I need some advice on breaking in my restored 73 XLCH. I would assume I should vary the RPM's? Should I keep the speeds low during this period? Would I changeoil at 500 miles, then again at 1000 miles? At this time would I stay with Dino or switch to Synthetic? I value the opinions I read on this forum and while I wait for your replys I've got to say, Piongear, that is one fine Sportster you have there. Every time I get on this site I look forward to seeing that bike. Thanks.

 

Harley Bass....
Thanks for the flowers. I appreciate your comment.
For the breakin I recommend you set a distance of the first 500 miles.
As you say, is is best to vary the speed range as you ride. This helps seat in the piston rings.
Keep the speed below 45 mph in 4th gear and the range of speed can be from 20 to 45 mph. Nice comfortable city riding. Stay away from freeways until the 500 mile point. Ditto that for excessive rpms. I never ran mine over 2000 for the first 500. Just nice and easy.

For oil change during breakin, I did this...
First oil change at 250 miles. Next oil change at 500 miles, then every 1000 miles thereafter, or as close to that as you can manage. Sportsters (CH) have no oil filter, so that makes an oil change cheap.

For oil:
I use Harley 60wt now that I can get it at Stubbs or Mancuso HD. I am a believer in this oil for an ironhead rather than synthetic. I use Harley 20w-40 in my Dyna also, as I just rather change the oil more often than recommended, and the synthetic is much too costly as far as I am concerned.
I am not saying any of the above is right or wrong, but it's just my 2 cents worth.

It is a ways off, but I hope to lock horns with you this fall in Galveston (provided the Rally is held) and I will be looking for a 1973 CH. It's gonna be easy to spot that bike in that ocean of EVO's and Twin Cams. They need a bigger island the way the Rally has grown the past few years. Later, and enjoy your 'new' wheels......pg

 

I really appreciate the advice. As far as there being no oil filter, never could figure that one out. What was Harley thinking? I have the aftermarket filter that fits on the front left motor mount. This would be the only thing on the bike not original. Am I making a mistake putting it on? The style and location don't take away from the original looks of the bike and with the money I have in the engine rebuild I thought it was a good idea. What are your thoughts on this, and thanks in advance

 

Leave the filter on. The filter will help protect the engine from premature wear.
The XLH with the side mount oil tank always had that in tank filter (such as it was), but the CH never had one. As long as the oil is changed often there is no real need for one, but you have it so keep it........pg

 

Appreciate it. Thanks