1200 RT Break in

[cwsenn]

Hi everyone, I ordered myself a new 1200RT and am expecting it in this next week. I am sure this topic has been covered but wanted to ask you all for any advice you may have on the break in period. Pros and Cons?
I live on the Olympic Peninsula near Gig Harbor, WA and am totally pumped about getting my new RT, I want to get the break in done and then move on to some longer rides over the summer. Any tips you can give me will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Lownslo

[PacWestGS]

Hi :wave Lownslo, Welcome to the MOA Club, you are going to find lots of fun and interesting topics of discussion, some of them will get very heated like this question which you pose now.

I have seen that 14 others' of have looked at your post and haven't replied. The reason is that any answer given here will surly ignite a flame war. So zip up your flame suit and put on your waders. :brow

We're practically neighbors; I’ll jump in the deep end with you. :lurk

There are at least two different schools of thought: :dance

The factory way, Follow the Owner’s Manual word for word for the first 600 miles and then continues for the next 10,000 to 25,000 miles adding oil until it’s broke in. :deal

Or there is the MotoMan Break-in Secrets: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Run it hard early, (first 5-25 miles) lots of maximum compression cycles to help set the rings in the cylinders. Then continue to run it hard (Like you stole it) for the next two-hundred miles through all the gears, changing RPMs often and continuing with the deceleration compression loading (i.e., use your engine as the main braking force and your brakes for coming to a stop). Speaking of brakes, the pads will take upto 200 miles to set, so go easy on them. Change the oil and filter, and then ride it like you will for the rest of its long life. :bolt

I will differ :idea when it comes to Red-Lining your new bike because I don’t think it’s necessary, but on the other hand, keeping it below 4,000 RPM for the first 600 miles is IMHO not going to achieve a proper break-in of the motor. :burnout

Which ever way you go, don’t set a consistent RPM range :nod . Break it in on some back country twisty roads :brad and stay off the freeway and out of town :bluduh as much as you can during those first 600-1000 miles. Use your gear box often :nod don’t lug it, and don’t worry if the ‘Need For Speed’ comes across your mind from time to time, say you need to pass a few slower cages in front of you. Just go for it. :burnout


See you sometime down the road. When do you pick her up? :newtoy

Doc

Let the Pro's and Con's begin :D


:hide

[cwsenn]

Thanks for the nice welcome. I had read the motoman's recommendations on break ins which is partially why I asked. I would love to hear some more opinions on which method most feel is best.
I ordered it out of Idaho and when it comes in they are going to ship it over to Auburn, WA for me for an additional $100.00 which seems pretty fair to me. I had considered going over and picking it up but did not think freeway driving back home for about 325 miles would be an idea break in. It is due in any day so needless to say I keep checking my cell phone to be certain I haven't missed the call. I have called the guy there a few times to check and am trying not to bother him too much but needless to say I am chomping at the bit to ride the new bike. I don't think I have been this excited about something new in many years.
I am thinking about ordering myself an Aerostitch suit as it rains plenty in this part of the country, does anyone have pro and cons about those versus other riding suits made?


Thanks, Lownslo :usa

[PacWestGS]

Well yeah, for a 100-clams you can't beat that, It would cost you that and a couple days to go get it yourself. You could have had it broke in by the time you got home, if you stayed south and came home over the mountains, but it's best to find a good local place I'd recommend Hwy's 3 and 101 and the north end of 16. But you probably know some better places as well.

I have been wearing a First Gear Kilimanjaro Jacket and HT-Overpants for four years and they work pretty good up here. I just bought a 1-pc 'Stich' Roadcrafter, and like it very much. Both are waterproof for a while, and I've only had seat and crotch problems when I get stuck in I-5 or WA-167 traffic in the 'GOOD' rains, not the Washington Drizzle.

Summer is approaching fast, you should look at the First Gear Air stuff, they have a zip-in liner which is 99.999% waterproof.

Again, look forward to see you out on the road someday.

