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Almost 500 miles

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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 08:02 AM
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Default Almost 500 miles

Ok. The manual says that I must be under 3500rpm from 100-500 miles for break-in. I am nearly there and it is just killing me to not be able to really open her up one time to see what the 103 on my Ultra Ltd is capable of.

The dealer tells me that it can take 1000 miles for the rings to fully seat.

How should I run this bike from 500-1000 miles and not damage anything or void warranty? Keep treating her like a delicate flower or is it almost time to deflower her?
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 08:06 AM
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Take it easy, you are looking for an engine that will last a long time. Give everything a chance to get settled in, change the oil at a 1000 miles then have a little fun.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 08:25 AM
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Get the bike in 3rd gear accelerate to 60 and let off throttle and decel to 30 without hitting the brake of pulling the clutch. Once you get to 30 repeat this 10 times in a row and your rings are seated. Then just ride it.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 08:32 AM
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I was told the important thing is not to ride at one speed and RPM's for a long period until you get some miles on it. I have 2500 miles on my new RK and still don't know what it will do. I know it's fast enough for me and will run the speed limit all day long. That's all I care about!
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 08:37 AM
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glenalt is right, I did my 05 this way and my 10.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:08 AM
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I followed the instructions from the dealer and manual and took it easy. I want this baby to last forever.

I do remember it being VERY hard to do though.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:17 AM
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I did the 30mph-60mph-30mph break in on my ultra classic when it had 20 miles on it. Runs great. Hasn't used a drop of oil in 3000 miles. After the run in a rode it as normal, no watching my speed or the tach. Will do this on all future bikes.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:21 AM
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I break mine in by giving it full throttle runs and then letting it decel right of the showroom floor. I have had very reputable engine builders tell me that you have around 20-50 miles to get initial roughness in the cylinder was to seat the rings. Look it up.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:55 AM
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I broke mine in by the book, mainly just keeping the rpm's low, not lugging, and varying speed and rpm. I actually wound it up a little a couple times cause I couldn't stand it. I really doubt if you can hurt it short of running it at redline repeatedly. Just use some common sense. My bike runs strong and doesn't use any oil.
 
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 10:00 AM
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Here is an alternative view of break in procedure:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
 
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