Quote:A certain person as usual wanted to argue and throw it off track :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
It’s no me that started making bold unsubstantiated claims. Nor is it I that claims to know beter than the boffins that design our bikes. Nor is it I that after making such silly claims started calling others names because they didn’t agree.
Quote:But as with any internet based conversation there's a good dose of arguing and drama thrown in for good measure.... on that note I'm nearly out if popcorn...... as you were ??
Indeed, and it’s the same topics that come up again and again, with people making the same wild unsubstantiated claims. Anyway;
Two things happen when you run an engine in;
Conformability – is the initial wear as components wear to fit each other better.
Surface finishing – the surface alterations that occur at microscopic levels when two surfaces pass over each other.
Plain bearings however are fine, no real conforming or finishing takes place. The key changes that take place concern the pistons and bores.
One thing that happens on running a bike in is that you alter the piston and bore surfaces. You want the initial jagged machined surface to form in plateaus and valleys. The plateaus bear load and the valleys hold oil. You want the right balance of plateau to valley to form in your bores.
An engine is generally considered run in after 500 miles, but the process is not considered fully complete ie full surface stabilisation, for around 5000 miles.
Fully synthetic oils can interfere with the surface stabilisation process, and even lead to the formation of lacquer and high temperature varnish on low mileage machines. That means you will end up with a bike that’s a little down on full power and will burn a certain amount of oil.
If you look at http://www.castrol.com/en_au/australia/p...ower1.html
Notice that Castrol Power One GPS;
Promotes longer engine life by minimising the formulation of lacquer, sludge, carbon deposits and high temperature varnish, ensuring outstanding engine cleanliness under the most severe service conditions.
They don’t make the same claim for fully synth Power 1 racing.
Note also they state their semi-synth is suitable for those engaged in motorsports.
Basically these oils have slightly different properties. The semi-synth should be used for at least the first 10,000 miles on a road bike, and frankly is probably the better performing oil for everyday non-racing use.
To sum up – run your bike in as per manufactures recommendation but don’t be too gentle. Make sure you use semi synth for the first 10,000 miles.