Brake-in Smokin out

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

Scott J relates an article by Kevin Cameron in Cycle World about breaking in
1970s vintage BMW motorycles as follows: 


>Kevin further proposes that this thinking has a sound history, reciting some
>experience with old motorcycle racing/builder cronies, a most credible
>argument being the "dry break-in" of BMW bikes in the early 70's eliminating
>the grand oil consumption on new motors (drop of oil on the cylinders then
>30seconds of 1/2 redline, <yea, right!>). 

Guess what - this thinking is BULLSH*T! Pure, unadulterated, 100% BS. And dumb.

I used to teach at American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach back then,
and I assure you, if any of my students had tried to break in a BMW (or
anything else) in that manner, I would have taken them out and shot them.
Promptly.

Once they were properly and thoroughly shot, I would then jump up and down
on them until there was nothing left but little pieces, and then I would
jump up and down on the little pieces for a few hours more, just to be sure.

Most engine wear occurs in the first few seconds of starting. Metal to metal
contact with no film of oil results in destruction of the parts. Oil is much
cheaper than engines. Have you priced BMW motorcycle parts? One cylinder of
the flat twin costs more than the equivalent parts on my airplane! Run 'em
dry? I don't think so. Expensive engines (Big aircraft piston engines,
marine diesels) have a pre-oiler system which lubricates the bearings - and
other stuff - before you even start the engine! 

The only thing proven by that sort of imbecilic, ignorant, idiotic procedure
is that the engine is tougher than we have any right to expect. Rant mode
on, 100% duty cycle, BS repellant deployed, Napalm sprayer pressurized,
Terminators energized.

That's why they have MOS-2 paste (cam break-in lube), that's why we pre-oil
bearings on assembly, that's why Honda had teflon-coated rings on the early
(69-70) 750s - for BREAK IN! Be gentle - your engine will last LOTS longer,
and so will your wallet. People who advocate running a brand new engine HARD
are IGNORANT, and they will pay a healthy price, both in drastically
shortened service life, higher oil consumption, and just plain old money.

True, newer engines don't need AS MUCH break in as in the old days (better
materials, closer machining tolerances, better designs), but when you see
literature advising that "No break-in is needed!", this is an invention of
the sales department who a) are a collection of ignorant hucksters who don't
know anything anyway, and b) want you to buy a new one next year, or if
possible, even next week.

BREAK IT IN! And I don't care what you use, Dino, synthetic, vegetable
(Castor oil), but BREAK IT IN! (You should start with dino - single grade,
non detergent - other oils are "too slippery" and the rings may not seat
correctly - then change to your choice of oil, again, whatever you want.)

Still fuming, but best regards,

Mike Arman

(Owner at one time of 19 BMW motorcycles - sanity somewhat recovered, down
to two.)