breaking in a sporty 1200
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
From: corona
breaking in a sporty 1200
Wat up fellow riders. I just got a sportster 1200t my first Harley. I got it with 3 miles I've never owned a new bike my first two bikes(ninjas) were slightly used with couple thousand miles on each. Just wondering if anyone goes by the book for the break in period or just ride heavy handed on the throttle. So far im goin by the book but I hate goin slow to keep it under 3500 rpms. Appreciate any advice
Vary the engine speed, and ride about like you would at a normal pace in traffic. drive timid and easy until the bike is warmed up, then drive normal during break in. And no WOT runs for the first 1k mi, but dont be too easy on it once its warmed up and you're riding.
this is a good read, I dont follow it 100% but IMO the theories behind the technique(s) are solid. http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Welcome to the forums!
this is a good read, I dont follow it 100% but IMO the theories behind the technique(s) are solid. http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Welcome to the forums!
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Jan 7, 2015 at 10:19 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 20
From: Kafar Hanusi
Hello, welcome, congrats (whew, glad that over)!
1. Break-in is not an art but you need to take it easy, simple steps like, take it easy for the first 5K or till the 2nd real oil change.
2. Consider using 1005% synthetic oil, Amsoil 20-50 100% synth if you can, Motul 20-50 is ok-good (I use Motul for about 50K now) with little real blow-by or engine issues.
3. Heat is a killer on these engines, suggest easy going on the roads, highways when possible at 60 for first 5K, little time idling at lights or in heavy traffic (for the 5K).
Remember if you ride her hard and put her away wet she will get sick, a cold or more than likely find another who loves her more than you. Remember its your baby!
Cheers.
.
1. Break-in is not an art but you need to take it easy, simple steps like, take it easy for the first 5K or till the 2nd real oil change.
2. Consider using 1005% synthetic oil, Amsoil 20-50 100% synth if you can, Motul 20-50 is ok-good (I use Motul for about 50K now) with little real blow-by or engine issues.
3. Heat is a killer on these engines, suggest easy going on the roads, highways when possible at 60 for first 5K, little time idling at lights or in heavy traffic (for the 5K).
Remember if you ride her hard and put her away wet she will get sick, a cold or more than likely find another who loves her more than you. Remember its your baby!
Cheers.
.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. Which of the many Coronas are you in?!
As for running in your bike, there are many 'theories' on how to do that! The best way is to ignore them all and follow the owners manual. That has never let me down over the last 40+ years and many new bikes. Back country roads are best for the first few hundred miles (only takes a weekend!), where you can use the transmission often, vary engine speeds and tackle plenty of hills. Above all else ride, relax and enjoy!
As for running in your bike, there are many 'theories' on how to do that! The best way is to ignore them all and follow the owners manual. That has never let me down over the last 40+ years and many new bikes. Back country roads are best for the first few hundred miles (only takes a weekend!), where you can use the transmission often, vary engine speeds and tackle plenty of hills. Above all else ride, relax and enjoy!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
there are as many opions on break in driving as there are people...personally (as an engine builder) I would drive the **** out of it for the first 50 miles (after you let it warm up) all at one time, stop and go and highway. shut down let it cool and change the oil and filter..After that I would ride it like you normally would...I have seen a ton of motors coddled when first built have a lot of blow...running it hard during the first few dozen miles (50) works the rings into the cylinder walls for a good seal to prevent blowby...
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 287
From: Texas
Go by the book man, what's the harm? Hell I had 500 miles on my new bike with in the first few days. Everyone has their own ideas. I've gone by the book breaking in all new bikes, cars, etc and never a problem.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 105
From: Houston, Texas
Have to agree with this 100%. With today's close tolerance tooling specs, break in is just a safety precaution for the manufacturer.