[Carlos J.]

Hi people, i bought a new z1000 2010.... im from Colombia, Southamerica.... we have a big community of bike riders here.... well, im new in the kawasaki family (i had a suzuki 600 before) and i want to ask u people the way that i have to follow for a good brake in of my new bike engine.... some people say to me that i cant pass my bike more than 7.000 RPM in the first 1.000 Kms.... it´s that ok'???.... thx for ur help....

 

[BeastIncarnate]

Carlos, This is purely a matter of opinion. I can show you a few different references, but here's the short version of what you will hear.

Conservative - follow what the manual says. Get out for a few long rides and you'll be at 1000mi in no time. Kawasaki knows their engine better than anyone.

Aggressive - screw break in! Ride it hard! Open it up! Work the gears, because that will give you better power in the long run according to (insert website here)! Live it up!

In Between - for the first 500 miles, ride like you normally would for the most part, but don't spend any long periods above 6k. After 500, gradually push that limit upwards and, after 1000, no biggie.

I went with option 3. Didn't spend any long stints above 6k, but opened it up every now and then after 500 mi. This option was backed by the most reputable sources I could find, as well as most riders I know who keep their bikes long term, and thus care about longevity.

 

[BeastIncarnate]

Here's the most reputable non-Kawasaki manual reference I've seen. It's a top Castrol Engineer. - http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/running

One of the most interesting thing is that the engineer recommends against synthetic oil until after 5,000 miles - even though that's a higher profit product for their company.

 

[So-Crates]

Just my two cents: I used the "in between" method as well. Rode as normal, but did my best to avoid riding at constant revs over 6K for the first 500 miles.

Im at 3300 miles now.

Ive also heard not to use synthetic oil until after at least 5K miles as well. I was also told not to install my new slip on pipes until after 1K miles - but I put them on after the 600 miles service - couldnt wait!

 

[ghost_rider]

Here's the most reputable non-Kawasaki manual reference I've seen. It's a top Castrol Engineer. - http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/running

One of the most interesting thing is that the engineer recommends against synthetic oil until after 5,000 miles - even though that's a higher profit product for their company.

Those are usually the most sound advice. When someone tells you to spend less money on something that they're selling because it will be better for you.

 

[Inline4_rider]

Here's the most reputable non-Kawasaki manual reference I've seen. It's a top Castrol Engineer. - http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/running

One of the most interesting thing is that the engineer recommends against synthetic oil until after 5,000 miles - even though that's a higher profit product for their company.

Thanks for that link. Just went through it. It always nice to hear from someone that has a lot of experience on the subject. It also helps that it wasn't an article posted on castrol's own site rather his own.

 

[AirWolf]

My2Cents

I just bought a new Z as well. Read the owners manual and use common sense above all. I have 6k miles on mine since mid March. Took it to the dealer for the 1st service then, oil & filter with Motul 5100(syn blend) 10w-40 @ 2600 miles. Then changed oil again @ 5300 miles using Motul 7100 (full syn). 20w50. Far as rpms go.. yeah you can twist it up a bit just use your head. No prolonged trips at constant speeds. I've broken in a few motors, bikes and cars. Never had any oil consumption problems and never had an engine go out on me. Good luck with the new Z she's a blast!!