Break in question
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
Break in question
Feeling this is probably a dumb question but... I know new engine break in is important. Don't want to ride too hard or at a constant rate for too long. My questions are: 1. It seems like if you're getting the top end upgraded/redone (new jugs, pistons, etc) seems like you would / should trailer your bike to the shop if not local. How far would be too far to ride back from (assuming constant highway speed)? 2. Supposed to take it easy until thru breaking period. Videos I've seen of dyno runs seem pretty intense. Are they short enough to not damage the engine or should they be done (tuning) after break in?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,186
Likes: 4,910
From: England
If the work is not done until the bike is at the shop why does it matter how far you ride it?
Does it matter what speed you do on any particular road? My bike first 50 miles do not exceed 3000 rpm. That sees me doing around 60 mph in 5th.
I have read about some doing a few minute run heat cycles but I bought my bike brand new and rode 35 miles home without stopping.
Does it matter what speed you do on any particular road? My bike first 50 miles do not exceed 3000 rpm. That sees me doing around 60 mph in 5th.
I have read about some doing a few minute run heat cycles but I bought my bike brand new and rode 35 miles home without stopping.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Jul 25, 2021 at 01:51 PM.
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY
Due to the return trip... For example, Zippers is down near Baltimore which would be a 6hr ride. Would riding it back as opposed to trailering it lead to any issues?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,186
Likes: 4,910
From: England
What is the mileage, break ins are not usually measured in time? I doubt that is a problem, you just need to follow the rule of varying the engine speed without labouring the engine and avoid excess high throttle openings so get up to speed at a slower pace.
What distance is specified to first oil change? Mine was 1000 miles.
Maybe on a DIY job you would check everything after a few miles but I didn't check any fasteners on the engine as there was no leaks or odd running behaviour.
What distance is specified to first oil change? Mine was 1000 miles.
Maybe on a DIY job you would check everything after a few miles but I didn't check any fasteners on the engine as there was no leaks or odd running behaviour.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
There are lots of suggested break-in methods out there, so it can get confusing determining which one to use.
I've used the following break-in method on the last 2 top ends done on Reaper (first one my the local dealership in 2013, and I did the second one myself last summer). I got just under 100,000 miles on the dealership build before having to do the top end last summer, and I have almost 20,000 on the current top end. Reaper used/uses almost no oil, makes a ton of power, and has longevity. I don't beat on her, but I regularly twist the throttle, and hit the red-line, so I'm not a grandpa rider either.
I will always use this method for break-ins in the future:
1) Do not start the engine until you are ready to ride the bike.
2) After starting, quickly get out on the road and into third gear.
3) Accelerate at full throttle from 30 to 60 mph in third gear.
4) Close the throttle and coast back to 30 mph.
5) Repeat this full throttle/coast procedure a total of 10 times.
6) The rings are now seated and you can ride normally.
Cheers!
I've used the following break-in method on the last 2 top ends done on Reaper (first one my the local dealership in 2013, and I did the second one myself last summer). I got just under 100,000 miles on the dealership build before having to do the top end last summer, and I have almost 20,000 on the current top end. Reaper used/uses almost no oil, makes a ton of power, and has longevity. I don't beat on her, but I regularly twist the throttle, and hit the red-line, so I'm not a grandpa rider either.
I will always use this method for break-ins in the future:1) Do not start the engine until you are ready to ride the bike.
2) After starting, quickly get out on the road and into third gear.
3) Accelerate at full throttle from 30 to 60 mph in third gear.
4) Close the throttle and coast back to 30 mph.
5) Repeat this full throttle/coast procedure a total of 10 times.
6) The rings are now seated and you can ride normally.
Cheers!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 587
From: Alorton, Illinois
From lift to dyno for break in and dyno tune. I tell my customers to ride em like they are stolen when they leave. Change oil when they get home if they didn't have me do it. Zippers is also a one stop shop.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 915
From: Madisonville, La
Distance is not the limiting factor. As others have said just vary the engine speed. On my new bike break ins I'll take every exit as an opportunity to down shift and accelerate back to speed. If the exits are more than 10 miles apart when traffic allows I slow to 10-30mph then accelerate back to speed. Pull off the road if necessary not to hard to vary engine speed if you work at it.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 1,168
From: florida
i second the direction to have Zippers break it in on the dyno when they tune it, should be no problem.
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