New bike break-in
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
Breaking them in hard is pure myth. For longevity first do about 12 heat cycles. Then follow the manufacturers guide lines.
I will take automotive engineers over some yahoo's any day.
Especially the dyno method. You do know that anytime new or later that you have your bike run on a dyno, they have you sign a waiver for possible damage. Many, many car motors and bike motors have been blown up on dyno's.
American Iron Magazine did a great article last year on breaking in a motor. Maybe the article can be found on line. It included the method and reason for heat cycling a motor before break in.
But it is your motor do whatever the heck you want to.
I have done the manufacturer's method on about 130 vehicles from motorcycles, Corvettes, Vipers, and many muscle cars from the 60's and 70's. I always wound up with a strong performing engine.
I will take automotive engineers over some yahoo's any day.
Especially the dyno method. You do know that anytime new or later that you have your bike run on a dyno, they have you sign a waiver for possible damage. Many, many car motors and bike motors have been blown up on dyno's.
American Iron Magazine did a great article last year on breaking in a motor. Maybe the article can be found on line. It included the method and reason for heat cycling a motor before break in.
But it is your motor do whatever the heck you want to.
I have done the manufacturer's method on about 130 vehicles from motorcycles, Corvettes, Vipers, and many muscle cars from the 60's and 70's. I always wound up with a strong performing engine.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: .
All vehicles have been run several hours before you even get them. How do you think or know it will start before you even get in it? They don't just set the timing and other things and let you fire it. Get in it or on it and drive or ride it like you normally would.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 717
Likes: 3
From: Cincinnati
Don't run a cold engine hard. That doesn't mean you have to wait before you can go, just go easy until it's up to temp.
Truth is the rings & bearings will take a set in the first 50 to 100 miles or so, then after another 200 change the oil. Don't wait until 1000. Vary engine speed, run it up the rpms and then downshift as well, then let it cool down. Change engine oil and filter again at 1000. At 2500 change all the fluids and switch to synthetic. And don't use engine oil in the damn tranny, that's another stupid idea started by some dork accountant at H-D.
Truth is the rings & bearings will take a set in the first 50 to 100 miles or so, then after another 200 change the oil. Don't wait until 1000. Vary engine speed, run it up the rpms and then downshift as well, then let it cool down. Change engine oil and filter again at 1000. At 2500 change all the fluids and switch to synthetic. And don't use engine oil in the damn tranny, that's another stupid idea started by some dork accountant at H-D.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thanks to those who offered some advice on break-in. I was mostly curious if people do feel you should "go hard" right out of the box or just ride basically normal w/out any extended time at the same rpm like on the highway. I'm picking up my bike about an hour away by highway or 1 1/2hr by back roads and had always planned on riding the back road route. Just wasn't sure whether to really flog it or just run it through the gears and rpms and keep varying my engine speed. Thanks again.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
That's always been my philosiphy. The only thing I can add is don't hold it at the same RPM for extended periods. (don't jump on the highway and hold a steady 70 for 80 miles...)
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Northwest Georgia
I've been missing your avatar lol
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: USA
Several minutes if that.
Supporter
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Taylortucky, MI
I sure don't like to go like a bat outta hell once awoke