Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods Break-in of big bore

Ran her down the road about 1 mile to the gas station to check the feel and check for leakers. Had the bags stuffed with tools; ready for action if needed.

Mr. Murphy must have had the day off. Rules were not enforced.

After almost having a heart attack because the oil in the sight glass was all white, haven't seen sun glare in a few months here in NY state, I then rode back to the house around 2-4k. Taking it easy. Haven't hit more than 4k rpm at this point in less than 2 miles. Got it nice and warm though.
Did the walk around and checked for loose bits, wiped some oil off the case to get a reference (she's bad dirty, slimey, oily, dirty, dull..) I decided I would then go for broke and break her in right. Hecxk, I got two saddle bags stuffed with tools...
I took off down the road and whacked the throttle from closed to WOT/red line then shift. In every gear, for 100 miles. I rode it hard, rode it mean. Slam'er up, slam'er down. High revs, max throttle, dump er down hard, hold on!

She liked it! No, way more than that...(why doesn't Triumph do this to all of them?)

Got smoother and faster as I went along. In fact, I think I may have to check out the clutch as it felt like it slipped a few times at max rpm at max speed in 3rd / 4th gear. But it could also just be the Shell Rotella T dino oil, not synthetic. I'll put that in, in the morning before getting the second sampling of my newest drug {speed}.
It has craploads of torque. No, a big tractor pulling a boatload is more like it. Did I mention the torque yet?
So, I picked up the daughter, screamed down the road, the daughter and the bike too, flew,(FLEW) around the lake, jamming the gears to red line, slam her down and engine break. Wam wam, 0-WOT/swat the wrist and fly through the gears. Stayed around 3.5-5k for low speeds. Mostly used 3rd and 4th. Fine, damned thing goes over the ton in 4th easily anyway. Dropped off daughter first by the way.

So, my review so far will stand at: Duh, what are you waiting for? Get it, do it. HUGE improvement.
It's faster, quicker, stronger and louder. A little tweaking with the carbs is in order too. You can really feel the idle/low throttle response with the bigger jugs. I feel like it may need some more 0-low throttle gas - I already have the bigger (45) pilots to swap before tomorrows 100 mile romp. With the synthetic oil and new filter first.

Oh, and it's so stealth (looking) you can play around. The Progressive suspension helps a lot if the radi-i.

Man, would I have loved to been riding in your dust trying to keep you in sight!
So you do the break-in with Dino-oil, than switch to synthetic, makes sense.
I can't remember, what front sprocket are you running?
After your experience, I'm seriously considering this for my winter project next year. You've got everything mapped out, why not, right?

You would have had a heck of a time trying to keep up Al. My tail light would have been a little itty bitty red dot, getting smaller rapidly.
And I'm sure you could do it too, it's a lot of work but not really that bad once you know all the pitfalls and problem areas.

Now you have done it, and was the Ginny Pig, and all went well, AND you posted the procedure, I think this will be my next winters project. That is if I get shipped out to some fires this summer so I can afford the build.

Good for you sir, (out of pure respect) and may the bike gods look kindly upon you. As for Mr. Murphy, keep the heck away!

Man, I sure am excited to hear about your success! I am too chicken to try it myself, so I will have my local dealer do the deed for me. I can't wait! I already have my kit, but will likely wait until it gets cold again. It's been sunny and in the 70's here so I don't want to miss out. I was sweatin' my arse off washing the car and bike today! Way to go, we are all in awe of your skills and can't wait for another update.

Phew! That is quite a thrill ride just reading that! Congrats again Pat....does the motor still have the original camshafts or are those replaced with something that has longer duration and/or higher lift?

Now THAT is the way I would want to break a new one in - the way I intended on riding it! If you abuse it now, the regular hard rides will be a breeze!

Keep the shiny side up - and the rest of us informed of the progress. You are obviously pleased.

Sweeeet! As I read your story I kept reading faster and faster. ******, too exciting man!

