Just bought a 2003 xl1200 custom with 190 miles on it. The woman I got if from never rode it. It's been in her garage since she had it shipped from Ca. Mint bike.

My question is how long of a break in period will it be for this bike and what should I be doing to break her in correctly?
Thanks

 

Change all the fluids before you do anything. That stuff is probably 6 years old. Go with the flow of traffic, just don't stay at one speed for long periods of time. Get the owners manual and the shop manual.

 

Thanks mjmangus
Got the manuals. Fluid was changed. How many miles and or hours till I know its broken in? I mean how do you know?
thanks again

 

1000 miles is whats recommended for breaking it in. After that change all fluids again. I agree dont stay at the same rpm and probably stay under 55 mph for the first 500 miles then stay under 65 till you reach the 1000 mile mark. I personally think its best to ride it fairly hard to seat the rings but dont wind it really tight. By that I mean dont be afraid to really get on it but shift gears before reaching real high rpm. I like to run them real hard from about 20 mph to 50 mph without getting over about 4800 rpm. Do a search here on the forum and you will find your answers.

 

:i con_ditto:

 

500 miles is fine.

 

Congrats on the find. 1931 has it right. I just found a 2008 Nightster with 130 miles. I am in the break in process now. I put more miles on it 2 days than the previous owner did in 18 months. Sometimes we get lucky.

 

Sorry, I have to diagree with the 1000 mile remarks. 1000 miles break-in.... Heck, most engine mechanics/builders even feel the 500 miles is overkill.

The break-in IS 500 miles with varying speeds & RPMs, and no lugging the engine or over revving it. For speeds, I just wouldn't be trying to hit the 100 mark yet. At 500 miles, change the fluids & filter to remove any metal shavings & your are good to go until the 1000 mile first check. I say ride it like you are typically going to ride your scoot without the speeds above say 85mph......You are breaking it in just like you would with any new car.

 

Thanks...puttin on the miles everyday

 

just ride it like you normally do. Don't beat on it or lug it. But ya don't have ta pu##y it.