Running in a moped - a whim or a necessity?

Running in the Alpha RX 110 moped
Hello everyone! In this article I want to touch on the following topic - the running-in of the new Alfa moped.

After purchasing a new moped, the owner is faced with the question of how to properly break in the engine. This procedure must be carried out on absolutely any equipment, since it significantly extends the life of both the engine itself and the moped as a whole. Four-stroke engines have a number of features that should be taken into account during break-in.

The most common question for the owner of a new Alpha is: how many kilometers must a four-stroke moped travel for its engine to get used to and be ready for long-term use?

Most manufacturers indicate a minimum value of 500 km, but to achieve the maximum effect from break-in, you should drive at least 1000 km in a gentle mode. Only after the odometer shows the coveted number can you safely turn the throttle to full.

During break-in, not only the piston group is ground in, but also the bearings and gears. As a result of controlled wear, the necessary technical clearances appear, which at the moment of maximum load and overheating allow the motor to function normally.

Determining the optimal speed during break-in

Any technique has technical differences, and mopeds with different cubic capacity also have different maximum speeds. To determine this speed, you need to carefully study the technical data of a four-stroke moped and take 75% of the maximum speed from the data specified by the manufacturer.

For example, a 110cc moped with a 15-teeth drive sprocket has a maximum speed of 85 km/h. This means the maximum break-in speed in fourth gear will be 63 km/h.

It is also worth remembering that the throttle should not be turned more than 2/3 of the maximum value. Many novice owners of mopeds and scooters think that they need to dilute gasoline with oil, but with four-stroke engines, this is not necessary. Once in the combustion chamber, the oil does not burn and is deposited on its walls.

Why is this run-in necessary in principle?

In a new (or repaired) engine, all its constituent elements: piston, gears, crankshaft, and all other parts must be ground in. An important condition for running in is a gentle regime. Each manufacturer determines the duration of the break-in. As a rule, this segment fluctuates around a thousand kilometers. During this period, the owner is obliged to move at a speed not exceeding 80% of the maximum possible on this unit. From which it follows that for now you should forget about full throttle, and also refuse to drive for a long time at a constant speed. Simply put, you can drive at a speed of no more than 40 km/h, even for a city this is quite enough.

So it’s in your best interests to be patient for the first thousand kilometers.

Rules for changing engine oil during break-in

During break-in, a new engine grinds its parts, resulting in metal shavings. It accumulates in the engine crankcase and can easily damage the inside of the engine.

After a run of 100 km, I recommend changing the engine oil to a new one. Then this can be done after 500 km. It is not recommended to skimp on high-quality oil, because with timely maintenance, the moped will last much longer without repair.

Basic recommendations

Manufacturers of equipment always write in the operating instructions recommendations for servicing the moped during the break-in period. It is necessary to strictly follow these recommendations, because... The manufacturer is interested in the equipment working well, or at least not breaking during the warranty period.

When choosing an oil manufacturer, it is better not to waste money and buy a well-known brand of oil in a specialized store. Do not buy market oil under any circumstances, you may end up with a fake product. This recommendation does not only apply to the break-in period.

If the moped engine is four-stroke, then it is better to check the thermal clearance of the valves immediately after purchase. This procedure will not take much time and effort. And at the same time, make sure that the motor is assembled and adjusted correctly.

PS While your scooter is brand new, be sure to check the condition of the steering wheel, shock absorbers, wheels, etc. – i.e. the main components of your “iron horse”, and also monitor the tire pressure.

Tightening threaded connections

During break-in, be sure to keep an eye on the drive chain because it will stretch. This is a normal process. After it has rubbed in, you will need to tighten the chain as it wears out.

After a short mileage of 50 kilometers, check the threaded connections:

• on the cylinder head;
• engine mounts;
• muffler mountings;
• rear wheel pendulum;
• wheel axle fastenings;
• steering column mount;
• rear shock absorber mountings.

When purchasing a new moped, you should also check the tightness of all elements. Very often, manufacturers do not fully tighten the nuts and bolts.

If, during short runs, it becomes noticeable that the engine is not running smoothly, extraneous sounds appear, and traction is lost, then the valve clearances should be checked. This problem occurs very often on Alphas.

Don't forget about such an important element as the brakes. They need to be checked in all operating modes, and also ensure the integrity of the brake lines.

With proper maintenance and running-in, any moped or scooter, even from Chinese manufacturers, will serve its owner for many years.

Running in a new scooter

After purchasing a new scooter, you need to break it in - this is the key to its long and efficient operation for many years. Typically, running-in is carried out in the first 500-1000 km. During this time, the specificity of the operation of the units becomes apparent (since the units are new, they are not ground in), the resistance of the units to loads, and the presence of manufacturing defects.

Rules for operating a scooter during break-in.

Manufacturers recommend a standard break-in duration of 1000 km. During this period, you cannot exceed the speed of more than 80% of the speed indicated in the passport. It is not recommended to fully squeeze the gas or roll long distances at a constant speed. We understand that it’s difficult, but during the break-in period the recommended driving speed is 40-50 km/h, at least for the first 500 km. By not following the recommendations and driving at maximum speed, you cause the engine to overheat, because... the throttle valve is fully open. If you continue like this, then in the future the cylinders will constantly overheat, which means a loss of power and speed of your scooter. Also, do not forget: malfunctions that appeared due to violation of the break-in rules are not covered by the warranty.

