Breaking in your brand new Scrambler

There is pretty much only three rules to follow.
1. Don't thrash it when cold.
2. Don't do the first engine oil change too soon.
3. Don't let it warm up on idle.
Any other are really down to mechanical sympathy, some people have and some have not.

Or there is this theory - Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

I have never adhered to the manufacturers recommendations for any of my new bikes. They've never ever had a problem

Hui and El Toro,

I agree, running in protocols are from an earlier time when metal, casting and machining technology was not as good as it is today, now, warm them up gently then go hard.

Those who disagree, I'm happy to be wrong but tell me about your experience, not a friends experience or something you've heard, your personal experience. I've had over 40 new bikes and cars plus plenty of rebuilt engines, treated them all this way and never had a problem. Race engines in particular, I would rebuild them, start, warm up, if it ran well shut it down until the race, probably a total run in of 10 minutes, never had an engine failure, plenty of rider / driver failures though.

Maybe I was a better mechanic than rider / driver.

I'm going to edit the original thread as it's has been confirmed by multiple people with actual new bike experience to be outdated and not useful. Thanks for your input gents.

We have had a discussion going for a minute on this:

Scrambler Break in Proceedure Ducati Scrambler Forum

I've had everyone from dealers to racers tell me you're better off riding it like you stole it then not keeping it at one speed for too long. I've always done that and have never had even a minor engine issue in over 40 years.

DaveInWoodland said:

I've had everyone from dealers to racers tell me you're better off riding it like you stole it then keeping it at one speed for too long. I've always done that and have never had even a minor engine issue in over 40 years.

Click to expand...

Dave, I think that you mean NOT keeping it at one speed for too long.

That is what I meant, must of been a senior moment.

have gone thru my fair share of new v-twins, i say brap brap the shit out of it from the the get go!
don't worry, it can take it.

40 yrs of breaking in cars and bikes, all speeds, all gear changing in all conditions, keep to recommended rev limits, the occasional fray into higher revs never hurt no one or the vehicle, dont labour in any one gear,
my old skoda 1.9tdi had since new just coming up to 121k never had an ounce of black smoke ever!
always been told once run in dont just go out and thrash it, with the ducati I was told dont worry just enjoy I will still build it up to its max just a personal thing! (OK I got her up to 110mph for a few seconds on the way home...........just had to try!)
I think bottom line is be sensible its new! its italian! treat it with a bit of respect jobs done.
Bearing in mind when I first started driving no brake servos, no hydraulic clutches, no power steering, oh yes and cross ply tyres lol

Several years ago I read an article that basically said wring the bike's neck out of the crate and the bike will be better for it.

I can confirm that the article was right

While breaking it in hard may not have hurt anyone here, breaking it in according to manufacturers recommendations has never hurt me either. The biggest thing I do is vary the engine speed and not ride in too tall a gear and lug the engine nor run at redline. After break in I ride it however I want.

NC