It's going to be here tomorrow ......

[Mark]

OK - one sleep to go and no I'm not talking about Christmas.
My new R1200R is being delivered tomorrow and I am very excited.

Does anyone have any advice on the break in process with these boxer engines?
Is there anything special to do with these - RPM limits, avoid prolonged highway speeds with constant RPM's, don't sleep with it on the first night?

Any help would be appreciated.

I took great care of my F800ST during its first year of life (still do) but it is moving on to a new owner (my wife). It started to run better after about 1500km or so.
What is the break in period for the R12?

[enderw88]

don't sleep with it on the first night?

Of course while you don't want to sleep with it on, it is OK to sleep on it...

[tobes]

I’ve taken two of these R12R’s through the run in process now.

Don’t go over 4000 rpm
Ride hills as much as possible & avoid keeping the engine at a constant RPM
I’ve heard you should do more small trips through the run in vs say one long 600 miles ride
Take it in for its run in service at 600 miles (1000km)

There is a BIG difference in engine performance after about 5000 miles or so. It really loosens up and becomes much quicker.

Congrats!!!

[ka5ysy]

Ride it like you stole it.... and read this;

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


I had been doing similar for years before I read this information, as we used to break in aircraft engines in a similar manner.

I did the break-in as noted here, and my RR uses no oil. The only oil ever used to any extent was about a 1/2 cup used during the initial 200 miles. I also have a rule to change the oil/filter at 100 miles, and 300 miles to catch the particles from break-in runs. At the 600 mile service I go to full synthetic Amsoil in the engine, transmission and final drive.


Welcome to the best motorcycle most of us have ever ridden. You are going to have a blast !

[AllanCook]

I broke in mine as directed and it's running beautifully after a couple of years. Seemed to turn a corner at about 10K. A respected friend told me that the important thing is the number of heating/cooling cycles, so I would ride a half-hour or so, stop, let the motor cool and then back on. I would not try to do 600 miles in a day. Lots of gear changes, curvy roads and hills. Try to keep it under 4K rpms. That last part is hard on this bike.

[MJB]

I broke mine in as per the BMW instructions.
I have no problems with over 6,000 miles (11,000K).

Broke it in within the first week.
You want to fluctuate on the RPM, do not hold at a constant 4,000rpm
So try to stay off he Highway where you have constant speed.
That's why they recommend hills as the bike has too work a bit and the RPM will go up and down.

If the RPM goes to 4,500 or even 5,000, not too worry.
But try too stick to the instructions, and get the break in done quickly
That way once the bike is serviced and with fresh oil in, you can start to play.

[Dauntless]

What color and options did you order?

[tobes]

It is a joyous day when you get the 600 mi service done and can finally open it up.

[deilenberger]

Follow the factory directions on break-in. There are lots of theories on alternative strategies for break-in. None of them were written by the engineers who designed the engine. The factory directions were. Given "Internet Wisdom" vs "Factory Engineer's Wisdom" - I'll go factory every time. Call me goofy. It isn't as if BMW has anything to lose by telling you how to break it in so it runs better and lasts longer.

And you can switch to synthetic as soon as it stops using oil (mine stopped at around 3,200 miles, I went to synthetic at the 6,000 mile service..)

[enderw88]

Follow the factory directions on break-in. There are lots of theories on alternative strategies for break-in. None of them were written by the engineers who designed the engine. The factory directions were. Given "Internet Wisdom" vs "Factory Engineer's Wisdom" - I'll go factory every time. Call me goofy. It isn't as if BMW has anything to lose by telling you how to break it in so it runs better and lasts longer.

And you can switch to synthetic as soon as it stops using oil (mine stopped at around 3,200 miles, I went to synthetic at the 6,000 mile service..)

Not calling you goofy Don, but the engineers didn't write the break-in procedures without assistance from the legal department. No legal department would EVER consider recommending full throttle acceleration under any circumstances...even if it meant the engine would perform better longer.

[ka5ysy]

Damn Lawyers !

[Bill Stevenson]

Once again I have to express my admiration for the people who frequent this forum. Breaking in an engine, as Don said, can be a subject of controversy. But not here, with everyone suggesting you follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. No question about it, this is good advice. My hat is off to you all.

Bill

[vodka]

ITS HERE!!!!!!!! (Clapping hands ,lifting legs on spot like Homer Simpson.) Now all those hours on the web researching ,multiple test rides,agonizing over cost..have come to this... Should be fully ready to ride off in 1 week. The BMW guys here FULLY advise the break-in as proposed above. No highway,lots of hills stuff,get the revs up and down,dont labour the engine and try to keep below 4000 rpm.
For the record I have optioned ABS, ASC, OBC, ESA, Tyre pressure, Luggage rack/rails (with the pillion grip). It just happens to come with chrome can,clear LCD indicators (apparently '09 spec) and sports screen. Ordered from shipping manifest...already coming to OZ with pretty much my first choice options.
Now to decide luggage/screen/aux lighting and seat with attention to pillion comfort. My daughter is a pillion fiend. I cant leave without her asking to get on the back.
Hmm big lottery tonight...if I win I may consider the A$4000 to carbonfibre the whole bike. Not to mention the silver plated bolt caps....
Be happy for me people!!

[deilenberger]

One great big can of whoopie!

I'm envious - you have riding weather where you are..

ENJOY and try not to let the top of your head fall off from the 360 degree grin!

[celticus]

Good for you. We'll all been where you are. A wonderfull time.
There is plenty of fun to be had on this bike below 4000 rpm.
Welcome.

Mark