Proper way to break in new motors
Proper way to break in new motors
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
You're going to get 100 different opinions on this. All of them are right, as long as you follow the one basic rule. At least for a while, don't hold any steady rpms. Vary it by either speeding up, or slowing down, or simply selecting a different gear to be in at those speeds.
Now, from personal experience, I usually ride very easy for the first 50-70 miles. After that, it's ***** to the walls, remembering to vary the RPMs for at least another 50-70 miles.
After that, just ride it.
I've had great results doing this, and in most cases, my bikes would be faster than those (even the same model and size motor) broken in by the book. And, I never had to replace a motor either.
Now, from personal experience, I usually ride very easy for the first 50-70 miles. After that, it's ***** to the walls, remembering to vary the RPMs for at least another 50-70 miles.
After that, just ride it.
I've had great results doing this, and in most cases, my bikes would be faster than those (even the same model and size motor) broken in by the book. And, I never had to replace a motor either.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: JAX Florida
as the owner manual says, keep the rpm's under 4500 and vary the speed. In other words don't get on the interstate and set the cruise control for X and run out your break-in miles. probably not in the book, but I wouldn't use 6th gear during break-in either. too much chance of over lugging the motor. lugging is worse than over reving. IMO
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
You're going to get 100 different opinions on this. All of them are right, as long as you follow the one basic rule. At least for a while, don't hold any steady rpms. Vary it by either speeding up, or slowing down, or simply selecting a different gear to be in at those speeds.
Now, from personal experience, I usually ride very easy for the first 50-70 miles. After that, it's ***** to the walls, remembering to vary the RPMs for at least another 50-70 miles.
After that, just ride it.
I've had great results doing this, and in most cases, my bikes would be faster than those (even the same model and size motor) broken in by the book. And, I never had to replace a motor either.
Now, from personal experience, I usually ride very easy for the first 50-70 miles. After that, it's ***** to the walls, remembering to vary the RPMs for at least another 50-70 miles.
After that, just ride it.
I've had great results doing this, and in most cases, my bikes would be faster than those (even the same model and size motor) broken in by the book. And, I never had to replace a motor either.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
I reckon my 96 didnt start to free up until 1800km. But it could be psychological.
Anyhow my rules are no sustained high rpm, no lugging the engine, no full throttle and no constant revs for at least 500 miles based on all the old wives tales I have heard over the years.
Does anyone know why constant revs are bad??? This one I have never been able to figure out.
Anyhow my rules are no sustained high rpm, no lugging the engine, no full throttle and no constant revs for at least 500 miles based on all the old wives tales I have heard over the years.
Does anyone know why constant revs are bad??? This one I have never been able to figure out.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 564
Likes: 48
The owners manual has a ton of information in it, it will tell you how to do a proper break in on your engine under engine break in procedures...It also tells you how to change the fluids and the proper amounts and types of lubricants needed along with the recommended maintanance intervals for your bike.
Do not lug it, do not ride at a steady RPM for long periods of time, do not exceed 4000 RPM, avoid fast starts or stops and do not ride the fu*&^% out of it! as some would suggest for the first 500 miles.
Ride Safe,
Bill G
Do not lug it, do not ride at a steady RPM for long periods of time, do not exceed 4000 RPM, avoid fast starts or stops and do not ride the fu*&^% out of it! as some would suggest for the first 500 miles.
Ride Safe,
Bill G
Last edited by Bill G; Apr 22, 2009 at 06:40 PM. Reason: spelling
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 11
From: Grottoes Va.
I hammered on mine from mile 1. no problems so far and she runs like hell. You might want to mosey on over to Nightrider and check out what he has on the subject. Interesting reading.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
Whats nightrider? Thanks.