Road Glide Break-in Period
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,883
Likes: 33,004
From: King George, VA
RE: Road Glide Break-in Period
Thanks Spider, good article. I'm not sure if I should bring this up when talking to the H-D tech or if this would void the bike warranty? Then again, thinking it through, I don't think there are any H-D break in police lurking in the shrubs.
I recall hearing variations this years ago when I was a K1 Honda 750 rider, all to the same end of seating the rings. Motoman is correct though about the rings being compressed against the cylinder wall in the compression phase to prevent blow-by. I had heard that race setups would actually drill a few small holes near the edge of the head of the pistons to allow compressed gasses to get behind the compression ring. Less blow-by is more piston push. Another point is the cross hatch pattern created by the final cylinder honing acts like a fine file on the piston rings until the top edge of the honed ridge is worn away. The cylinder sleeve is softer material than a file.
The other advise of running easy for the first 50 miles is just to make sure everything is tightened down and the bike doesn't fall apart, spit ball bearings or fold on the dotted line.
With this, I can see I'm gonna be replacing the rear tire a bit sooner than anticipated.
[sm=gears.gif]
I recall hearing variations this years ago when I was a K1 Honda 750 rider, all to the same end of seating the rings. Motoman is correct though about the rings being compressed against the cylinder wall in the compression phase to prevent blow-by. I had heard that race setups would actually drill a few small holes near the edge of the head of the pistons to allow compressed gasses to get behind the compression ring. Less blow-by is more piston push. Another point is the cross hatch pattern created by the final cylinder honing acts like a fine file on the piston rings until the top edge of the honed ridge is worn away. The cylinder sleeve is softer material than a file.
The other advise of running easy for the first 50 miles is just to make sure everything is tightened down and the bike doesn't fall apart, spit ball bearings or fold on the dotted line.
With this, I can see I'm gonna be replacing the rear tire a bit sooner than anticipated.
[sm=gears.gif]
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: Road Glide Break-in Period
I disagree with the "ride it like you stole it" philosophy of break-in procedure. Every OEM manufacturer of cars and motorcycles recommend a break-in procedure. If riding it hard out of the box is a good idea, they'd be recommending it. Just follow the manual!
The important thing is not to stress it, keep the RPM's reasonable, and vary the speeds. If I ever get a new ride I'll probably take a 100-mile trip down a backroad and vary the speeds up to about 60 mph, constantly accelerating and decelerating moderately.
The important thing is not to stress it, keep the RPM's reasonable, and vary the speeds. If I ever get a new ride I'll probably take a 100-mile trip down a backroad and vary the speeds up to about 60 mph, constantly accelerating and decelerating moderately.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: King George, VA
RE: Road Glide Break-in Period
Ok, the dealer just offered me the 2006 RG with a tour pak thrown in for free. I'll go to the store tomorrow to give them the check and should be riding by Monday (I don't need no stickin financing). The wife and I already had plans to head out of town early tomorrow, but I don't think they would have the bike preped in time, besides, the wife wouldn't want to ride that far this soon.
I'm so pumped now. I'm too excited to sleep.
I'm so pumped now. I'm too excited to sleep.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From:
RE: Road Glide Break-in Period
wow- a tour pak for free??!! sweet
my dealer didnt even give me a t-shirt!
all of the above posts are good- but im surprised nobody mentioned that, no matter what- you should not 'lug' the motor. (rpm's being too low) its difficult to describe- but youll definitely know what im talking about if you should do it.
my dealer didnt even give me a t-shirt!
all of the above posts are good- but im surprised nobody mentioned that, no matter what- you should not 'lug' the motor. (rpm's being too low) its difficult to describe- but youll definitely know what im talking about if you should do it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,883
Likes: 33,004
From: King George, VA
RE: Road Glide Break-in Period
Closed the deal on the RG. They threw in the complete Tour Pak with quick release and passenger back rest pad and installation as an incentive at no charge. Also bought the 5 year extended warranty and service package and seeing while I was on a roll with the new stuff, picked up a new leather jacket, gloves and helmet. Now at this point I thought I was dreaming when the wife told me, without any prompting, the car can sit outside and I can park the bike in the garage.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: King George, VA
RE: Road Glide Break-in Period
Already did, now getting to the 500 mile mark keeping it under 3kRPMs. Thought I would be able to finish that up yesterday but I had to work then it was raining pretty good last night. Just not ready for a soaker yet. Should be cleared up this afternoon.
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