I going to put my 2005 FI Fatboy in the shop this week for it's 5K mile check-up, fluid change, etc.

Within the last 250 miles or so, I've clearly noticed by the "seat of the pants" method that my HOG has a noticeable amount of added power. It accelerates faster and easier and it seems to have more power from, say 70 to 85mph than it had previously.

Is it my imagination or do you more experienced riders believe my engine is still breaking in with more power as a result? The bike doesn't and never has used oil for what that's worth.

Cool Day,

Wolf

 

I would agree - the bike is definitely a bit more potent with the added mileage - part of that is that I never really pushed it when it had fairly low mileage. I'm of the school of careful "breaker-inners" which I know runs counter to the "ride it like you stole it" group of new bike owners. But, a careful break-in (I hate that word) seems to me to make sense since we're seating all sorts of moving parts that need time to lap into each other. Enjoy your new bike, my new RoadKing just passed the 2K mark after the first 6 weeks. I love this bike!

 

What Ted said. My 05 RKC gets better every ride - I couldn't be happier.

 

Here's some ammo, LOL! Fire away at me HOG owners!

Yesterday I bought a new R 1200 RT BMW. Common knowledge is that those things don't break in until after 15 to 20K miles! As if I care because it runs like a spotted ape! Their "1000 miler" is supposed to take place at 600 miles. I'll go easy on it until 1000 miles anyway, then it's Katy bar the door!! This bike will flat lay down and fly even though it's a "touring bike"!

I gotta get a cool pic of the two bikes. The Fatboy kind of retro and the other, definitely futuristic. I like both of them for what they are....apples and oranges.

BTW, anyone want an immaculate 2003 ZO6? Since entering bike-land, I totally lost interest in the Vette and don't feel any remorse at all. Now that's ruthless, LOL!

Also, thanks for answering my question on break in on the HOG. I rode it again today and it's real, not just seat of the pants. There is definitely a change for the better.

Is it Memorial Weekend yet??, LOL!

 

Don't let Mac see this post. He's a Vette head...

Ryan

 

I was a Vette head too. I loved the cars, but I really don't like driving. As such, I sold it.

That's the big difference for me with the Harley - I love the bike and I love to ride.

 

used to be a vette head had 15 over the years.....now im harley stupid!

 

Hiya Wolf, I, too, owned a BMW R1100RT, a predesessor or your RT. It finally stopped using oil at 40K. The cylinder walls are nikosil (sp?) nad are as hard as diamond. I put 60K on the RT and it was a fine bike although maintenance happy. The RT always begged to be ridden FAST, I mean, the motor was smooth as silk at 85-90 mph, but, buzzy in the normal speed zones. I really got tired of having that kind of "pressure" - seems that bike would have been really happy on the Autobaun, but, for my age and style of driving, the Road King is perfect. I assume you know about the BMW Sport Touring Forum. An invaluable place (like this) to get the real news regarding your bike. Be careful and don't be surprised if you receive a couple of "performance awards" in the next couple of years (speeding tickets )..

 

Don't see me getting rid of my 2000 vert! Its in the garage, looking good. It's there when I want it. (Though I have to admit, I almost never drive it any more.)

Mac

 

Hey, thanks for the info. and link Ted! I'll go there in a minute and snoop around. The BMW is still in the super slow break in period but I rode the daylights outta their demo bike and it was simply an awesome ride and they actually told me to get on the throttle.

I typically don't go fast on a bike but only time will tell on the Beemer. I have, what I think, is a healty level of fear of motorcycles and an unhealthy non-fear of four wheeled vehicles. I've had the ZO6 topped out at an indicated 178 and my pulse rate went down if anything. Not so on a motorcycle. See why I might get in trouble? On the other hand, it might be pretty hard to catch a guy with that kind of head start on a Crown Vic., LOL!!