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

 

Not sure the dealer's logic is correct about the exhaust but when you change the exhaust and the air box, you really need to dyno the bike and you shouldn't do that until after the break in period.

As far as breaking in, under 50 for the first 50 miles, then just vary your speed, don't lug or rack up the engine and you'll be fine.

 

if what he says is true - then why do so many dealers do the stage 1 on brand new bikes? of course, most dealers just do the SERT, A/C and exhaust. I could be wrong (now is the time to flame me) but I don't think the SERT is adjustable, is it?

I rode mine sensibily for the first 50 miles - then rode it like I planned to ride it as long as I owned it..... get on & twist the throttle!

OH - welcome and congrats.... and photos. we like photos!!!! what color?

 

Do yourself a large favor and READ your manual BEFORE you ride the bike--- It states the parameters for breakin and like AVIATOR said--then, ride it like you intend to ride it the rest of the time you own it !
The manual has good info-including how to do routine maintenance which will save you a bundle of bucks---
Good luck and happy riding !
BTW--AVIATOR,the SERT is made so that adjustments CAN be made for timing,air/fuel etc, as we add hop-ups to our bikes. You are correct about having to have a minium number of miles before dynoing---this mileage varies with each dealership but minium is usually around 500 to 1000. Prior to the dyno the dealer usually inputs a standard download to the SERT so we can break in the bike without damaging the engine due to normal intake and/or exhaust modifications.Add ons usually tend to lean the bike out and H.D. already has them about as lean ,from the factory, as you would dare. The SERT was made to make the stock ecm tunable----However the SERT sells to you and me for about $470.00 plus labor for installation and another several hundred for a dyno job. They do work but I think that H.D. could provide the tuner with the bike as we originally purchase it. EVERYBODY modifies a Harley--that is part of the attraction--we can personalize it !! BTW ecm=electronic control module,the ignition on your bike.

 

can I add V&H Big Radius 2in2 or 2in1 without any other mods. I mean will it run okay. Also I think this is a good price for this bike do you?....the color is BLACK and it has factory security.

 

you'll get varying answers as to what's OK and what's not. because I knew it wasn't gonna take long to get the first 1000 miles on mine, I started reading about fuel management systems and asking questions. since I already had an independent mechanic lined up to work on mine, I asked his advice also. I shopped on-liine and bought a HD Screaming Eagle A/C from Chicago HD, and a Power commander III and Rush slip-ons from FuelMoto (who mapped the power commander). when it came time to do the 1000 mile service, I took all the goodies to him to install. he gave me a great rate for all the work. I haven't had it dynoed yet because it runs cool and so well. I do plan to though - just not sure when.

I guess all that to say this: I'd do the fuel management, pipes and A/C at the same time.

 

congrats on the purchase..not bad not bad!!!!

ive heard different dealers say different things, but i know the one i bought from, will do the install, stage 1 and everything at purchase so not sure of the 'correct logic' out there.

 

I've owned several bikes and my last was a V-Rod. Never had a air cooled bike before. I usually turn wrenches on my own ride and a service manual will be ordered at time of pickup.. If I get the exhaust can I put it on and ride it until I can perform and afford the other mods?

 

if you want to be safe with minor exhaust mods-go to nightrider.com-and get the XIED's--inexpensive and effective

 

Black is the Best Color, Enjoy the ride. Btw that is less than I paid for an 07 Custom, A Black one of course.