Different Break-in Question

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Apr 11, 2022 | 10:44 AM

TedMan

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Different Break-in Question

Does anyone know why HD doesn't have the bike in for it's first maintenance until 1,000 miles, even though engine break-in is done at 500? Why not bring it in at 500?

Apr 11, 2022 | 10:52 AM

eighteight

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From: OH

FWIW: it was 500 back in `87 when I bought an FXR
What changed i don`t know
I suspect better quality control ?

Apr 11, 2022 | 11:44 AM

nevil

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From: southeast PA

Good question. Going off on a tangent, the initial service for new Porsches is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The explanation is the improvements in quality of oil and manufacturing processes and materials.

Apr 11, 2022 | 03:57 PM

hardheaded

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From: St.Louis Mo.

Back in my shovelhead days i changed the engine oil at 50 miles an 500 miles for a new engine. My last 2 Twin cam engines i changed at 300 and then at 800 again. I don't think you can ever change the oil to much.

Apr 11, 2022 | 04:13 PM

RHPAW

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From: Driftless Area

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedMan

Why not bring it in at 500?

At 500, there aren't enough metal shavings to make it worth the beer money.

Apr 11, 2022 | 04:18 PM

TedMan

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RHPAW

At 500, there aren't enough metal shavings to make it worth the beer money.

So the break in is really two parts. That makes sense. Thanks all for the input.

Apr 11, 2022 | 07:13 PM

IBE

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From: central Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by TedMan

Does anyone know why HD doesn't have the bike in for it's first maintenance until 1,000 miles, even though engine break-in is done at 500? Why not bring it in at 500?

heres my idea of it at 500 miles the shock of what you paid for is too soon. after 1000 miles you are over it

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Apr 11, 2022 | 07:17 PM

smitty901

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There is no reason to change all the lubes at 500 miles. A 1,000 gives soe time if they do the service right to check for belt adjust changes, any early signs of abnormal tire wear. Anything that may have come loose. But in the real world HD dealerships except a few don't check anything drain the lubes and hand you a bill.

Apr 13, 2022 | 04:09 AM

#10

kojak

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From: Virginia

Break in and 1000 mile service is 2 different things. Modern Harley’s basically are broken in after the first 50-100 miles (seating piston rings). Like someone said, the 1000 mile service is about changing fluids and doing a safety check to make sure everything is working properly and torqued/adjusted correctly.