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It is recommended to inspect the main components after 500 km or a month of operation. But as practice shows, it is better to do this after leaving for a week. All fastening units need to be inspected: from fastening the cladding to the wheels and braking system. Quickly identifying deviations and correcting them in a timely manner will allow you to feel more confident in the future with the desired acceleration on the road.

A little about changing the oil. No one can ever guarantee you the absence of the smallest particles of metal dust (chips) in the engine, so you should not put off a timely oil change. In the first 1000 km, it is recommended to change the oil 3 times. If you do not follow these recommendations, you risk reducing the life of the engine.

Tips for running in the main components on a scooter.

1. During break-in, use synthetic oils.
2. Use only the gasoline specified by the manufacturer in the passport and with exactly the octane number.

When running in, add oil to gasoline: 150 g. oil X 10 liters of gasoline. Wait a couple of hours until the oil dissolves and then pour the mixture into the tank. For the first 500 km, drive at a speed of no more than 40-50 km/h. When the mixture is finished, we make it again, but add 100 grams. oils

1. Change the oil from the rear gearbox.
2. Accelerate smoothly, without sudden movements.
3. During the break-in period, it is not advisable to ride a scooter together, because the load increases.
4. It is not recommended to open the gas more than 23.
5. After stopping the scooter, do not turn it off immediately, but let it idle for a while.
6. After break-in, it is recommended to replace the scooter's spark plugs and the oil in the rear hub.
7. The first start is in order: initially the engine starts for 5 minutes, then cools down for 5-10 minutes.

After the engine has cooled down, we start it again, but for 10 minutes, then also give it time to cool. We start the engine for the third time, but for 20 minutes, after which we also let it cool. This way the engine is ready to be tested while driving.

Running in the scooter is necessary because... Many functions need to be customized to suit yourself, the conditions in which you will use it, and your driving style.

At the end of the break-in, it is advisable to carry out an additional technical inspection and change the oils in all main components. If a malfunction is detected, you should contact the service center.

Filter element, cassette, round (4T 157QMJ 150cc)

Manufacturer: VIRZ

Catalog No.:
020069-360-6683
Air filter assembly (Alpha)

Manufacturer: VIRZ

Catalog No.:
020069-362-1704
Carburetor repair kit (mopeds ALPHA, DELTA; doors 147FMH, 152FMH, 70cc)

Manufacturer: VIRZ

Catalog No.:
4620753533776

Rules for using a scooter when running in

The manufacturer has set the running-in duration to 1000 km. The operating rules indicate that the maximum possible speed during this period should not exceed 80% of that established in the documents.

It is strictly not recommended to fully squeeze the gas and cover long distances at a constant speed. During the break-in period, it is recommended to drive at a speed of 40-50 km/h, at least for the first 500 km.

Driving at maximum speed will cause the engine to overheat due to the throttle being fully open. In the future, the cylinders will constantly overheat, which will lead to a significant loss of power and speed.

Please note that faults resulting from improper running-in are not covered by the warranty.

Experts recommend inspecting the main components of the scooter after 500 km or after a month of operation. However, as practice shows, these steps should be completed after riding for a week. All fastening units are inspected - from fastening the cladding to the wheels and braking system. Identifying deviations and eliminating them will allow you to protect yourself from troubles in the future.

When buying a scooter, you should check whether the valve clearances have been adjusted. Sometimes there are situations when the manufacturer has set the gap less than required. If this is not identified immediately, the break-in process will be disrupted, and the result will be significant wear on the parts of the still new scooter.

Adjusting the gaps is a fairly simple procedure. In addition, you can immediately see if everything is in order with the engine. We should not forget that the clearance adjustment is carried out on a cold engine. A few words about changing the oil. Since no one can guarantee that there will be no tiny particles of chips or metal dust in the engine, changing the oil should not be delayed. It is recommended to change the oil three times in the first 1000 km. In order for the engine to last longer, you should not skimp on oil.

Tips for running in the main components on a scooter

1. During break-in, synthetic oil should be used.
2. Gasoline should only be used as specified by the manufacturer, with exactly the octane number.

When running in, you should add oil to gasoline in the following proportion: 150 g. oil for 10 liters of gasoline. In order for the oil to dissolve, you need to wait a couple of hours. Then, pour it into the tank. The first 500 km should be driven without exceeding a speed of 40 km/h. After the mixture is finished, we make it again, but add 100 grams. oils

3. The oil from the rear gearbox should be replaced.
4. It is necessary to accelerate smoothly, without making sudden movements or jerks.
5. During the break-in period, you should not ride the scooter together, as the load increases significantly.
6. It is not recommended to open the gas more than two-thirds.
7. There is no need to turn off the scooter immediately after stopping; you need to give it the opportunity to idle for several minutes.
8. After break-in, it is recommended to replace the spark plug and oil in the rear hub.
9. The first start should also be carried out in a certain order, namely: initially the engine starts for 5 minutes, then it cools down for 5-10 minutes.

After cooling, we start the engine again, but for 10 minutes, then let it cool down. The third time the engine is started for 20 minutes, after which it should also cool down. Thus, the motor is ready for testing in motion. Running in a scooter is necessary, since many functions need to be customized specifically for yourself , for operating conditions, and for your riding style.

It is not possible to regulate everything within the manufacturing plant, since conveyor production involves large volumes and minimal assembly time. Factory defects identified during the running-in process allow you to count on warranty service and troubleshooting with minimal investment.

At the end of the break-in, a thorough technical inspection should be carried out and the oils in all main components should be changed. If any malfunctions are detected, you should immediately contact the service center, without delaying until the last minute. If controversial issues arise, it is better to consult with specialists.