696 Break-in in the rain: Bad idea?

[darthmoto]

Hey this is my first post. I recently joined the club and bought a Pearl White 696! Its my first Ducati and I love it. However,its been torcher lately because the weather's been rainy. Doesnt seem like there will be a dry day anytime soon here in Bay Area California. (I shouldn't complain too much, considering some of you guys have SNOW to deal with)

So, is it a dumb idea to break-in my bike in the rain? I guess its partially me being impatient, but also because I want to get my first 600 over with soon.

I know the obvious risks of rain riding, but Im an avid rain rider. My real worry is that since it's an aircooled bike, maybe the rain and cold (45deg) isn't going to let it run up to proper temperature. My other worry is that, by riding slow with no load and accelerating gently, the rings wont seat correctly.

I know it seems like a no brainer. (dont take my new baby out into the rain!) But Im just wondering if you guys think its an absolutely ridiculous thing to do.

Thanks

[Speeddog]

I'd recommend waiting 'till it's dry.

[Raux]

I'd recommend waiting 'till it's dry.

can i ask why you recommend that?

i know some of my first 600 miles included a couple of heavy rain days.

[DucatiTorrey]

I just got a 696 Dark, and i'm waiting, mainly because of snow here in MIchigan, but we have had a few dry road, sunny days. I'm still going to wait it out. Dirty roads from salt trucks and sand, just not worth dumping a brand new baby you know?

Up to you though.

[Speeddog]

can i ask why you recommend that?

i know some of my first 600 miles included a couple of heavy rain days.

As the OP said, with the rain and cold, engine won't get up to temperature.
Combined with having to ride easy due to the rain, can't really put load on the motor.

[Raux]

As the OP said, with the rain and cold, engine won't get up to temperature.
Combined with having to ride easy due to the rain, can't really put load on the motor.

OH.. got it. well i got to break mine in in 95+ heat in Oklahoma. plus with the coil issue, got to heat my engine up REAL good.

[ScottRNelson]

I could have easily put 200 good break-in miles on a new Monster today.  I rode about 65 miles on the local back roads, keeping an eye on the clouds to the west, but stayed dry the whole time.  It was better earlier in the day.

Come on out to the East Bay to put your miles on.

I would think the advantage of riding when the temperature is in the 40's and 50's is that you don't have to worry about getting the engine too hot.

[darthmoto]

I could have easily put 200 good break-in miles on a new Monster today.  I rode about 65 miles on the local back roads, keeping an eye on the clouds to the west, but stayed dry the whole time.  It was better earlier in the day.

Come on out to the East Bay to put your miles on.

I would think the advantage of riding when the temperature is in the 40's and 50's is that you don't have to worry about getting the engine too hot.

I think youre right about 40's and 50's being an advantage in dry, but I think the bike effectively becomes liquid cooled during a downpour. 
If I didn't have errands to do today , I would have tried going for the for 200! I just got in after a short ride thru Skyline, Grizzly and Bear Creek. Last day of dryness for awhile.



I'm trying to break-in the motor as quick as I can because I'm planning to slab down to LA in mid March, and It would be hard to avoid constant revs on the trip down there. 

[ScottRNelson]

I'm trying to break-in the motor as quick as I can because I'm planning to slab down to LA in mid March, and It would be hard to avoid constant revs on the trip down there. 

Take Highway 1.  You won't have much chance for constant revs until you get to Cambria.

[Special K]

I think you guys are being a little precious with the bike. If you don't mind riding in the rain, ride in the rain. Even during break in. I did. No problems.

I say this with the usual caveats to safe road conditions and your experience level. And following the break-in recommendations as per your manual, keep it under 6000 rpms, vary load, etc.

If you're seriously concerned about the longevity and health of your motor install the oil cooler, I did. These 696's run a little hot (if the temps per bar indicated in the manual are accurate). I usually ran 3 bars but would go to 4 bars routinely and, on very hot days in heavy traffic saw 5 bars a couple of times. Never go above 3 now. Of course there's always the possibility that I didn't run mine in properly and that's why it ran hot, but my experience seems consistant with others.

[darthmoto]

Well, Im generally a bit precious with my riding in the rain. My local roads aren't perfect and dont have consistent traction, so I'd have to baby the throttle alot to be safe. Because of that, I wont be able to beat on the bike a little bit, to get proper break in. 


edited for clarity

[Langanobob]

My local roads aren't perfect and dont have consistent traction, so I'd have to baby the throttle alot to be safe. Because of that, I wont be able to beat on the bike a little bit, to get proper break in.

+1