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Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

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Old May 28, 2008 | 07:31 PM
  #1  
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Default Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?


Hi all. First time posting on the forums. Have enjoyed browsing around and learning about other's experiences and bikes. I've got a question regarding the break in of my new 2008 nightster. I've put roughly 700 miles on it thus far and just the other day checked the oil (checked it hot). It was slightly above the "fill" line, or whatever it's called on this machine. When I bought it it was at least 2/3rd's full. Does this engine really burn this much oil during break in? My SUV has not needed a drop of oil for the first 5500 miles (first service interval is 7500mi). I know a SUV to a motorcycle compare is not a fair assessment but it's throwing a red flag up in my mind - do I have a bad HD engine or is this normal? Thanks!
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 07:41 PM
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Certainteed
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

check oil with the bike upright (not on stand). also, yes, it will use some oil. the rings haven't seated yet.
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 07:48 PM
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

Mac, my new 1200C used 1/2 quart in the first 500 miles and not a drop since. I am now at about 4,300 miles.
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

Using some oil is normal during the first 1000-2000 miles, but all oil levels should be checked on the jiffy stand.
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 08:28 PM
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

ORIGINAL: cHarley

Using some oil is normal during the first 1000-2000 miles, but all oil levels should be checked on the jiffy stand.
OK... I've look all over the stand, but I just dont see where to check the oil at. [&:]



...
sorry, I couldn’t resist
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 08:34 PM
  #6  
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

yep my bike used 1/2 a quart during the first 1000 miles, but ever since then it hasn't used a drop. Running syn3 since 1K check, but switching to royal purple at 5K service.
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 09:19 PM
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

What cHarley said......................
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 09:25 PM
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

Mac, another aspect you'll notice is that in the 3,000 to 4,000 mile range you'll notice your bike having more power and will run at lower rpm more happily. Oh yeah, the engine will be noisier too.
 
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Old May 28, 2008 | 10:44 PM
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Default RE: Break-In / Oil Usage - Normal?

ORIGINAL: mcleanclan01


Hi all. First time posting on the forums. Have enjoyed browsing around and learning about other's experiences and bikes. I've got a question regarding the break in of my new 2008 nightster. I've put roughly 700 miles on it thus far and just the other day checked the oil (checked it hot). It was slightly above the "fill" line, or whatever it's called on this machine.
Like everyone else has said, yes it will burn a bit during breakin. I just want to add that when you add some oil, only fill it to about where it was, 2/3 up the stick. If you fill it all the way to the "Full" mark, you may get some blowby in your Air Cleanerand a little may puke out the filler cap. And yes, fill it and check it hot on the Jiffy Stand.
Oh Ya.. Welcome to the Forum!

-Andy
 
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