Break-In for Dyna models
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Durban South Africa
Break-In for Dyna models
I was criticized in another post about riding for 300 miles at speeds between 75-90 mph for the last 300 miles before my first 1000 mile service, I think I played it by the book but anyway here is what the book says for those of you who dont know or who have not got the book,
Break-in Riding rules
The first 500 miles (800km)
The sound design, quality materials and workmanship that are built into your new Harley Davidson will give you optimum performance right from the start,
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, Adherence to these suggestions will help to assure good future durability and performance,
1) During the first 50 miles of riding keep the engine speed below 4000 RPM, do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at a low RPM or by running at a high RPM longer than needed for shifting or passing,
2) Up to 500 miles vary the engine speed and avoid operating at a steady engine speed for long periods; engine speed up to 5000 is permissible.
3) Drive slowly and avoid fast starts at wide open throttle until the engine has warmed up
4) Avoid lugging the engine at very low speeds in high gears,
5) Avoid hard breaking. New breaks need to be broken in by moderate use for the first 200 miles,
Break-in Riding rules
The first 500 miles (800km)
The sound design, quality materials and workmanship that are built into your new Harley Davidson will give you optimum performance right from the start,
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, Adherence to these suggestions will help to assure good future durability and performance,
1) During the first 50 miles of riding keep the engine speed below 4000 RPM, do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at a low RPM or by running at a high RPM longer than needed for shifting or passing,
2) Up to 500 miles vary the engine speed and avoid operating at a steady engine speed for long periods; engine speed up to 5000 is permissible.
3) Drive slowly and avoid fast starts at wide open throttle until the engine has warmed up
4) Avoid lugging the engine at very low speeds in high gears,
5) Avoid hard breaking. New breaks need to be broken in by moderate use for the first 200 miles,
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
I was told to do the exact same thing with my Dyna, and if that's what the mfg says, that's what I do, since they should know best. Dont pay any attention to some of the others who criticized you. There are always a few who dont play by the rules.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Your fine! I asked the same question a while back and people said "ride it like you stole it!" ...or break in the way you intend to ride it. Don't forget they put these engines through he*l before they install them,and according to what you wrote ,you babied it!
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 174
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee, Florida
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
Seasoned my Sporty by driving like a madman.
Seasoned by Street Glide by driving by the book.
Seasoned my Street Bob by driving how I intend to drive (a bit of Ms. Daisy's on board and a bit aggressive).
However, on ALL of them, I slowly accelerated from 40mph to 60'ish and let off of the throttle to coast back down to 40'ish in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears before I had 10 miles on the odo. One of the engine builders recommends something similar for their builds so I followed their advice.
Moral: Not one of my bikes has/had any engine problems, high oil consumption or other "bad break-in procedure" problems. They all run smoothly.
Seasoned by Street Glide by driving by the book.
Seasoned my Street Bob by driving how I intend to drive (a bit of Ms. Daisy's on board and a bit aggressive).
However, on ALL of them, I slowly accelerated from 40mph to 60'ish and let off of the throttle to coast back down to 40'ish in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears before I had 10 miles on the odo. One of the engine builders recommends something similar for their builds so I followed their advice.
Moral: Not one of my bikes has/had any engine problems, high oil consumption or other "bad break-in procedure" problems. They all run smoothly.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From:
People make way to big a deal about breaking in a bike!! These are good quality bikes, you really arent going to do any damage as long as you dont hold the same speed and you dont lug the motor!! I have a built motor and I considered mine to be broken in after 200 miles. I ride hard from the second I built it and I have never had any problem with it!! Tell the person that talked crap to worry about his bike and you will worry about yours! Thats what I tell the old fokes when they start tellin me what I should do next to my bike!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Broke in my Twin Cam in 40 miles. I went and found a nice long hill. I then came down the hill at a good speed, and then downshifted and let the compression of the motor pull it down the hill. 1 or 2 times of doing this and the rings are seated in. For the bearings, 20-40 miles of varying speeds down the highway, i.e. hold it at 60 for awhile, then 65, then 70, then 75. @400-500 miles change the oil to get all the metal filings out, then ride it as you would normally.
~Joe
~Joe
