Break-In
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Lowell, Ma.
Break-In
I've got all of 40 miles on my 06 Ultra, looking to take about 250 mile trip but the salesman said not to exceed 50 mph, not worth taking the trip if that's the case. Any other suggestions for break-in out there would like to hear them.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 705
Likes: 8
From: Titusville, FL
RE: Break-In
Ride it! Just vary your speed for the next 60 miles and then go for it.
Rode my 05 Ultra home from the dealer (60 miles) eventually hitting 65 and never looked back. I waited to use cruise but began breakin it in like I wanted to ride. Now have 18K and never had a problem and never needed oil between changes. Kept regular oil in until 10K so rings seated and all. Went to SYN3 at 10K.
Enjoy your trip!
Rode my 05 Ultra home from the dealer (60 miles) eventually hitting 65 and never looked back. I waited to use cruise but began breakin it in like I wanted to ride. Now have 18K and never had a problem and never needed oil between changes. Kept regular oil in until 10K so rings seated and all. Went to SYN3 at 10K.
Enjoy your trip!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
RE: Break-In
Just baby it for the first 50 miles or so, then ride it normal for the next 500. No steady cruise on interstates. Keep varying the rpm's. Shift alot. Keep revs moderate. Neither lug it nor push the revs beyond 4,000. If possible, avoid heavy stop and go traffic as it will really drive up the engine heat.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Break-In
Dont baby it(lug the engine).I would not exceed 3 thousand rpm and dont hold the throttle steady for long periods of time.
While riding,try to accelerate and back off the throttle,use the back roads.
Do this for the first 500 mi. and keep an eye on the oil level.
While riding,try to accelerate and back off the throttle,use the back roads.
Do this for the first 500 mi. and keep an eye on the oil level.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Break-In
I would take your trip and have fun, Just ride it normal. I wouldnt beat the tar out of it but I wouldnt baby it either. Put it this way, when I bought my first R.K. I picked it up at the dealer, rode it the 7 miles home, packed it up and took a trip from Minnesota to Seatlle Washington on it and freeway speeds 70-75 mph. That engine was fine and used absolutely no oil. There are many arguments on both sides of the issue but I can tell you how I have done it. I have broken in 4 brand new h.d. (if you can call it break in). I bought them at the dealer and rode them like I would every day, Just normal, not Riding them like a stolen horse and not babying them and I have had no problems.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 3
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Break-In
I don't have my manual in front of me but I think the MoCo's recommendations are a little more forgiving than 50 mph. If memory serves, it is based on rpm's and it goes up after 50 miles which you are almost at. Maybe your salesman was talking about the first 50? Either way, check your manual and do what it recommends. Like others have said, the most important thing is to vary your engine speed.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 9
From: Lincolnton, NC
RE: Break-In
Ride it! Just vary your speed for the next 60 miles and then go for it.
Keep varying the rpm's. Shift alot. Keep revs moderate. Neither lug it nor push the revs beyond 4,000.
back roads are your friend
I would take your trip and have fun, Just ride it normal. I wouldnt beat the tar out of it but I wouldnt baby it either.
I think the MoCo's recommendations are a little more forgiving than 50 mph. If memory serves, it is based on rpm's and it goes up after 50 miles which you are almost at. Maybe your salesman was talking about the first 50? Either way, check your manual and do what it recommends.
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