Pre-break-in break-in for 09 TXC 450

Hello All!!!

I'm a new member, and new to the Husky family in general. I'm picking up my NEW 2009 TXC 450 on Tuesday. It's my first BRAND NEW bike ever. To say I'm stoked is an understatement.

I searched, but didn't find the usually ever-present and generally annoying thread about break-in and Oil! Most forums have at least a hundred of them. LOL.

I'll take it upon myself to be the heathen that starts one here. As you might imagine, I'm ready to get the bike, and begin a thorough and proper break-in.

This is my first thumper, and generally when I've broken in new topends in 2 strokes, I followed a very specific routine which included short warm ups, sustained WOT 3rd gear runs, and cooling breaks for the motor. I'm sure the manual covers the procedure in detail, but I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Especially given that you are my new panel of experts on all things Husqvarna.

Oh... and if that wasn't enough of a grenade for the quiet room... what oil do you guys like for these things? (No rekluse yet, but it'll be coming soon).

Thanks! I look forward to getting to know you all.
Andy

Two general ideas on breaking a new bike in that have been talked about here.

1. Mototune method. http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
2. George's slower method which I've used as I bought the bike from him and think he has more experience and knowledge for these particular bikes.

This is from George (Uptite Husqvarna), a racer, dealer, developer etc. via Fitness2go (David)

Let's see if I can get this right! I know that I am really simplifying it, but it's a start. I hope George will pipe-up if I screw something up.

The bike's temperature takes somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 - 20 hours to stabilize. Heat in the initial stages are very bad for a new bike. This seems like the real reason for breaking in an engine "EASY."

*during the break-in period it is OK to use Supreme pump gas*
*after the break-in period it would be wise to use four gallons of high octane Supreme mixed with one gallon of race fuel and 3 to 1 if you race and/or push it hard. He likes Sunoco Supreme and Sunoco Race Fuel.
*ride like you have a broken foot.

How to get started:

1. It's OK to begin this process with the oil already in the bike.

2. Start the bike and let it idle until the bottom of the radiator gets warm.
*with a new bike and how easily they heat up, this will take less than 5 minutes.

3. Putt around a parking lot at a very low RPM (2000 - 3000) to further warm-up the engine. Once you feel heat from the engine case (?), turn it off and let it cool down and repeat again before proceeding to 4.
*this should take less than 15 minutes.

4. Cruise around the streets or fire/forest roads and do not exceed 4000 RPMs for at least 2 - 3 hours (not necessarily all on one ride). Vary speed/rpms and exercise as many gears as the parameter will allow (less than 4000 RPMs and no lugging/bucking). Just to be sure, don't lug the machine to the point that it starts to buck.

5. After 2 - 3 hours of the above, ride it a little more normally without exceeding 5000 RPMs until 500 to 600 mile of this type of riding has been accomplished.
*change the oil at 50, 150, 250, 350, 450 miles - Spectro Offroad 4 20w50 Petrolium.
*clean 3 filters with gas
*change paper filter, cut open to inspect and use a paper towel to clean out the housing area for the paper filter - this will collect metal bits and whatnot the best.

6. At 600 miles clean the filters, change the paper filter and inspect and change oil to Spectro Offroad 4 Petroleum/Synthetic Blend and be careful on your next ride.
*at this point you can do the power-up kit, race gas blend, etc etc.

David

Congrats and I know you can hardly wait until tuesday. I have the 09 TXC 510 and love the bike. It was my first Husky now it has a little brother; Husky 08 CR125. I was going to install a Rekluse Pro in my 510 but the bike is so smooth, clutch is very smooth and 1st gear so low I don't think I will be installing the Rekluse on the 510. I broke mine in with proper warm ups (unitl rads have some heat in them) then ran the bike up and down to about 1/2 -3/4 throttle through the gears. Let things cool down and repeated the cycle a few times then let her rip but not holding the rpms high for long until I was on my third tank of gas. Then I drained the oil, changed the filter, and filled up with Rotella 15-40. The only mod I have done to date is a kick stand and man thats a nice add on. Hey enjoy your bike and please give us a ride report. Oh...WELCOME!

Thanks All! As I anticipated, many different theories.

I've got a question for you John01. But first... I use a LOT of Rosemella (Rotella) as I drive (and have driven) diesel pickups for years. Oil analysis on them using Rotella has always come back as good if not better than other dino and synthetics that I've tried, so I stick with it. It's cheap, it's quality, etc. I also ran it in my YZ with the rekluse. rekluse recommended it, and it worked like a champ. It's good to hear that the husky's like it as well. Now... on to the question... what kickstand are you running?

That's interesting on the Rekluse. I may hold off until I ride it for a while. The guys at Rekluse are SO awesome, I almost hate not to buy one. I REALLY want a left hand rear brake, so I may just have to do it if for no other reason, than that.

Thanks again all.
Andy

I got the kick stand from Motosportz they are are sponsor on this site. They also have the Rekluse Pro check them out. Great to deal with. They also carry a line of tires that are awsome. Hey do let me know on how you feel about needing or not needing a Rekluse on your TXC please. They are very cool as I had one on my 450R Honda and believe me that thing needed one.

I use the mototune method. Simple, fast and proven. No point in spending all those hours of quality riding time trying to slowly break-in a new bike so it will forever have a 5-10% horsepower deficit and no gain in longevity.

....You've got to get those rings seated, seated well and seated fast.

B.