M8 Break In
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 88
From: NJ
Have you guys ever toured the York facility? At the end of the line there is a tread mill and the race every new bike through its gears. On the Wall is a speedometer and I have seen them take the bikes up to 75 mph!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
I just cleared the 500 mile mark on my new SGS. I went by the manual during the break-in period. I did this with my Twin Cam and it now has over 70k trouble free miles. Runs perfect. Maybe I was lucky.
Stage IV
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: OH
500 miles vs 1000 break in
I believe my softail manual says 500. The dealer mechanics recommended take it easy until 1K. I took the mechanics to mean....still don't be red lining, or hotdoging etc... after the first 500. I also
gathered that this was not that the engine was the total reason. It seems they recommended the " taking easy" was related to gear box, brakes, clutch, tires et all need breaking in.
gathered that this was not that the engine was the total reason. It seems they recommended the " taking easy" was related to gear box, brakes, clutch, tires et all need breaking in.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 31
From: Eastern PA
Ha this is a good thread, oldie but goodie.. In every case the bike is new, to you as well.. They think you can not handle the new bike, so be easy, so you do not go and lay-it-down or kill yourself. Rings are seated by the time you make it home .. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it. 
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: OH
True that also
Being new to the controls and bike handling powered by the 114 certainly can get you into trouble. This certainly applies to yours truely as I continue to break in, now stage 2 (Torque cam).
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 259
Likes: 85
From: Tennessee
Break In
I often wonder why after spending countless hours and probably millions in research and development, Harley recommends terrible oil and the improper way to break the new engine in? I guess its that they just want to ensure that they go out of business. Makes sense to me!