Well from one of the 'online *******' as you put it, the manual does not give sufficient detail nor an explanation for the method proposed - owners are right to seek further advice. So what's your understanding of the principle wiseass?

 

Wasn't it one of these so called "online *******" who suggested to "read the manual"?

Wasn't said "online ******" giving "advice"?

Did not said "online ******" advocate in his post not to take advice from "online *******"?

 

absoultely - new bike owners should ask for help if they do not understand the manual.

however: the softail manual for 2008 is pretty straightforward.....

1. during the first 50 miles (80 kilometers) of riding, keep the engine speed below 4000 RPM in any gear. do not lug the engine by running or accelerating ar aa very low RPM, or by running at high RPM longer than needed for shifting or passing.
NOTE
for models without a tachometer, operate the motorcycle according to the speeds given in Table 22 and Table 23 during the motorycle break-in.
2. up to 500 miles (800 kilometers) vary the engine speed and avoid operating at any steady engine speed for long periods. Engine speed up to 5000 RPM in any gear is permissible.
3. Drive slowly and avoid fast starts at wide open throttle until the engine has warmed up.
4. Avoid lugging the engine by not running the engine at very low speeds in higher gears.
5. Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 kilometers)

I can almost see the rider taking his new purchase home without reading the manual - almost.

maybe the streetglide manual doesn't go into this much detail - can't speak to that - I've never seen that manual.

sure I'm an on-line ****** - that's why I wouldn't tell the op how to break his bike in. my point is, who is giving the answers?? just because one is a "member" of a harley forum, there is no evidence of him/her actually having a motorcycle or even having the skill set to operate said motorcycle.

 

I road mine however I felt like it.... didn't baby it, but nothing stupid either... over 25k later, no issues with the engine.

 

Follow the advice of the manual and" VARY the RPM'S....AND VARY the RPM'S....AND VARY the RPM'S

 

Just ride the sumb!tch and don't lug the guts out of it. If the oils doin' its job, and the MoCo did theirs, you'll be fine.

 

Just bought a 2010 FLHTK....the touring bike manual say's this word for word....page 142-143...

To allow your engine to wear-in its critical parts, we recommend that you observe the riding rules provided below for the first 500 miles (800 Kilometers).

1. During the first 50 miles (80 Kilometers) of riding, keep the engine speed below 3000 RPM in any gear. Do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at very low RPM, or by running at high RPM longer than needed for shifting or passing.

2. Up to 500 miles (800 Kilometers), vary the engine speed and avoid operating at any steady engine speed for long periods. Engine speed up to 3500 RPM in any gear is permissible.

3. Drive slowly and avoid fast starts and wide open throttle until the engine has warmed up.

4. Avoid lugging the engine by not running the engine at very low speeds in higher gears.

5. Avoid hard braking. Break-in brakes with moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 Kilometers)

 

I never babied a Harley during break in, like most I tried to run it at different RPM's and got that break in oil out at the 1000 mark. Having said that, the 2010's will run hot during break in on account of the catalytic converters if you don't lose them.

Running a little hot during break in is normal for a new engine with tight tolerance, it will run a little hot from the friction and the fact they lean out the AFR for the EPA.

I would keep it out of long idle periods in traffic until I got it broke in. Enable the EITMS if the dealer did not do it for you. Those things don't kick in until about 285 so you are already to hot for comfort. Before 2010 the breakin was no big deal, the new EPA Standards now require a lean AFR that makes em hot and now the CAT. Take it easy until you get it broke in and get rid of the cats and get a good tune to richin up the AFR.

 

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. I got the owners manual afterwards and wasnt clear on the lugging and rpms part. I did vary my speeds but may have pushed it a wee bit and hit the rpm to as high as 4k when shifting. Its such a totally different feel and ride from my older bikes. I did notice when shifting after hitting 4k rpm that she backfires or pops and the shifting is rather loud with the clunking noise. This may be due to being tight and needing breaking in.
Thanks again for your time and advise.

 

Within the first 50 miles,,,,,,, wind her out and coast down in 2nd 5 times.. to seal the rings...