[jschroeder423]

I'm really leaning towards the RE, but I've searched this board and other websites and haven't found what exactly the break in process is comprised of.  I'm patient and somewhat mechanically inclined so as long as it's not ridiculous I think I can handle it.  Thanks in advance.

[The Garbone]

Basically you keep it under 45mph for the first 300 or so miles changing engine speed while not racing rpms.    There are a lot of threads here that discuss this I suggest using the search option for the forum.  Between 300 and 500 when you do your first oil change there are differing opinions of fluid choice. 

Also of note is the machines shifting gets much better after about 1200 miles.

I have had my RE for 2 months now and love it.

[cyrusb]

Well, it IS ridiculous, but worth it.

[Bath Bullet]

I have just changed mine as per the Bullet service guide at 544 (should be 500)kms, thats 338 miles, next one due at 3000kms or 1684miles.
Running it in as precise as possible, road and traffic conditions allowing, living in a rural/country/coastal area of Scotland it really is no sweat.
I may be biased on this one, but I would say go and get one!
Take one for a test ride, you will be bitten and smitten!

[jschroeder423]

I went to the closest dealer to me (about 5 miles away) and saw exactly the one I wanted, I'm already "bitten and smitten" as you say. 

[Thumper]

I'm really leaning towards the RE, but I've searched this board and other websites and haven't found what exactly the break in process is comprised of.  I'm patient and somewhat mechanically inclined so as long as it's not ridiculous I think I can handle it.  Thanks in advance.

If you get an RE  your Owner's Manual should specify the manufacturer's recommended break-in (or run-in) procedure.

Usually it is to keep the speed at or under a certain mph for the first XXX miles. After that the speed is stepped up to AA mph for another YYY miles. They might even add the recommendation for you to drive it gently until you hit ZZZZ miles. Finally, they usually recommend that you vary the throttle frequently while riding throughout the entire process.

There is usually an initial maintenance required at or around 500 miles to change the oil and filter, and to retorque the head.

Matt

[Bath Bullet]

Here is the page for my 2001 manual, printed January 2000, should not think its changed too much.
Sorry its not brilliant, but I scanned it direct to p.c. but it will give you an idea.
Not sure for the AVL, and I would think the new one about to come out will be totally different too.

[meilaushi]

Here's the official break-in chart from the RE Service Manual...translated into MPH.  Wisdom dictates that you follow it just about to the letter.  Running too fast, too long during break-in can result in several nasty occurrances, none of which you want to happen.  Be easy on the bike during this period.
Break-in: First 500 Miles/800 Kms - Bullet
1st 50 Miles, < 30 MPH

50-500 Miles, Vary the engine/vehicle speed, avoiding any steady speed for long distances.  Vehicle speed up to 37 to 40 MPH is permissible.

Avoid fast starts at wide open throttle.  Drive slowly until engine warms up.

From 4th gear to 3rd gear - 24 MPH or less
From 3rd gear to 2nd gear - 18 MPH or less
From 2nd gear to 1st gear - 12 MPH or less

CAUTION: DO NOT EXCEED THE SPEED OF 37 to 43 MPH during 500 to 1000 Miles

GEAR CHANGE PROCEDURE AND SPEED DURING ACCELERATION:

From 1st Gear to 2nd Gear - 25 Kmph to 30 Kmph
From 2nd Gear to 3rd Gear - 35 Kmph to 40 Kmph
From 3rd Gear to 4th Gear - 45 Kmph to 50 Kmph
From 4th Gear to 5th Gear - 55 Kmph to 60 Kmph

DURING DECELERATION:
From 5th Gear to 4th Gear - 60 Kmph or less
From 4th Gear to 3rd Gear - 50 Kmph or less
From 3rd Gear to 2nd Gear - 30 Kmph or less
From 2nd Gear to 1st Gear - 20 Kmph or less

I didn't translate the gear change speeds to MPH as listening to the engine and having a feel for it running easily is the best way of telling when to change... only note well... do not lug the engine during break-in...  doesn't pay to do so either after break-in...

Have fun, and enjoy the road and sights at lower speeds.  One gets used to that during the break-in period.  It's nice.  

[Leonard]

You are going to have to use a little common sense cause I'm here to tell you that you will have a hard time running 60 kph in top gear without lugging the engine.  I think the best advice I've seen is in the Snidal manual:

             Mileage Max        Throttle Opening

           300 Mi / 500 Km                    1/4
           500 Mi / 800 Km                    1/3
           1000 Mi / 1600 Km                1/2
           1500 Mi / 2400 Km                3/4
           2000 Mi / 3200 Km                Full When Necessary

Just make some calibration marks on your throttle and don't worry about how fast you are going, the dang speedos aren't very accurate anyway.  Don't lug and don't over rev just listen and feel the engine and you will be OK.

[jschroeder423]

Thanks, you still haven't scared me off!

[petefletcher]

I think Leonard has it right - it's more about throttle openings than speed. Just mark the throttle and go by that.
Oh, and the gearbox does get better!