been finding myself from time to time hitting 4K or just over as I'm shifting. Just so use to my other bike.

Problem is this is a new 18 SGS with 80 miles on it. I know there's a thousand break in threads and I just want to confirm that periodically hitting 4 or a little over isn't going to harm this beast.

Thanks.

 

i never did that when it was new, ever

 

about the only thing I deviate from is after about 2-300 miles I'll extend the 3500 rpm limit to closer to 4000 very briefly because that's the primary range I will be riding it up to after break in..wanna' make sure the top end gets seated in good

The First 500 Miles (800 Kilometers)
The sound design, quality materials and workmanship that are built into your new Harley-Davidson gives you optimum performance right from the start.
To allow your engine to wear-in its critical parts, we recommend that you observe the riding rules for the first 800 km (500 mi).
During the first 80 km (50 mi) of riding, keep the engine speed below 3000 rpm in any gear. Do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at low rpm, or by running at high rpm longer than needed for shifting or passing.
Up to 800 km (500 mi), vary the engine speed and avoid operating at any steady engine speed for long periods. Engine speed up to 3500 rpm in any gear is permissible.
Drive slowly and avoid fast starts at wide open throttle until the engine has warmed up.
Avoid lugging the engine by not running the engine at low speeds in higher gears.
Avoid hard braking. Break in new brakes with moderate use for the first 300 km (200 mi).

 

I always run my new/rebuilt cars/bikes in real hard actually. After a good warm up.
They always seem to go better than my mates who might run them in gently or not as hard, I get better mileage, higher compression, last longer and use less oil as they get a few years old than bikes run in gently.
They are blasted at the factory every bike or car built gets a full tilt dyno type run before it leaves the factory.

 

There a lots of options on break in. I've had lots of new bikes over the years and had no issues. Basically during the break in period I don't use full throttle and make sure not to lug it. Otherwise I let it run thru the rev range.

 

I will keep it between under 3k until 500 miles.

Think I caused any harm with the handful of times I tapped 4k before shifting up to this point?

 

I break mine in a little aggressive as far as giving it some throttle. Not WOT but running it up fairly quick. I would not have run it to 4K though, especially the first 50 miles. I really doubt you have hurt anything. But I would not keep doing that until you get some more miles on it. The first 200 are the most important.

 

Thank you! Finally some one who knows how to break in a motor that will run strong and not be a turd. All you guys taking it easy are doing more harm than good.

 

The only reason for that caution about break in is just in case Harley left a screw loose or maybe a bad casting or forging ect... The parts are machined so close theses day, actual wear in is within minutes.

Just remember at 4k, if something lets loose, you need to stop that bad boy preferable with you and maybe the bike still in one piece.

Just drive it reasonable, it will be OK. If you want to be in that select group who don't go along with the saying, you're going down someday, it's just a matter of time. Then keep driving reasonable.

 

yeah, following the manufacture's break in procedure is harmful to your engine and it will become a turd..okee dokee then...if you say so

Dave said it best, common sense approach