Hi guys, just joined from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Bought my new ZX on Friday and am in the process of breakin' her in. Getting the immediate mods listed below installed or on the way.

Any suggestions from anyone on how to go about break in? I'm thinking keep it below 4K for the first 500 miles, oil change, below 6k for next 500 miles, oil change. Then oil change after another 1,000 miles, and then 3,000 miles.

Thats how I broke mine in.Some people say ride it like you stole.Well I paid cash for mine.I wanted to get used to it as I was coming from a slow GSX1100G heavy shaft drive.Which I still have,I think Breaking it in like that helped keep it fresh.My bike still is fast.And welcome.In the end it's your bike.
Craig

Welcome! Good color choice.

Welcome!

Thanks for the welcome!

Loving the ZX right now, even though I'm limited to 4k rpms. I'm pretty much a Kawasaki guy, having started with a '80 Z1000, then on to an '01 ZRX1200R and lately an '08 Concours 14. Sold the Concours because I wanted something more sporty, and I wasn't really taking any long trips to justify the saddlebags.

Can't wait 'til I get to open her up after break in.

My one bit of advice. I have seen several big bore Kawasakis with lousy compression and in every case the owner broke it in too easy. These big bore engines spend most of their time barely working and the rings never got stressed enough to seat them to their bores. So, after the initial break in do some full throttle romps, don't hold it wide open just get on it hard and then back off. The rings will thank you.

Mad

Welcome, and I know from breaking in my last bike that the breakin period can really test your self discipline.

The means to break one in is obviously a source of disagreement, but personally, I will abide by the manual when I start breaking in my machine.

As I see it, the Kawasaki engineers are probably pretty dam*ned savy mechanics on how to properly treat and prep the rings, cam lobes and bearings during the breakin phase, and I would think Kawasaki has alot invested in instructing customers to treat the engine correctly, so as to increase the chances of good performance, and prevent any excess warranty repairs they may have to pay for that may arise if they had given customers improper breakin procedures.

When my ZX arrives, I am also going by the book, no matter how much my inner self wants to crack her open and let er rip, given the money you give for these bikes.

But to each his own,and no offense to those who do believe in the more liberal breakin way.

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 8/25/2012 @ 5:16 PM *

I kept mine around 4 grand with an occasional blast to 7 grand.I think more important is not to hold it at one rpm and shift alot.I hate breaking in bikes.Mine hasn't used any oil and no smoking.
Craig

Thanks for the suggestions, that's pretty much what I've been doing. Have 800 miles on her now, and have changed the oil twice already. Held it around 4k for the first 400 miles, now I take it up to 6-7k occasionally, and have done a couple of quick bursts to 9k. Definitely kept the revs varied while I ride.

I'll change the oil again at around 1200 miles, and then start to really open her up. Seems like she's running pretty strong so far.

Also, already have my dual muzzy black stainless slip-ons, ZG Double Bubble screen and the Yosh fender eliminator installed. Not sure I'm going to do a heck of a lot more to her for now.