This is a discussion me and buddy got into today. During the break in period (500 miles) you are supposed to stay at 50mph or slower and vary the speed. Constant RPM's I guess is what they are worried about. Well, the discussion at my Bud's house was this. What if you bought the bike and live say 100 miles away from the dealer? I mean, how do you get it home in the same day if the freeway or roads require say 55mph speed limit? I'm sure somewhere there are people who just don't hot rod their bikes but ride them above 50 mph during the first 500 miles.

 

bb, between the two of you, there was no answer??

Bought my 06 last november. Was a 1000 mile round trip.
I took a trailer.

Tech that made delivery to me said:

Ride it like a normal human being for the first 500,
then you can ride it like you stole it.

I have followed that advice.

mud

 

yeah..there's been a billion (and one) different discussions here and on other boards, magazine articles, letters, etc etc. Seems like there are just as many different opinions as to how to break in the engine. Frankly, I just took the dealers advise...I took it easy for the first 500... varied the speed/RPMs alot. Once I hit 500, I wasn't too worried about getting closer to redline or going out on the highway for a longer stretch.
I've often wondered the same thing...regarding your question about picking up your bike from a dealer that is farther away. It's a bit hard for me to relate here in NJ...there's probably a dealer every 20 miles...if not more. But I think if I was picking up a bike from a dealer that wasn't local, I'd probaby have it trailered as well.

Todd

 

My understanding was that should not go faster than 50 MPH for the first 50 miles and the other 450 miles don't stay at the same speed, but change the speed every so often.

 

I rode mine just like I normally would. I didn't run the heck out of it, but i didn't slam the brakes on when I hit 51mph either!

After the first time you get it to operating temperature and let cool (heat cycle), what is the purpose?

If a ring was going to catch a ridge in the cylinder or something like that, it wouldn't take 500 miles to find out!

I'vempretty much done this method on every bike, dirt or street and have not had any problems.

I think some people get scared that they are going to break something. Don't get too concerned if you don't follow break-in procedure exactly and go over 50...just vary the speed for a while and not hold steady RPMs for extended periods.

 

I live in Virginia and am thinking of buying a new bike in Vermont. I figure the ride back will be a fun way to break it in. I'll take all back road through the mountains and shift a lot.

-Hugh

 

I had a 45 mile ride home from the dealer when I bought the Wide Glide and I had to jump on the interstate. I did what they recommended, varied my speed and rpm's. Oh yea, never went above 50 either.

 

Sounds good to me

 

The dealer I bought my last bike from is exactly 50 miles from my house - part freeway ride. I just rode the freeway part at 50 mph or less and waved at everyone flipping me off. I also took a few back roads so I could vary my speed a bit. Took it eay for the rest of the 500 miles...you'd be surprised how fast it goes by. No biggy....

 

I rode my 2003 lowrider on a 2 and half hour trip home from the dealer whenI bought it.I didn't take it over 50 and didn't really vary the speeds until I got into the twisties around the lake about an hour into the ride.It runs great,I've always felt breaking an engine in on the highway is the best way,oil pressure and lubrication is better and the engine stays cooler too.I've also switched over to Mobil One V-Twin 20-50 in crankcase,redline heavy gear oil in tranny and formula+ in the primary.