RPM's and Break-in Period

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Dec 27, 2013 | 09:00 AM

#11

ChickinOnaChain

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 322,622

Likes: 3,077

From: .....

My first 500 was all in town. No highway speeds.

Dec 27, 2013 | 09:28 AM

#12

nevada72

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 44,807

Likes: 29,745

From: PNW

I did it "by the book" and ended up with a slug. Can't say for sure that's what did it, but my mechanic said the bike was a pooch with a baseline dyno of 59 HP on a 2011 96.

I did it a little differently on the 107 build, but not super aggressive with the throttle. No constant speed and an oil change at 500 miles.

Next time I'm going to follow this guys advice -

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Dec 27, 2013 | 10:30 AM

#13

rdam

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 2,263

Likes: 36

From: Georgia Mountains

The only time my old '05 ever saw over 3000 RPM was on the interstate. I can count on one hand the times it made it over 4000 RPM. 50K near trouble free miles (shifter shaft seal leak). I'm still breaking in my '13... Only 2500 miles so far.

Dec 27, 2013 | 10:50 AM

#14

kingomtn

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 703

Likes: 0

From: poof

long time shop mechanic friend tells me the most important is the first few starts and runs. Each start should include starting and no excessive run-up of rpm's without bike in gear. Start, do not idle, but run the rpm up to 1500 and vary it to 2000 repeatedly 8 to 10 times, then get on and ride on a route that includes stops, starts up hills and down hills. He also said to make sure to ride it enough to get it to full operating temp.
He insists to change the oil at 50 miles due to manufacturing debris and to cut open the oil filter on this initial and 3 successive oil changes.
He also insists that the mph limits are not so much for engine, as rpm governs engine break-in, rather it is for minimizing exposure of catastrophic failure of the engine, trans, suspension, tires and wheels as well as the brake system.
The absolure worse for engine break-in is excessive idling and very high rpm's.
Be assured that some amount of running and initial break-in was done at the factory.

Dec 27, 2013 | 12:33 PM

#15

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

Likes: 821

From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

Sons last two new bikes, 09NT and 10 St-G was broke in on the dyno before he got them. both will flat out run me from 0 to 100 mph.

Dec 27, 2013 | 05:40 PM

#16

DenimBlackFLHXS

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 131

Likes: 0

From: Idaho

Next time I'm going to follow this guys advice -

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm[/QUOTE]

Excellent info in that article. A buddy of mine builds high end automotive race engines. Put it on the engine stand start it and break it in on the dyno. Several full throttle pulls and let engine slow it's self after the pull. Set the rings. Everybody worries about catastrophic failure. If it don't fail on the dyno with hard pulls it shouldn't fail on the track. If it does well it would have failed eventually any way.

Dec 27, 2013 | 05:49 PM

#17

ynots

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 7,138

Likes: 26

From: Southern Oregon

I thought HD's break in procedure was a joke. The first 500 miles I just avoided lugging, hard launches & constant rpm's. Bike runs great and I never have to add oil between changes.

Dec 27, 2013 | 09:03 PM

#18

skratch

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 20,616

Likes: 4,440

From: anacoco, la

Quote:

Originally Posted by ynots

I thought HD's break in procedure was a joke. The first 500 miles I just avoided lugging, hard launches & constant rpm's. Bike runs great and I never have to add oil between changes.

that pretty much is hd's break in....

now, you want to see a break in that's a joke, take a look at victory's or indians. can't exceed 50 mph