break in
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
I take a ride out on the back roads for a few hours. Come home and drop the oil. Ride the back roads for the next few days or 200-300 miles and then drop the oil again. After 400 or so miles I ride like normal And then drop the oil again at 1k. The last motor I broke in like this I tore down at 32k and it looked like new. During these rides I am not babying the bike at all. Im off and on the throttle while keeping it the 2500-3500 rpm RANGE.
Last edited by BLKBAGGER; Nov 30, 2011 at 07:31 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I break in cars or bikes the way I'm going to drive them with the exception of continuous sustained highway speeds. Like to vary the rpm's when cruising. I also do a 1,000 mile oil and filter change unless the mfg. states to leave the break in oil for a specific number of miles. My daughters Honda says not to change the break in oil prior to 5,000 miles.
Along the same lines, there's the claims that you shouldn't use sythetics right off the bat. If those claims were valid why do several high-end high performance cars come with Mobil 1 from the factory?
I don't have the scientific answer for these questions, but I do have my opinion. And that opinion is these claims are simply heresay.
What do you guys think?
i agree, my bikes faster than my dads (same bikes). i break it in like i normally ride, with the exception of continuous cruise control highway speeds
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 892
Likes: 10
From: in the wind
How do most break in your bikes. When talking with other riders get very different responses, Have been told have to follow the book they give you when you pick up you bike others say break it in the way you are going to ride it. what is different from a bike to a car when buying a car they don't say don't run cruise or don't ride hwy the whole car needs a 1k check up. When people get the upgrades done before delivery you see a lot of dyno sheets so this must not hurt them. I am thinking the ride it cant hurt anything
My last motor was a 95'' It had 8000 miles and the crank spun. When I broke it in ,I did it the Motomans way and when I tore it down it was clean, pistons and rings where checked and they were in awsome, damn near new . Motor ran very strong.
Now it's a 103 and I broke it in the same way. 500 miles and again, very strong tight motor.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Like the others have said break it in like you are going to ride it. Do the 1000 mile service yourself and save yourself some money. Spend the $50 on the service manual and do it all yourself it will save a ton of money and "make you one with your machine..."
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Hadley MASS
thanks have manual and do fluids myself Having my indy do the upgrade over the winter. Cant fricken wait for spring
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 892
Likes: 10
From: in the wind
Well put .
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 531
Likes: 4
From: Chile Flats, AZ
See Motoman +1
Disclaimer: I'm no wrench; but I have experience breakin' 'em in....
Read this.... as he says, it is controversial: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Search on this and other forums for break in advice from engine builders.... all agree on one thing, the major key is seating the rings properly and quickly... the 'hows' vary slightly -- but the bottom line is the same -- seat the rings right and the engine will run long and well.
Read this.... as he says, it is controversial: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Search on this and other forums for break in advice from engine builders.... all agree on one thing, the major key is seating the rings properly and quickly... the 'hows' vary slightly -- but the bottom line is the same -- seat the rings right and the engine will run long and well.