Running in period m695...

[muthaducka]

My bikes covered 1050 miles from new (06) and I've just received a new owners manual from Ducati. It says the engine shouldn't go over 7k rpm until 1500miles.

Have most people stuck to the rule? I'm collecting mine from a full service and belts change at Ducati Manchester this Saturday and it's so tough resisting the temptation to give it a blat, especially after reading someone signature with something like 'desmodeci is useless below 8000rpm'

Although a round trip to Scotland to see my parents would probably do it, I just haven't covered that kind of distance in one hit on an unfaired bike yet, I imagine it would be quite tough going.

[Seb_uk]

There are two schools of thought on this one - The first one says you should stick religiously to the manufacturers recommendations, i.e dont go above the 5 - 5.5k rpm for 500 miles and then 7 - 7.5k until 1500.

The other school of thought says you should give it the beans as otherwise the engine may not develop full power once everything has bedded in.

Personally I sit somewhere in the middle - I see no harm in going a bit above the recommened RPM, as long as the engine is nice and warm. But i am no mechanic.....

I'm in the process of running my 695 in for a second time after having the engine casings changed under warranty, and it's driving me mad!

[muthaducka]

running it in for the second time, what a bummer. I'm just pottering about making brisk progress with other bikes and cars trying it on thinking that I'm giving it full chat

[Seb_uk]

Yeah - keeping the revs down can be hard.

Once you do start to rev the bike higher you will find that it will really take off over 7k - and the noise (especially with aftermarket cans) is awsome. Still makes me grin after almost two years!

In terms of coverinf large distances, the 695 if more than capable - although worth investing in a fly screen and perhaps a gel seat.

I rode mine from Colchester to Cardiff and back a couple of summers ago and she didn't miss a beat.

I picked mine up at 480 miles on the clock and more or less stuck to the recommended revs....though as I was commuting in london for 99% of the time I didnt have much choice

going a bit over now and again is fine I would've thought, but not for extended periods

[AndyP]

Worth a read if you've not started running in yet.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[slob]

You should try and vary the revs, ie sitting cruising at 5K RPM for 200 miles is no good.
Also you should progressively increase them as the distance tots up, eg. not just step up 1K RPM at each 200 miles. I would try and roughly follow the guidelines, everyone over revs here and there dodging 18 wheelers on the way home from the dealer etc. Thrashing the nuts off it to run it in is fine for a racebike because you're going to rebuild the engine at the end of the season, progressive running in should leave you with an engine that won't need major surgery for tens of thousands of miles.
Ignore what's said about Desmosedicis, they may not make *much* power below 8K RPM but they rev to 20K FFS, your 2-valve hits the limiter at 1/2 that!

Oh, and 1000 miles in 3 years... you should try to get out more.

[muthaducka]

Thanks for the comments chaps. Andy, interesting read! Slob, you're right about a constant cruise covering a long distance isn't an ideal run in, varying the revs and gears etc is the better, I'll keep that in mind.
1000 miles in three years - I only bought the bike 3 months ago with 850 miles on the clock - now has 1150 (includes todays run, left at 3pm, got home at 9pm), this includes a nice rid out in the snow - I'm not shy, my bikes plastered all over with afc50.