Break-In Advice
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
I've only purchased two (new) bikes in my life and drove them both away from the dealer exactly how I ride everyday. While I agree you should take it fairly easy on a new engine I don't believe you need to have multiple cool down periods and all this other crap.
I've put new pistons in a bike 4 hours before heading down the track at WOT. Don't get all into the hype. Keep the bike out of the redline and you will be fine.
I've put new pistons in a bike 4 hours before heading down the track at WOT. Don't get all into the hype. Keep the bike out of the redline and you will be fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 18
From: Upstate SC
Dealer told me for 1,000 miles I should follow the below:
1) Don't go over 3500 RPM (I confirmed this is in the owners manual).
2) Do not go over 60 miles an hour (this is not in the owners manual).
3) Do not go into 6th gear (this is not in the owners manual).
I'm 200 miles into the break-in period. Driving 60 MPH on a highway is just not safe in NJ. Have others here been given the same instructions as I have? Thoughts?
1) Don't go over 3500 RPM (I confirmed this is in the owners manual).
2) Do not go over 60 miles an hour (this is not in the owners manual).
3) Do not go into 6th gear (this is not in the owners manual).
I'm 200 miles into the break-in period. Driving 60 MPH on a highway is just not safe in NJ. Have others here been given the same instructions as I have? Thoughts?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 646
Likes: 1
From: Rockford, IL
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Too late, should have broke in like this. Been doing this for years and always had a strong running bike with zero oil usage. I know some will poo- poo this method, but it works. Use it for cars also.
Too late, should have broke in like this. Been doing this for years and always had a strong running bike with zero oil usage. I know some will poo- poo this method, but it works. Use it for cars also.
I totally agree with you...this is the way i broke my rebuilt engine.... RODE IT HARD!!
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Too late, should have broke in like this. Been doing this for years and always had a strong running bike with zero oil usage. I know some will poo- poo this method, but it works. Use it for cars also.
Too late, should have broke in like this. Been doing this for years and always had a strong running bike with zero oil usage. I know some will poo- poo this method, but it works. Use it for cars also.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 3
From: a small country between TX and AZ
I've broken in a bunch of new Harleys. Starting in the 70s.
I've never babied any of them. Just vary your rpms for a hundred miles or so (normal driving), use all the gears and then drive it like you stole it.
My latest will be rape tested on the dyno after the exhaust/intake install for 3 hours before I ever put a mile on it. Wouldn't have it any other way.
I've never babied any of them. Just vary your rpms for a hundred miles or so (normal driving), use all the gears and then drive it like you stole it.
My latest will be rape tested on the dyno after the exhaust/intake install for 3 hours before I ever put a mile on it. Wouldn't have it any other way.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
I would break it in like you are gonna ride it. Everyone that suggested mototune hit the nail on the head. Broke mine in that way, not a problem in 8000 miles, well other than the limp mode issue,lol..
