new bike haul it or ride it home
#81
04-05-2010, 07:38 PM
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#82
04-05-2010, 09:03 PM
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#83
04-05-2010, 09:03 PM
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#84
04-05-2010, 10:02 PM
zaac- Went by the manual. First 50 miles-keep engine speed under 4000rpm. first 500 miles-vary engine speed and avoid operating at any steady speed for long periods of time, engine speed up to 5000rpm is permissible IN ANY GEAR! I just followed what the owners manual said and by the time I got it home she was broke in BY THE MANUAL.
Ride hard or stay home
#86
04-05-2010, 10:15 PM
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#87
04-05-2010, 10:19 PM
Now you're starting an entirely different thread !.....the 'ride it like you stole group (but with frequent oil/filter changes during break-in)' and the 'follow the break-in advice in the manual group'. Though I personally adhere to the 'ride it like you stole it' advice, either method will probably produce very adequate results. I suspect the main thing is changing fluids at suitably protective intervals, and the fact that engineering and materials science is better than ever.
#88
04-05-2010, 11:01 PM
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I rode mine home in 40 degree weather. Took a little detour and turned a 50 mile ride into over 70. 
I lost my then girfriend (who drove me to the dealership) in the first 10 miles. She wasn't happy about that. LOL Do what you feel comfortable with though.
And as far as someone mentioning the bells & whistles and hitting the wrong button. Come on! Throttle, clutch, brakes and turn signals aren't going to be any place different on your new bike. Do a quick survey of the bike and you're set to go....that's if you choose to do so.
I lost my then girfriend (who drove me to the dealership) in the first 10 miles. She wasn't happy about that. LOL Do what you feel comfortable with though. And as far as someone mentioning the bells & whistles and hitting the wrong button. Come on! Throttle, clutch, brakes and turn signals aren't going to be any place different on your new bike. Do a quick survey of the bike and you're set to go....that's if you choose to do so.
#89
04-05-2010, 11:06 PM
Just my opinion, but I think you should consider trailering it. I did mine. Reason is, there are a lot of bells and whistles on there and you wouldn't want to hit the wrong one while riding. Trailer it home, read your owner's manual, become familiar with it. Then ride it. Better safe than sorry.
You're kidding, right? You read the instructions before you do anything? Half the fun is finding out later what you did wrong!
Seriously, there isn't much to think about. Turn signals and horn button. Ok, ready to go!
#90
04-05-2010, 11:10 PM
Here's H-D's flaw in their break-in procedure. Over half of all Harleys do not have a tachometer on them. How in the hell are you going to know what the RPMs are?