Doc

[HFD190]

I am jealous! You live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. I have family in Port Angeles and visit often.

I am wondering, don’t you have a dealer any closer to home? When I bought my bike, the dealer was certainly a real source of good info –including the break-in advice.

Enjoy your new ride!

[PacWestGS]

Lownslo, I sent you a 'Private Message' (PM) I realize you are new so I'm just helping to point things out. Top of the page next to the 'Welcome username:'

Give me a call if you need any help. :thumb

Doc

[Rich]

I say just ride it like you are going to ride it all the time. Along with varying the speed a little once in a while. Take it easy for the first 50 - 100 miles and then get after it. But I wouldn't red line it until it has 500 miles or so on it.

Whatever method you choose, I highly doubt you will hurt it any.

Enjoy the new bike.

[cwsenn]

There is a dealer closer to me but they could not get bike I wanted ie... color and options for about three months I checked out all of the dealers in the Pacific Northwest. The guy in Idaho just happened to have one coming in soon eactly like I wanted and he got me 5.49% financing for 5 years even though I plan on paying it off in three.
I have been to upstate New York around the finger lakes, it's beautiful country as well.
Thanks for the input Rich, sounds like some good advice.

Have a great Memorial day weekend all,

Lownslo :dance

[Dolph]

I have about 13,000 miles on my 05 RT 1200. Broke it in according to the owners manual, (mostly). Kept it at or below 4,000 for the first few hundred miles then began to increase the RPMs. The bike used a little oil after the 600 sevice until I had about 6,000 miles on it. I think I added about a quart total in the first 6,000. Then oil use stopped.
I switched to synthetic at 12,000 miles. Just got back from a trip of 1,600 miles and I used abut 150 cc of synthetic.
I did the modified factory break in because I didn't want any warranty problems.
Enjoy the new bike, it's a winner! :usa

[fastdogs2]

I followed the owner's manual recommendation. Keep it under 4,000 rpm for the first 600 miles. I rode on two lane roads with curves and slight hills, I did some interstate riding, but was careful to vary the speed. I avoided full throttle acceleration and panic stops. I now have 6,200 miles on the bike and it seems to still be in the break in phase, with regards to oil consumption. I am using about 2 to 3 ounces every 800 miles. The oil warning light is very sensitive. I have learned to keep the oil level almost to the top of the sight glass or the oil warning light will trigger.

I have enjoyed this bike very much. It is a much different ride than the R1200C cruiser I had before. I am pleased with the handling and the great fuel mileage. I consistently record over 50 mpg.

[Easy]

Congratulations on the new bike. I picked my '06 R1200RT up last month and am very pleased. If I do say so myself, it's one hell of a bike. I used the break-in procedure described in the owner's manual. I agree with SFDOC's comment regarding ..."Which ever way you go..." My only comment is to take care not to void the warranty and check the oil level and tire pressure often. Also, A&S has a great site for accessories at good prices.

Easy :german

[kbasa]

I pretty much followed the standard BMW instructions, but as I started getting closer to the end of breakin, I started giving it occasional forays up the rpms. Not to redline, but up there a bit.

At 8600 miles, this bike is still using oil. My GS finally stopped (or at least slowed down) at 15K or so. These hexheads take a while to break in.

[cwsenn]

Thanks for the tips, I will definitely be careful with the break in and not do anything stupid. I called yesterday and the bike went into inventory on the 27TH so from what I was told by a dealer in Oregon that would mean it has left the New Jersey warehouse on it's way to Idaho and should be there within 8 days for sure. I am thinking I will probably get it over here by the middle to the end of next week.
Yesterday I ordered two suits from Aerostich for my wife and myself, they are 8 weeks out on filling orders but we will have them before the fall and all the rainy weather at least. They were nice enough to send us some suits to try prior to making ours to ensure we get a good fit. The only bummer was when I took my measurements I found out my waistline is expanding more than I cared to see, (must be too much BBQ).
I will check out the A&S website as I want to add some cool accesories for sure. One thing on my mind is to add a GPS other than the $1500.00 model offered by BMW. The Lowarance I-Way 500c looks pretty cool and am wondering if anyone else has done this? Either way, it's time to ride and I am totally pumped and ready to join you guys on the Beemer highway

