Break - in procedure?

[Sclark1013]

Anybody have a break-in recommendation for the Hawk?

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Sclark1013

Anybody have a break-in recommendation for the Hawk?

Replace the oil it comes with before ever running it. Run a JASO MA rated oil like 4T 10w40 or Rotella T4 15w40. I personally recommend T4 as it has a high level of zddp in it, which is a good for protecting the camshaft and followers during break in.

As far as a "procedure," there really isn't a factory break in procedure. I think a good generic break in procedure would be...

1. Fresh oil and valves adjusted - first start, idle it at about 2000rpm for 5-10 min, put a good fan on it if you want to ensure you don't overheat the cylinder. Let it cool off and change the oil.

2. for the first 200-300 miles don't lug the engine and don't wind it out past 5000rpm. Lots of gear changes, lots of engine braking. Start with shorter rides and give the bike a chance to cool, make each consecutive ride a bit longer in duration. Change the oil and check/clean the filter the screen at the end of this. Check the valve lash and adjust if needed.

3. For the next 200-300 miles ride it a bit more normal, maybe start to give it more RPM. Keep varying the rpms a bit and engine braking. Change the oil and clean the filter screen and again check the valve lash.

At that point (around 500 miles) you are pretty much done with the break in procedure, although up to 1000 miles it may still slowly break in a little more.

My method for break in starts like this, but after a couple hundred miles, I just ride it like I would normally ride it, and I am not shy about winding out the engine. As careless as that sounds, I am also much more obsessive about oil changes and paying close attention to the engines state of tune.

No matter what you find your preference to be, just don't go beat on it willy nilly and neglect it and you should be A-ok.

[Sclark1013]

Good info! Thanks. I have 44 miles and didn't change the oil or adjust the valves. I need to do this pronto. Hopefully, no harm done.

[2LZ]

Dan pretty much nailed it. The CG motor comes very tight and you'll notice it loosen up dramatically and change its habits over the first 500 miles.

[JerryHawk250]

Pretty close to the same procedure I did. Over 3300 miles and runs great. Read through Megadan's thread. Lots of need to know stuff on the Hawk or pretty much any of these China Bikes.

Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Sclark1013

I have 44 miles and didn't change the oil or adjust the valves. I need to do this pronto. Hopefully, no harm done.

I doubt any real harm was done, but definitely change out that oil and adjust the valves as soon as you can.

[roundhouse]

Originally Posted by Sclark1013

Good info! Thanks. I have 44 miles and didn't change the oil or adjust the valves. I need to do this pronto. Hopefully, no harm done.

I doubt it. I bought my bike used from a guy who's grandchildren broke it in with the original oil and I am sure at full throttle the whole time. Pretty tough motors.