I was not strict with mine and actually exceeded 9k RPM like two times only, but I sure did not stick to guidelines and basically rode it. When I did my 600 mile oil change, I found two really tiny little pieces of metal in mine, looked like a couple silver, large dust particles. But do not stress over it and no need to baby it, just do not constantly gun it around until it is broken in!
On the street, low and mid range is where the bike spends the majority of its time, that is why a lower speed break in would be more ideal. Racers do high-speed break ins, because their motorcycles live in the mid and upper RPM ranges more often than a street bike. Kawasaki made those guidelines knowing people will go over them, so they are basically saying do not hang in the upper RPM ranges until it is broken in. But it really is not necessary, just ride it and enjoy it. Instead of maintaining that speed, let off the throttle and then speed back up to the limit or over if you ride like most. For example, you go on a road with a speed limit of 50 miles per hour. If you want to be cautious and do a "proper break in", keep it below 8000-9000 RPM for the first 600 miles and try to fluctuate your speed a little bit. I am quite sure literally everyone on this forum has broken their N400/Z400 in a little differently, and some did not even bother, and they are all still running strong.
Sticking to Kawasaki's recommendations is basically impossible unless you only ride on side streets and slower highways. I raced a basically stock Ninja 400 (he had just a tail tidy and slip on, Leo Vince) and pulled on him, so I obviously gained power and lightened mine as well.įor break in, honestly it is overrated and exaggerated. My bike pulls harder than stock, but it could really use a Dyno Tune and/or ECU flash to get the most of it. Click to expand.I put a Two Brothers Hurricane slip on on mine after only about 30 miles, and it has had a Delkevic Titanium full system exhaust and Power Commander V since around 200 miles.