CL350 Break-In

[abacb_07]

Hello,

So I know there are 50 different ways of breaking in a motor after rebuild, and I need some opinions for a 72 CL350.

My project is pretty much done (for this year) and it involved going through the top end of the motor, with replacing cam chain and tensioner wheels/guides, rings, and gaskets. I have successfully started the motor surprisingly easy, and ran for 1min, let cool, then ran for 3min and let cool.

My next mode of action would be to take on a short easy ride, and most the writings I have seen call to not take the motor past 3000-3500km for a few hundred miles.

I'll never be able to put that kind of mileage on this motor in my small town, and anybody who has ridden these 350s know they run well over that RPM at highway speeds.

I was just wanting to find out what people have done, or if anybody has opinions on the correct way of doing this.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[HerrDeacon]

I always break mine in by riding it fairly hard. I keep away from redline, but I don't baby it and I don't keep the rpm's steady. You need to constantly be varying them. I pretty much followed this logic and it has worked for me: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Like oil choices though, you'll probably get lots of varying thoughts on engine break-in.

 

[abacb_07]

That method talks on mainly new engines, has this method been tried and proven in older engines?

The reason I ask is that it's a 72.

I know there are several ways, just wanting to get some personal experiences.

 

[xb33bsa]

the only thing you are breaking in is the rings so ride it kinda hard for short bursts no worries just dont overheat it

after the first short ride let it cool fully and retorque ALL of the head nuts/bolts screws including rocker box screws at the 4 corners and at the cam bushes
check the cam chain tension and valve clearances soon as well

 

[1fasgsxr]

I have never rebuilt an engine completely, However I have bought a few brand new ones...and despite what the factory suggests, I run them hard. The hardest one was my last one...it had 13 miles on it before I bounced it off the limiter...not on purpose..but I did...It ended up being the fastest 750 in my area. Out run many bikes with more cc's. I may have just got lucky and got one of those "hemis". I think the factory runs them dry before they put oil in them and put them in a bike...not 100% on that. Run it hard is what I would do. ;D

 

[vagrantcycle]

As long as you vary the rpms your good. Don't lug the motor or ride two up for at least the first 50 miles.