Break-in Period

[ChuckG]

Sorry for what is undoubtedly a basic question. I've had my new Trail for a couple weeks, and am keeping the speed below 40 mph. Am I correct that I should do that for a while? If yes, for how long? 500 miles? Thanks!

 

[dmonkey]

Here is what Honda put in the owner's manual on the topic:

Break-in Period
During the first 300 miles (500 km) of running, follow these guidelines to ensure your vehicle's future reliability and performance.
● Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.
● Avoid hard braking and rapid down-shifts.
● Ride conservatively.

There are many theories and opinions on engine break-in, with some based on older engine tech that may not be as relevant anymore. Consider that it's a new motorcycle that you're just getting familiar with. The tires will start off slick, and the brakes require bedding. All good reason to take it easy on a new bike in my opinion.

 

[Volant1006]

First couple rides I babied it. After the chemical smells go away, maybe 3rd ride I rode it normally. I put the hotter spark plug in since I do more road riding than trail and find myself WFO a lot on the roads. There are many threads on this engine in other Honda mini motos and people have said they road them hard right out of the gate and never had any issues 4000+ miles later. Let the Donkey Buck

 

[m in sc]

fyi.. sustained high rpm should get a colder plug, not a hotter one.

Spark Plug Basics - NGK Spark Plugs

Get the spark plug basics, from overheating and misfires to ignition timing and knocking.

ngksparkplugs.com

 

[Volant1006]

fyi.. sustained high rpm should get a colder plug, not a hotter one.

Spark Plug Basics - NGK Spark Plugs

Get the spark plug basics, from overheating and misfires to ignition timing and knocking.

ngksparkplugs.com

I just went off what the manual called for...

 

[m in sc]

7 is colder than a 6.

 

[BaldRider]

The 2023 manual doesn't have a higher RPM spark plug option. I have ridden mine at full-throttle since it left the dealership.

 

[m in sc]

ok. and? it won't typically hurt anything, but its general rule on any gasoline engine. heck, i run an 8 in mine but i have higher compression as well. generally, if there's signs of detonation on the plug, then drop a heat range. if all else is well but the plug looks darker than it should, go up one in heat range. but you can swing a few ranges and be ok.

 

[dmonkey]

The 2023 already comes standard with an NGK heat range #7 plug which is likely the reason they didn't list a high RPM plug in the owner's manual like they did for the 2021-2022 which came standard with a heat range #6 plug.

 

[BaldRider]

Makes sense. Not sure what use case someone wouldn't be sustaining high RPMs. Maybe people who don't like food as much as I do

 

[m in sc]

right? lol. i mean some people fart around on these at 25-30 mph all day so, probably them.