Lownslo :twirl

[hlothery]

add a GPS other than the $1500.00 model offered by BMW.
Lownslo :twirl


A&S has that model for around $1000. It comes with the mount, plug in cord, car dash mount, computer hookups, and cigarette lighter plug-in with speaker for use in your car, and all of North America and Puerto Rico already loaded. Took me about 20 minutes to completely install. I love mine, and recommend it.

BTW, I followed the break-in instructions in the manual until near the end, and began to add some revs as well. With just over 13K miles, mine is using almost no oil, and has continued to get better and better. Hope you enjoy it as much as me. :german

[travelingman]

Here is my story about my R1100RT and how i got it to quit using oil. It was not my intent but it just worked out that way.

I bought my bike new in 1997 , my first BMW, and it was still using oil at 17K miles. It was only a very little but just enough to make you carry some oil with you to complete a 3K trip.
I made an Alaska trip in 1998 and put on 10K miles, for various reasons i did not get the oil changed during that time. When i got home the oil usage had for all practial purposes stopped. I could go on a 3K trip and not worry about oil. I now have 118K on it and it is still operating the same way. If I take a trip of over 3K I might have to add a very little bit.
It takes a long time for the rings to seat so don't worry as it will happen some day.

[1downfourup]

I have used both the motoman break in and factory recommended procedures on various bikes. The motorman breakin is typical of what they used to do with race bikes whenever they were rebuilt so they would be ready for the next race. It was a quick way to do it and they were not particularly concerned about longevity. Perhaps you have also heard they rusted the rings a bit to help them seat before breaking in the engine. I can't say the motorman procedure worked better than the factory manual procedure because I did not tear the bikes down to look at them at various points in their lives. I can say, in my experience, the motoman breakin did not hurt the bike. The breakin was over in 25 miles and I changed the oil right then and there (key to do this). Then I rode the bike like I ride a bike all the time.
1downfourup

[ggfossen]

Lownslo,

I don't know anything about breaking in the new bike, but I understand your impatience perfectly. I just pushed the button for a new R12RT. I ordered it thru Hansen in Medford OR. He was able to tap into an incoming and do a change order.

Although I've been a member of BMWMOA for maybe 23 years with my old '83 R80RT, I don't think I have ever posted anything on this forum. That's about to change. I'm sure that I will have a lot of questions.

Good Luck,

Gary

I notice that the post indicates I have made 12 total. I guess I must be confused with...???

[cwsenn]

Lownslo,

I don't know anything about breaking in the new bike, but I understand your impatience perfectly. I just pushed the button for a new R12RT. I ordered it thru Hansen in Medford OR. He was able to tap into an incoming and do a change order.

Although I've been a member of BMWMOA for maybe 23 years with my old '83 R80RT, I don't think I have ever posted anything on this forum. That's about to change. I'm sure that I will have a lot of questions.

Good Luck,

Gary

I notice that the post indicates I have made 12 total. I guess I must be confused with...???

Sounds great Gary, when do you expect to get your new RT? What color did you order?
I now have 8500 miles on mine and would have more if this rain would chill out a bit. I am sure the weather is heading towards the cycle of improving every week so I look forward to riding daily very soon.


Chuck (Lownslo)

[ssls6]

Just remember there is no free lunch. If you wear off the equivalent of 25k miles within the first 250, those miles are now gone forever. That may not be a bad thing considering these bikes can go several hundred thousand miles before needing an engine rebuild. It is much more likely that a major component will fail first.

BTW, I used the BMW method (<4500 rpm) and stayed to back roads so I could vary the rpms and use engine braking. My bike (07 R1200GSA) hasn't burned a drop of oil since I've owned it.

