Softail Questions
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Some one here posted a link to some guy's web site, he had all the facts and figures and supposedly years of experience and he was saying, run the thing HARD to break it in, not to baby it at all. Hopefully someone else saw that and can post the link to that site.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ
the dealer is half right!!!
if you change the pipes now it can not be dyno correctly because they can't get on it because it is not broken in...
it can hurt to wait the 1000 miles I have heard others waiting 2000 miles before installing pipes.
if you change the pipes now it can not be dyno correctly because they can't get on it because it is not broken in...
it can hurt to wait the 1000 miles I have heard others waiting 2000 miles before installing pipes.
Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: SLC, Utah
Bad info
I've been told this since I was 12 yrs old trying to break in my DKW motocross bike. I've been told by race mechanics (2 and 4 strokes) that the initial miles are important and to just not over do it with the rpm. The instructions that I have received are that the rpm's should vary and not to over-rev the motor. Riding with the bike stuck on 65 for 50 miles is not good for it on the initial rides. Vary your speeds and rpm. 40 to 50 miles is plenty if you believe the race mechanics who really should be the experts. Good luck
So I'm the new guy. I pick up my left over 08 FXSTC tomorrow $16,700.00 OTD Tax,title tags the whole deal. My question is: The dealer said I should leave the stock exhaust on until after the break in 1000mi. He says the new exhaust could cause damage. I know he has to say this. So whats the truth? Oh yea, what does the "break in" consist of. He says very low RPM only for 1000mi. Thanks in advance
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From:
My friend just picked up his 09 CVO Road Glide but not before it had in the beginning a full exhaust, and SERT on a 110 and dyno'd.
Then his side covers wouldn't fit with the full exhaust.
They put the stock headers back on, knocked out the cat, put the slip-ons back and re dyno'd and actually made more power all before ever seeing 1 mile on the road!
Main thing on any engine like said 2 post back is not to ride at any any any RPM for any extended amount of time during break in. Even if you are on the highway, speed up and slow down.
Then his side covers wouldn't fit with the full exhaust.
They put the stock headers back on, knocked out the cat, put the slip-ons back and re dyno'd and actually made more power all before ever seeing 1 mile on the road!
Main thing on any engine like said 2 post back is not to ride at any any any RPM for any extended amount of time during break in. Even if you are on the highway, speed up and slow down.
Last edited by sportncruise; Nov 3, 2008 at 06:47 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
1. If the job is done at the dealership, you should be fine.
2. If you have it done somewhere or DIY, void the warranty.
Straightly business, if they make money on the job, they keep the warranty valid, know what I am saying? You can only damage the bike if you don't break it in properly.
2. If you have it done somewhere or DIY, void the warranty.
Straightly business, if they make money on the job, they keep the warranty valid, know what I am saying? You can only damage the bike if you don't break it in properly.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Good Old "New England"
I did my last 2 bikes before 100 miles on them and no broblem 1 is 14 years old now & the new bike is well, new.
old one i put cycle shack straight pipes on it 79$$
the new one got V&H & fuel pack at 10 miles
old one i put cycle shack straight pipes on it 79$$
the new one got V&H & fuel pack at 10 miles
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Sorry the link didn't take,,please enter it manually & take a look !
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Northern Calif.. No not SF... I mean Northern Calif!!!
I think the main thing during the the break-in time is that the rings need to seat properly. So do not lug or over-rev it. They do the 1000 mile just to drop all the oils to get rid of all the small debris from the machining that is left behind.
Since the dealer told you to wait, i'd wait as if for some reason you make the change yourself and there's a failure, your fault or not, your possibly SOL.
IMO, I think a bike new with the changes installed properly and mapped right will make the bike perform better and cooler which is better than stock as they seem to run hot and are setup for emissions (lean) more than for best tune for the motor.
Since the dealer told you to wait, i'd wait as if for some reason you make the change yourself and there's a failure, your fault or not, your possibly SOL.
IMO, I think a bike new with the changes installed properly and mapped right will make the bike perform better and cooler which is better than stock as they seem to run hot and are setup for emissions (lean) more than for best tune for the motor.