trips it can't compare to that more faired ninja...more wind protection plus a nicer seat. A much better ride.