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New HD Break In Methods?

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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:08 PM
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Default New HD Break In Methods?

I'm picking up my 2011 RGC 103 tomorrow, so I was just starting to think about the break-in. I've always had Japanese metric bikes in the past, which had 600 mile break in periods.

The method I used was to basically shift at about 40% of red line for the 1st half of the break-in (1st 300 miles), and shift at 60% of red line for the 2nd half of the break-in (last 300 miles). And I would always throttle hard to the shift point. Harleys have a 1k break-in, so I was thinking about following a 500-mile/500-mile method in line with the aforementioned.

For those of you that have purchased new Harley's in the past, what Break-In methods (if any) did you use for the first 1k miles?
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:15 PM
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Vary speeds for the first 50 miles then ride it like you stole it.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by dawg
Vary speeds for the first 50 miles then ride it like you stole it.
Maybe not necessary, but I've always done the first oil change after the first ~500 miles, then at 1K. Just don't like the idea of break in metal shavings in the case that long. Just me...
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:20 PM
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Listen to the dawg↑
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Tek74
I'm picking up my 2011 RGC 103 tomorrow, so I was just starting to think about the break-in. I've always had Japanese metric bikes in the past, which had 600 mile break in periods

For those of you that have purchased new Harley's in the past, what Break-In methods (if any) did you use for the first 1k miles?
Dealer should explain it. It picked up a 2011 limited in December. Advised to not exceed 3000 RPM for the first 100, then not over 4000 for 500 miles. Don't use the cruise control as you want to vary the speed. After 500, let er rip ! Enjoy
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:26 PM
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In short, don't redline it and definately don't baby it.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by HogLivin
Dealer should explain it. It picked up a 2011 limited in December. Advised to not exceed 3000 RPM for the first 100, then not over 4000 for 500 miles. Don't use the cruise control as you want to vary the speed. After 500, let er rip ! Enjoy
That's the exact same thing I was quoted on my last two HDs and I've had no problem....2007 electraglide and 2010 roadglide.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:33 PM
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Yep did the ride it like you stole it method.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:34 PM
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I think you got the idea with part throttle for the first few miles and gradually work to more throttle after some miles always varying the speed, somewhat like what Dawg mentions (go hard). I go quite hard very soon with good solid bursts on and definitely off the gas to seat the rings. I also like to change the oil very soon, and then more than once before the first service. You will prolly get lots of opinions here, good luck and don't worry too much about it.

 
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Old Jan 28, 2011 | 10:36 PM
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Give it a 1/2 dozen good heat cycles and ride it like your going to ride it. Has always worked for me from bikes to big trucks.

Mark
 
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