Proper way to break in new motors
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
Vary speeds, vary gears, no faster than 50 mph for 1st 50 miles. Then no faster than 55 mph for the 1st 500 miles.
Thread Starter
|
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
so is this the bike scheduled for delivery in June?? As already stated, RECOMMENDED break-in is described in detail in the owner's manual. IIRC, there is also a separate sheet that explainsit as well.
Vary speeds, vary gears, no faster than 50 mph for 1st 50 miles. Then no faster than 55 mph for the 1st 500 miles.
Vary speeds, vary gears, no faster than 50 mph for 1st 50 miles. Then no faster than 55 mph for the 1st 500 miles.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
That kinda what I was thinking. I think chevrolet used to say to baby them. Then several years ago (I think it was when they started using aluminum heads but dont know if that has anything to do with it) was told to drive the absolute **** out of them after a couple hundred miles and they lasted longer that way and actually ran stronger.
Exactly. And I've been doing it that way on motorcycles long before aluminum heads came out on cars.
You can baby it if you want, like suggested here. Or you can ride the crap out of it and have a better running bike with no harmful effects.
Note: I think I'd rather eat a bullet than ride 55 mph for 500 freakin' miles.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 7
From: tomball tx
take it a little easy on the brakes til they seat. maybe 2-300 miles. other than that ride normal with variable speeds and don't go over 4500 rpm approx. @ 1000 miles change the fluids to synthetics (this is a can of worms too) and then ride the sheeeiiittt out of it, but always be safe and watch out for idiots in cars, especially those on phones. welcome
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
From: Lillian, Al.
This is a very opinionative subject.
I've built a far share of motors, I used to break them in using S&S's instructions. But now im using a very very different way. If its a fresh built motor(never been cranked) then i turn the bike over with the plugs out untill i turn the oil pressure light off. then start the motor up for 30 seconds. let it cool down. start it up again and let it get to around a 175 200 head temp.(if you just bought the bike this is where you pick up) then take it on the road (or dyno) varry the speed or rpm for a few miles then i slow down to around 35 and roll on the throtlle untill 55 do that 10 times then 50 to 70 same gear 10 times. after that dont ride at sustained high rpm 5000 plus for a long amount of time. I belive its accurate to say hastings makes %90 + of the rings for harleys, and their break in procedure is similar to this. After this is done your rings should be seated about %80 to %90 and the rest will occur by the 1000 miles oil change. Ive seen stronger running motors quicker and longer lasting rings by using this method. Ill proablly get hung for posting this, but its worked well for me with no negative impact.
I've built a far share of motors, I used to break them in using S&S's instructions. But now im using a very very different way. If its a fresh built motor(never been cranked) then i turn the bike over with the plugs out untill i turn the oil pressure light off. then start the motor up for 30 seconds. let it cool down. start it up again and let it get to around a 175 200 head temp.(if you just bought the bike this is where you pick up) then take it on the road (or dyno) varry the speed or rpm for a few miles then i slow down to around 35 and roll on the throtlle untill 55 do that 10 times then 50 to 70 same gear 10 times. after that dont ride at sustained high rpm 5000 plus for a long amount of time. I belive its accurate to say hastings makes %90 + of the rings for harleys, and their break in procedure is similar to this. After this is done your rings should be seated about %80 to %90 and the rest will occur by the 1000 miles oil change. Ive seen stronger running motors quicker and longer lasting rings by using this method. Ill proablly get hung for posting this, but its worked well for me with no negative impact.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
I pick up my new bike next month and its a 140 mile ride home.... it will be along ride not going over 55 ... ... ...
I have another question: A few years ago a friend of mine picked up a new Honda and the dealer said be careful, the new tire can be very slippery. Like its coated with some kind of film... Well he dumped it pulling out of the delaer parking lot. Back tire came out from under him on a clean dry road... Any one had any issues with tire when picking up a new bike?
I have another question: A few years ago a friend of mine picked up a new Honda and the dealer said be careful, the new tire can be very slippery. Like its coated with some kind of film... Well he dumped it pulling out of the delaer parking lot. Back tire came out from under him on a clean dry road... Any one had any issues with tire when picking up a new bike?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 4
I pick up my new bike next month and its a 140 mile ride home.... it will be along ride not going over 55 ... ... ...
I have another question: A few years ago a friend of mine picked up a new Honda and the dealer said be careful, the new tire can be very slippery. Like its coated with some kind of film... Well he dumped it pulling out of the delaer parking lot. Back tire came out from under him on a clean dry road... Any one had any issues with tire when picking up a new bike?
I have another question: A few years ago a friend of mine picked up a new Honda and the dealer said be careful, the new tire can be very slippery. Like its coated with some kind of film... Well he dumped it pulling out of the delaer parking lot. Back tire came out from under him on a clean dry road... Any one had any issues with tire when picking up a new bike?
Yeah it's coated with something called New.
Most all new tires are slick at first because of the manufacturing process. There is nothing on them ... Break it in how ever you want or with some of the advice you have gotten here, I personally just ride it to break my new ones in.I'll tell you one thing for certain, you can not go wrong in anyway by reading your manual.
Good luck and ride safe.