I had recently bought a 18 limited from a dealer out of state about 3 3.5 hrs away from home and rode my new bike home after just one stop at our lake house about 20 miles away from the dealer. The dealer was very rushed on giving me any info on the new bike expecially on the run down for the breakin due to the fact that they wanted to haggle over an extra $300 past the time where they closed... The only info I'd gotten on breakin was not to bring the rpm over 3g for the first 500mi and when I got home be sure to read the entire manual. Lol that last part still hasn't happened which it probably won't but my questions or concern is that when I did get home I did a lot of reading on breakin(which I know there is so much conflicting views out there) but there seems to be somewhat of a consensus out there on longer rides (more then 20mi) out of the gate and the first few heat cycles..? Question being me ridding it on the hwy for an hour and a half untill I got half way and stopping for gas/grabbing lunch then heading home for the rest of the hour 1/2 ride, did I do damage or am I not going to get a good match with the rings to cylinder? Like I said I did get one 20mi ride in some hills to the lake house before I set out, and also one the hwy trip home I did try to vary speeds and rpm as much as I could on hwy considering traffic, but I feel like I did hover around 3g for a good portion of the trip...also it may be noted I did get over 3000rpm on a few occasions I couldn't resist to see what the passing ability was for the bike and I did take a few longer stretched out curves at a higher rate of speed between 80 and 100mph...any thoughts or insight on the topic would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

congrats......I'd have spent the few minutes it takes to read the break in section of my manual before venturing out on a long maiden voyage but what's done is done now...it'll probably all be just fine...just service it and check the engine oil level periodically and enjoy your new scoot!

 

Actually, you most likely did a better than average break in procedure.


A new engine/tranny etc needs a varied run procedure which includes higher throttle settings to ensure that the rings are properly seating in.

 

Yep, I think you probably did a good job.
I have broken in at least five brand new engine using the Motoman method, http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
with stellar results. This included my last two HDs.


The worst thing you could do on a new engine is set the cruise at 70mph and ride 1k miles home at the same RPM and engine load.

Warm it up to operating temperature. Vary the loads and RPMs, but do not lug it. Then do the 1k service.

 

You did a great job, no worries! Good times!

 

Just read the owners manual, it’s all right there, oh and it’s kinda late to ask now. Ride it!

 

Your good to go I think. Just enjoy it!

 

Thanks for the replys!

 

No constant RPM, keep it under 3,000 rpm, change the oil early.

You should be fine. But damn, it is hard NOT to get on it, right?

 

When I first read Motomans blurb way way back it was like he's writing what I was thinking. That yea when I run a new bike or motor in hard it's the best thing for it down the line.
OP the hills were probably the best thing you did for the bike man,put her under some load then a stop ,all good..