Breaking in new 103
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
I did alot of reading and searching on this topic for my new 103". This is what I did.
Engine warmed to operating temp and on a clear straight stretch of road. In 3rd gear at 30 MPH give it a good bit of throttle and run it up to 55-50 MPH staying in 3rd gear. Let off the throttle and let the engine slow you back down to 30 MPH (no brakes). Do this about 10 times and the rings should be seated just fine. Bike has 110 miles on it now and until it gets to 500 I'll be varying RPM and keeping it between 2 and 3K rpms.
There are tons of threads on this topic and people have alot of different opinions. This is just the method I chose to use.
Engine warmed to operating temp and on a clear straight stretch of road. In 3rd gear at 30 MPH give it a good bit of throttle and run it up to 55-50 MPH staying in 3rd gear. Let off the throttle and let the engine slow you back down to 30 MPH (no brakes). Do this about 10 times and the rings should be seated just fine. Bike has 110 miles on it now and until it gets to 500 I'll be varying RPM and keeping it between 2 and 3K rpms.
There are tons of threads on this topic and people have alot of different opinions. This is just the method I chose to use.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,865
Likes: 32,874
From: King George, VA
I'm inclined to think that after the rings are seated, you are only riding it carefully to be sure all the nuts and bolts are tight. Do a pre ride check each time, looking for items coming loose. Be aware of sudden strange noises while riding.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I broke in my 96" by the owners manual, no problems. Then when I went 103" on that bike the shop broke it in(I don't how they did it, don't ask why) tons of oil puking. When I pulled it down the valve guide seals were bad. New seals, new umbrella valves, new rings on a hone and it was broken in on the dyno, no issues at all. I think BOTH ways work!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 225
Broke my 103" in according to the manual and followed a lot of what Beary posted.
i.e. let it warm up, don;t let it over heat, vary the speed, use regular dino oil during the break in.
Worked out great.
i.e. let it warm up, don;t let it over heat, vary the speed, use regular dino oil during the break in.
Worked out great.
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