Another engine breaking in question
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 62
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From: NC
Another engine breaking in question
Just bought a 2003 xl1200 custom with 190 miles on it. The woman I got if from never rode it. It's been in her garage since she had it shipped from Ca. Mint bike.
My question is how long of a break in period will it be for this bike and what should I be doing to break her in correctly?
Thanks
My question is how long of a break in period will it be for this bike and what should I be doing to break her in correctly?
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: High Desert of So Cal
Change all the fluids before you do anything. That stuff is probably 6 years old. Go with the flow of traffic, just don't stay at one speed for long periods of time. Get the owners manual and the shop manual.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
1000 miles is whats recommended for breaking it in. After that change all fluids again. I agree dont stay at the same rpm and probably stay under 55 mph for the first 500 miles then stay under 65 till you reach the 1000 mile mark. I personally think its best to ride it fairly hard to seat the rings but dont wind it really tight. By that I mean dont be afraid to really get on it but shift gears before reaching real high rpm. I like to run them real hard from about 20 mph to 50 mph without getting over about 4800 rpm. Do a search here on the forum and you will find your answers.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 600
Likes: 3
From: Pennsylvania
1000 miles is whats recommended for breaking it in. After that change all fluids again. I agree dont stay at the same rpm and probably stay under 55 mph for the first 500 miles then stay under 65 till you reach the 1000 mile mark. I personally think its best to ride it fairly hard to seat the rings but dont wind it really tight. By that I mean dont be afraid to really get on it but shift gears before reaching real high rpm. I like to run them real hard from about 20 mph to 50 mph without getting over about 4800 rpm. Do a search here on the forum and you will find your answers.
:i con_ditto:
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: West side of TEXAS
Congrats on the find. 1931 has it right. I just found a 2008 Nightster with 130 miles. I am in the break in process now. I put more miles on it 2 days than the previous owner did in 18 months. Sometimes we get lucky.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
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From: Wheeling, WV
Sorry, I have to diagree with the 1000 mile remarks. 1000 miles break-in....
Heck, most engine mechanics/builders even feel the 500 miles is overkill.
The break-in IS 500 miles with varying speeds & RPMs, and no lugging the engine or over revving it. For speeds, I just wouldn't be trying to hit the 100 mark yet. At 500 miles, change the fluids & filter to remove any metal shavings & your are good to go until the 1000 mile first check. I say ride it like you are typically going to ride your scoot without the speeds above say 85mph......You are breaking it in just like you would with any new car.
Heck, most engine mechanics/builders even feel the 500 miles is overkill. The break-in IS 500 miles with varying speeds & RPMs, and no lugging the engine or over revving it. For speeds, I just wouldn't be trying to hit the 100 mark yet. At 500 miles, change the fluids & filter to remove any metal shavings & your are good to go until the 1000 mile first check. I say ride it like you are typically going to ride your scoot without the speeds above say 85mph......You are breaking it in just like you would with any new car.
