Breaking in the F650 - more to come?

[Jontacular]

Apologies if this has been covered - a quick search didn't seem to turn anything up...

I'm running in my new F650GS at the mo, and haven't really taken it above 4000-4500 revs yet. I was just wondering what I can expect when I do - is there a feeling of significantly more acceleration? Coming from a scooter, I was expecting to feel more power from an 800 (albeit de-tuned) - so I'm wondering if I'm making my judgement too early! I suspect I might be...

I'm more of a cruiser type than a racer anyway, so not that fussed really; just curious to know if I can expect to leave the lights a little quicker in future!

 

[ILMV]

Are you asking when your run in period is over, will you see more power from it?

You should do, as the power peaks at >6000rpm, but did you say you have it restricted to 33bhp? If so the bike will obviously feel completely different compared to the standard setup.

 

[Blind Lemon Ade]

I think the OP just means the "650" is a detuned 800...

I don't rev my F650 much over 5k anyway, it's the low-down pull which makes it fun to ride, rather than having to wind it up like a 4-cyl 600.

One up, two up, luggage, don't seem to affect it much, it still goes just fine!

 

[Jontacular]

Sorry, it was a pretty badly worded post.

I was just wondering how much extra power there is when you take the revs up, as I'm being careful not to rev it too high until the first service. It's only restricted by my self-control at the moment - when I said de-tuned, I meant compared to the F800GS.

Good to know the peak's at 6000 though, thanks. Just feels like it needs a little more whack for overtaking at the mo. Patience required!

 

[GS Biker]

When i brought my 800gs, it felt tight and boring plus the patience was killing me until its first service. Once my 800 hid the 800 mile mark, it started to take on a whole new character. Now, has been known to give a few superbikes a run for their money and wayward looks at the lights! Have patience, once you carry out the service, you should notice a difference over and above the running in time!

 

[Duvskog]

It will wake up above 5000 rpm. Then you can´t stop smiling....

 

[GSmonkey]

Just nail the throttle and find out.........it ain't gonna blow up if you do it once whilst running in!!

.................although, surely your test ride would have told if the bike had enough power for you??

 

[Jontacular]

Thanks for the input - all good to hear.

I was pretty timid on the test ride actually - at the time, I hadn't been on a geared bike since my test, so I was more concerned about getting it back in one piece than finding its top end. It was still enough to let me know I had to have one.

No regrets with it at all, just a little impatience to get those miles on and find out what it can do - not often I've wished for a longer commute!

 

[ILMV]

.......although, surely your test ride would have told if the bike had enough power for you??

On my test ride from CWs in Dorchester I went down a pre designated route to Sherbourne... unknown roads for me, but was amazed that the bike pulled like it did, however let this be a lesson to all test riding fast bikes, the police are everywhere.

I only just missed getting pulled over, the plod were in a bus stop, I flew past, and the must have followed me for 20+ miles.

Oh well

 

[Tim Cullis]

There's a load of contrary thoughts on running in, but so long as it's not wide-open throttle at constant speed, there's no good reason why you can't go over 5000 revs for short periods.

Compared to the F800GS the 650 is differently tuned rather than de-tuned. Torque is the important comparison, NOT bhp. Maximum bhp on the 800 is at over 7000 revs but I can't remember the last time I deliberately went over 6000 revs.

 

[Greggers]

I'm with Tim on this one - there's no reason why you shouldn't gas it for short distances.. but no WOT for miles and miles, just vary the revs in all the gears, let the engine do the work for you

The biggest no-no is giving it bags of gas in a low gear, and 'chugging' the motor...

G

 

[Jontacular]

Thanks for the thoughts, all.

First service is nearly upon me, now, so job done. I've been sensible with it, just doing lots of A-road rides and avoiding prolonged stints on the motorway - which is more fun anyway! Really is a lovely bike to ride.