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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 balls 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.
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Danny
Patriot Guard Rider #168007
OKPGR #876
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
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 balls 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.
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 piss out of them after a couple hundred miles and they lasted longer that way and actually ran stronger.
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.
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2009 King - "One King to Rule them All"
Flame Blue / Pewter Pearl. HDI spec - ABS and Security etc. ABS disabled (its rubbish).
S&S 124 hot set up kit w S&S 640 gear driven cams / SE 58mm TB and injectors / SEST / Feuling pump and plate / V&H Power Duals / V&H Basic Slip Ons. 12.25 @108mph with screen n bags on.
Secret Weapon - Escort 9500ci
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
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2009 Street Glide, ABS, Light Candy, Dark Candy Root Beer,
K&N RK-3930 A/C Unit, V&H Oval Mufflers,
V&H Fuel Pack.
Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life. Serenity isn’t freedom from the storm, but peace within the storm.
Last edited by Bill G; 04-22-2009 at 07:40 PM.
Reason: spelling
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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If you choke a Smurf, what color does he turn ?
2007 Road King Classic - new project
2002 sportster 883R/1200 - traded
1985 Honda VF700S - wore slam out
1969 Triumph TR6R - wore slam out
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.
Proper way to break in new motors
