Questions about engine break in.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Belleville, Illinios
Questions about engine break in.
Hi all. New member here. I'm about to be the proud owner of a 2009 Softail Deluxe and I have a few questions. I have been told two different tales when it comes to engine break in, One was that I should ride for short distances at low RPM and then let the engine completely cool off and then do it again for the first 1000 miles. The other is that I should just watch the RPMs for the first 1000 miles but otherwise just ride it. Which is better? Also has anyone used Royal Purple break in oil when breaking in their bike? Thanks.
Gavin
Gavin
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Follow the break in schedule in your owners manual as it is very specific. Yes, you can use RP to break your bike in but run the factory fill at least 100 miles to get all the initial break-in debris out. (you will be amazed at how much garbage is in the oil at 100 miles). If you do break in your bike with synthetic oil it will take longer than 1000 miles. Several engine builders I know recommend going 2000-2500 miles with syn oil for a proper break-in before you really beat on the engine. But do change the oil at 1000 for your warranty related service. If you do the work yourself, keep a dated log and receipts of all oil service for warranty validation proof.
As for the riding and cooling which is "heat cycling" the engine. It is a good idea if you can do that. I did mine that way for the first 300 miles and went to syn3 oil at 100 miles. But heat cycling for 1000 miles could make you insane...
FWIW I changed my oil at 100,500,1000, 2500 then every 5000/1 year. No leaks, no oil consumption, very smooth operation.
As for the riding and cooling which is "heat cycling" the engine. It is a good idea if you can do that. I did mine that way for the first 300 miles and went to syn3 oil at 100 miles. But heat cycling for 1000 miles could make you insane...
FWIW I changed my oil at 100,500,1000, 2500 then every 5000/1 year. No leaks, no oil consumption, very smooth operation.
Last edited by KBFXDLI; Aug 18, 2008 at 11:32 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
I wouldn't recommend synthetic oil until the rings are sealed - for the 1st 1000 miles. I agree it's in the owners manual. Just keep the rpm's under, if I remember right, 3000 the first 100 miles and then then 4000 rpms the next 900 miles. Try to vary your speed as much as possible the 1st 1000 miles. You bought a great bike.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Belleville, Illinios
How many RPMs is the motor turning at 60 MPH in sixth gear? Would riding the bike 27 miles at 60MPH in the first 100 miles or so screw up the break in? I wouldn't think so but the most dumb question is the one you don't ask.
Gavin
Gavin
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From:
ride the **** out of it, it's under warranty..
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: S.E. Michigan
Follow the break in schedule in your owners manual as it is very specific. Yes, you can use RP to break your bike in but run the factory fill at least 100 miles to get all the initial break-in debris out. (you will be amazed at how much garbage is in the oil at 100 miles). If you do break in your bike with synthetic oil it will take longer than 1000 miles. Several engine builders I know recommend going 2000-2500 miles with syn oil for a proper break-in before you really beat on the engine. But do change the oil at 1000 for your warranty related service. If you do the work yourself, keep a dated log and receipts of all oil service for warranty validation proof.
As for the riding and cooling which is "heat cycling" the engine. It is a good idea if you can do that. I did mine that way for the first 300 miles and went to syn3 oil at 100 miles. But heat cycling for 1000 miles could make you insane...
FWIW I changed my oil at 100,500,1000, 2500 then every 5000/1 year. No leaks, no oil consumption, very smooth operation.
As for the riding and cooling which is "heat cycling" the engine. It is a good idea if you can do that. I did mine that way for the first 300 miles and went to syn3 oil at 100 miles. But heat cycling for 1000 miles could make you insane...
FWIW I changed my oil at 100,500,1000, 2500 then every 5000/1 year. No leaks, no oil consumption, very smooth operation.
