Proper way to break in new motors
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 694
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From:
First, it is critical to WARM UP the motor. Then, ride it hard, but not for extended periods. After 500 miles, you are done....... 28000 on my bike,
running strong, no oil comsumption, no motor work.... hdman
running strong, no oil comsumption, no motor work.... hdman
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: boston ma.
I dont think beating the snot out of a new motor is gonna make it faster in the end. My advice is ride it as you would normally ride and avoid high rpm's or steady rpms for the break in period. I also would avoid hammering through the gears as well as jamming the brakes too hard. New bike break in is really just common sense in my opinion.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,847
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Although extremely smooth to the touch (new) machined surfaces are anything but smooth. Throughout the engine these imperfections are worn down (the surfaces are lapped in) during the break in - the result of this wear is small metal filings in the oil - the reason for more frequent oil changes during the engine break in.
Similar to getting new shoes - a new engine is tight with-respect-to, tolerances, this can result in overheating and excessive wear/scoring due to friction and subtle changes in oil supply. The engine loosens up during the break-in - allowing more oil film between moving parts - reducing friction/heat. This is why RPM should be kept reasonable at this time.
RPM is slowly increased due to the increasing supply of oil between the surfaces now available (safety) - allowing the lap-in to continue as subtle increases (due to expansion) in tolerances occur.
Similar to getting new shoes - a new engine is tight with-respect-to, tolerances, this can result in overheating and excessive wear/scoring due to friction and subtle changes in oil supply. The engine loosens up during the break-in - allowing more oil film between moving parts - reducing friction/heat. This is why RPM should be kept reasonable at this time.
RPM is slowly increased due to the increasing supply of oil between the surfaces now available (safety) - allowing the lap-in to continue as subtle increases (due to expansion) in tolerances occur.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Mostly all good posts here .. Only thing can add give it a rest period after Riding an hour straight during the first 500 miles... Myself agree with varying RPM's don't exceed 4000 RPM but does not mean can't take it up as high 80 MPH if in 6th Gear just stay away from 6th unless doing 70 or more... This worked fine for me where I bought my Harley was an interstate ride home for 40 miles or take city routes of 30 -35 MPH all the way chose the Former and worked out fine...
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 2
From: St. Augustine Florida
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
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.
First one is from Hastings rings which makes rings for damn near all the piston manufactures.
http://www.hastingsmfg.com/ServiceTi..._procedure.htm
Second one is from mototune(motoman) who is a very restpecable name in crotch rocket community.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
There are a million different opinions on this but I've had good luck riding for 15 to 20 minutes then letting the bike cool off and repeating this proceedure a number of times. The expansion and contraction of heating and cooling seems to work well for me anyway.