New HD Break In Methods?
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 485
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
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?
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?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 62
From: State of Confusion
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...
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: NW Florida
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?
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?
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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Club Member
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From: Arlington, Washington
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 846
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From: Mile 49.5 Alaska Hwy. B.C.
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.