[ggfossen]

My R12RT is due in the latter part of May, or first part of April. It was already allotted to Hansen's, but he was able to get to the factory for a change order in time to build it as I want it. It comes with everything they can stick on it at the factory, and is in blue. My old R80 is blue so...why not?

Although I have never been much of a high mileage rider, I did commute to work for about 10 years on the R80. Problem is, it was in Yuma heat, and the ambient pavement temps of maybe 140 in the summer does a number on anything rubber. It does have "issues."

Break-in and back roads isn't an issue. We are 20 miles from town on real "back roads." I probably don't have much choice other than to do it the beemer way.

As an aside, one of my older brothers, now long gone, use to speak of "stretching out the pistons" once in awhile. He had a valid point, I think. At max RPMs, and I am no mechanical engineer, it would seem that the pistons may have a very slightly longer travel in the cyclinder. Ergo, they probably oughta' reach that max every once in awhile to equalize wear.

Beyond that, I ride easy.

Gary

[cwsenn]

Sounds like it's going to be one sweet ride. I have everything on mine except the radio and wish I had gone with that now looking back. I have added an autocom and get everything through my helmet so it's all good now, but still think about purchasing the factory speaker boxes and wiring in sound to them.
I did the factory BMW break in as well, it's just too much money involved for me to risk the rapid break in and my bike has burned very little oil or at least not enough that required me to add any between oil changes.
I remember when I got the phone call that my bike had arrived, it was an exciting day :brad I have gone to see Rick Mayer and had the seats modifed and is something you may want to plan for. Rick is not too far from you at all.

Enjoy the suspense, Chuck

[ggfossen]

Chuck,

I do hav e the radio coming, and I will worry about the intercom stuff later. Hansen handles autocom, so it probably will be that. Hansen's is, by the way, an extremely attentive shop. One of the better, I think.

Gary

[BMWDEAN]

I, also, follow the directions in the owner's manual. I would sooner trust the company that manufactured the motorcycle than some private "expert."

Did you get the fastest color -- blue?

<center><img border=1 src=http://bmwdean.home.att.net/jeff.jpg></center>

[ggfossen]

Jeff,

Yes, it will be in blue. Don't know if it's fastest color, but I'm sure it will be more than fast enough. Too bad your recent picture isn't in color for all to see that it is deffinitely the "best looking" color; a totally unbiased opinion, no?

Care to proffer an opinion on the best direction for backrest/top case, crash bars/engine guards? I see you have none of that on the new one, but might they be in the offing??

Gary

[ggfossen]

Jeff,

I was just reading, on your site, about helmet colors. I do agree with the white helmet theory, but I thought I might add that it is sometimes good to have a couple of different colors. I learned that running patrol cars in New England. I found that only red lights were quite difficult to see in the fall, but with the addition of blues, anyone could see them anyplace. From hunting adventures, I learned/found that blue is often as good or better than the red that was so popular for many years.

There is a point to all this. With a blue bike, red tail lights, and a white helmet, nearly all bases are covered.

I must admit that I wasn't thinking about that when I ordered the bike, but it makes sense to me.

Gary

[Screamineagle]

I just got my 07 RT two weeks ago. I am trying to break in acording to the book. I have 700 miles on it now and had the 600 mile service done last friday. My problem from now on is this; Wednesday I am heading to Daytona and I can't be taking back roads. So I will hit the superslab Wed morn. I will try to vary rpm as I go but I gotta do what I gotta do.

[ggfossen]

Jeff,

I see, now, that I was remiss...or my computer was. I've been having a lot of download problems, and the pic in your last post didn't come in until after I had answered.

Good Pic of a ood bike.

Gary

[cwsenn]

Hey Gary and Jeff, I was under the impression Red was always the fastest color :laugh

[ggfossen]

South of the Alps, no?

And to you, Jeff, I just notice the "edit" time. Must have been when you added the photo? I guess maybe I, like, haven't completely lost it.