I actually did it this time
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From: SF, California
Ok so the recommendation to break in hard is BAD advice. If you're not very sure about all of the implications then you should follow Honda's manual advice(under 600 miles stay under 5500 rpm).
The notion of a hard breakin has not been proven to have any benefit with engines. It is a common misperception that has been supported by questionably written internet articles. In fact hard break-in can increase the chance of engine failure during the early life. If your engine fails and honda can determine that you were violating break-in procedures, they can deny you warranty coverage.
A hard break-in will have little to no impact on the performance of the engine and may increase the likelihood of engine failure. It's not worth it, follow honda's recommendations......
The notion of a hard breakin has not been proven to have any benefit with engines. It is a common misperception that has been supported by questionably written internet articles. In fact hard break-in can increase the chance of engine failure during the early life. If your engine fails and honda can determine that you were violating break-in procedures, they can deny you warranty coverage.
A hard break-in will have little to no impact on the performance of the engine and may increase the likelihood of engine failure. It's not worth it, follow honda's recommendations......
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From: SF, California
Originally Posted by Mark16q,Jul 29 2004, 09:16 PM
Modern day 250cc 4 stroke motorcycle motors need to be broken in hard immediately or the rings don't seat/they burn oil like crazy. I've seen Honda CRF250 motors broken in easy, and they smoked and burned oil like crazy. Was thinking this break in logic might apply here (hoping)? The service manager felt that was the case. Somewhere in my bookmarks I've got a great article on the belief and logic of hard break-ins. Will post it if I find it.
It has been discussed here....
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=222269
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From: Woodland Hills
I'm going to go with moderate basically sticking to the Honda recommendations and staying off the vtec for awhile 
Gave it some thought and the comparison to a high performance motorcycle engine isn't apples to apples. We rebuild and replace pistons and rings on a regular basis, so if there is any loss of reliability, it isn't really relevant. There is no question about whether it helps the motors seal the rings better and run cleaner, but as to longevity, which is an important issue with a car, I'll go along with Hondas advice.
Thanks all for the input.
Mark
Gave it some thought and the comparison to a high performance motorcycle engine isn't apples to apples. We rebuild and replace pistons and rings on a regular basis, so if there is any loss of reliability, it isn't really relevant. There is no question about whether it helps the motors seal the rings better and run cleaner, but as to longevity, which is an important issue with a car, I'll go along with Hondas advice.
Thanks all for the input.
Mark
Thread Starter
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From: Woodland Hills
Read the manual cover to cover last night. No real surprises in there and I will do my best to follow their advice. Surprising that it wasn't until 100 pages in that they cover their break-in procedure. I REALLY want to see what happens over 6k but have thus far held back 
But there was plenty of info covering the secret compartment
Mark
But there was plenty of info covering the secret compartment
Mark
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Central Massachusetts
Originally Posted by Mark16q,Jul 30 2004, 11:45 PM
Read the manual cover to cover last night. No real surprises in there and I will do my best to follow their advice. Surprising that it wasn't until 100 pages in that they cover their break-in procedure. I REALLY want to see what happens over 6k but have thus far held back
But there was plenty of info covering the secret compartment
Mark
But there was plenty of info covering the secret compartment
Mark
Enjoy!
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From: Gainesville
This is Honda's recommendation for break-in:
Although Honda recommends avoiding full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration, it doesn't say you cannot go past 5500 RPM's or not engage VTEC. Why people assume you can't hit VTEC is beyond me, as Honda never stated that. If you "assume" that "rapid acceleration" means no VTEC, then you are misinformed. If that is what Honda meant, they would have stated so in the manual.
Like I said before, varied driving through the whole RPM band is best for a proper break in. Don't be afraid to hit VTEC. You can accelerate without flooring the car and go through VTEC.
What is the break-in period of my Honda?
Help assure your vehicle's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 kilometers). During this period:
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration. Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 km).
Help assure your vehicle's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 kilometers). During this period:
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration. Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 km).
Like I said before, varied driving through the whole RPM band is best for a proper break in. Don't be afraid to hit VTEC. You can accelerate without flooring the car and go through VTEC.