Is the exhaust not a lot deeper now? I would assume so. How much of a change?

Pat, I now have about 100 miles doing my break in and it is running strong Holy s**t strong. Been breaking it in much on the lines you have. I am having minor carb burps now and then and for now will attribute it to the couple of gallons of 3 month old gas that was in the tank. I know you spoke of different needles at one point. What may I ask are you running as far as carb set up? I was going to put in Truxtons but I stayed with my last set up which was stock needles, one shim, 160 mains, stock pilots, 4.5 turns out (4 was rumbling on decel)(now only left rumbling a bit), freak of course and very free flowing pipes. Prior to big bore and cams I was running a little rich but performance was great except for the occaisional backfire and I wanted to see response with current mods before I tackle any carb changes. You mentioned going to 45 pilots. Won't that be a little much? Or am I missing something? Oh and congrads again Pat. For all you others, you won't believe the change. The hassles I had are not just a blur.

I have to agree with Dinqua's assessment. Got mine back last week, and boy does she have some grunt! While I used to think the bike with a 17th tooth front was almost underpowered for me (210 lbs) and a passenger...now it is very acceptable.

Throb,
Still have stock cams installed. Maybe next year.

Triumphant,
The pipes spound deeper and slightly louder. Not a huge difference, but it does sound bigger now. One of my friends yesterday (I have to pay him to be my friend) asked what I did because it sounds "meaner" to him. I just smiled, said "go get you hog out bud and I'll show you!"

jango,
I will give the 45 pilots a try as I notice it has less uumph at idle to 1/4 throttle than the rest of the throttle band. Still romps quick but there is a difference. If I roll off the throttle and slow then whack it wide open, it sometimes has a slight hesitation. This could also just be one of the failings of the CV carbs though. Maybe the vacuum just isn't catching up quick enough. Hmm, that reminds me, I will try drilling the inner holes to 7/64" fitst to see if increasing the vacuum cures it first.

Hey Dinq,
Good to hear you got her up and going.
I like the way you describe your break-in technique.....exactly the way I like to break things in. Full blast!

Plus I have at my disposal a genuine, certified, Motorcycle technician that is constantly hanging around my house, eating my food and taking my motorcycle magazines! (that is if the daughter keeps him around till next winter)
You better make sure your insurance is paid up mister, I envision New York's finest keeping a keen out for you from now on! (be careful!)

So... Dinqua,

How long before you get Dyno results to us?
Great job! You are an inspiration, a true pioneer.

John

john,
I'll wait about 500 miles before hitting the dyno. Maybe have to put in a new clutch first too.
Inspiration? Hardly, I'm just cheap and don't like anyone else working on my bike if I can help it. Heck, if I can do it you guys can too. Just follow the book and pay attention and it's not that hard. Lots of time, but not that hard. A few butt puckering parts though which are a just fear thing so you need to be in zen with the bike before doing them.

Keep us posted on the improvements Pat and especially when you get it on the dino. Look forward to hearing what the difference it has made to the std...

I have thought about it, but still got 15 months to go on the warranty yet.

I don't know about you Pat, but I am having a blast with this big bore. New name on bike coming soon "Rocket II". It's a bloody bullet. Still taking it a bit easy but have whipped her a couple of times to see what she'll do and it's impressive. I look forward to riding near every chance I get. You guys won't see me on line much this weekend.

Jango

jango,
Are you coming to the Ga meet?

Ya know Pat I didn't even think of it until you brought it up. But I may be able to fit that in. I have some friends in GA that I haven't seen in years that live near there. This may work out well. I'll keep you posted. Will also talk to Beavis and see what he thinks.

Hi Dinqua,
I am proud for you dood! (and a little jealous). Watching the weather, I was worried you might not get 'er broke in good before the Georgia trip. Looks like you're done already. I have a couple sheets of Velcro if you want them. I'll bring them to the rally and we can sew one side on your pants and glue the other on the saddle.
Ride Safe, Fast and Often,
Skillet