Break in period
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Iowa
Break in period
Have less than 50 miles on my 2010 SG. I am planning on installing ehaust, intake, pc-v from fuel moto. Should I wait and put some more miles on the bike/engine before the mods or am I ok doing them at such low mileage? (I will probably have 100 miles by the time I have all the parts onhand)
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Wisconsin
I guess it's just my mood this morning, so please don't take this wrong. I just wanted to point out that a cooler motor does not necessarily last longer. As long as the engine temp stays in the operating temperature "zone" it doesn't matter. Heat can break down the oil, but if you are riding that hot you have other issues. On the flip side, a bike that doesn't get up to temperature does not benefit from the lubricity of the fluids and can result in engine damage, also. This is why they put thermostats or covers on oil coolers. Your engine will last the same regardless of temp providing you do not exceed any of the limits, whether they be high or low.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Iowa
Thanks for the responses guys! More than anything I guess im just being over cautious. After I posted I realized many people do these mods before they pick up their bike This is my first touring bike, I previously had a 04 sporty, and I want to make sure I do everything to take care of my new prized possession. From what I hear they can run a little lean from the factory and I just wanted to make sure I took care of that issue asap. Going with Fuel Moto Stage 1 air cleaner, V&H 2-1 Pro Pipe and PC-V. Anyone running this combo?
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Eastern Washington
I had a complete stage II build done before I picked up mine. Then rode it 300 miles home. You want to get the heating and cooling cycles to properly break in the bike.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Wisconsin
You're going to hear about heating/cooloing cycles, seating rings, valves, etc., mostly all true from the past, but technology has changed, things are different today, read up, research, do what you feel is best ......
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Iowa
Thanks Frog! That makes me feel better as that is what I have done on all previously owned bikes and have done so far on my SG. I believe lugging a motor, expecially a new one, is one of the worst things that can be done. However, I was also an advicite of "heat cycling" a engine. Looks like newer bikes its not that big of an issue. Great article, thanks for sharing.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
I would think twice before using the procedures outlined on the Mototune site. I've never seen a vehicle manufacturer recommend a break-in procedure like this, and they should know their engines better than the boy-racer who reports his techniques on that site. He says he's broken-in 300 motors like this "with no problems," but has he done objective side-by-side testing based on long-term use? Sure, the motor will perhaps run fine at first, maybe even better since it is breaking-in very fast, but how much abnormal wear has been imposed by the hard break-in that won't show up 'til the engine logs 50k or 100k miles?
I've always more-or-less gone by the book and gone even further by tapering the break-in procedure out for 1000 miles or more, but that's my way and my 2˘. I'm not suggesting that you baby the engine, but just use common sense. Vary the speeds constantly, especially for the first few hundred miles, and taper the maximum RPM and throttle as the miles increase. Resist the temptation to use the cruise control during the break-in period, as you don't want to maintain a constant speed for very long!
I've always more-or-less gone by the book and gone even further by tapering the break-in procedure out for 1000 miles or more, but that's my way and my 2˘. I'm not suggesting that you baby the engine, but just use common sense. Vary the speeds constantly, especially for the first few hundred miles, and taper the maximum RPM and throttle as the miles increase. Resist the temptation to use the cruise control during the break-in period, as you don't want to maintain a constant speed for very long!