Break in advice.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Pomona, Ca
Break in advice.
I just got a call that my bike ready from the shop. I had to get the motor rebuilt after the a cam bearing failed and took out the motor. I need advice on the best way to break in the motor. The shop told me to only drive it in the evenings and don't get caught up in traffic. Not to keep the same rpms for long period of time. To do an oil change at 500, 1000 and 2000 miles. then i can ride it normal. What say the masses? Thanks guys.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,197
Likes: 281
From: Long Island NY
If someone told you to redline the motor every shift and don't change the oil for 5,000 miles would you listen to them? Of course not...sounds like the shop gave you good advice and since they built it I'd listen to them...good luck with everything!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,822
From: Oklahoma
Here we go again. Do what the builder told you. He wants a good recommendation if anyone else you know needs his service. Following his instructions should provide the best results AND if anything craters, you can tell him you did just like he said and it still broke.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
Read the last two issues of American Iron Magazine. It covered the entire spectrum of methods of breaking in a HD.
Best method is the one I used over many years. The basic fact the A.I.M. found is that a slow easy break in will produce a more longer lasting motor and one that runs stronger than the short fast break in that some do on a dyno or the street. The hard fast break in will result in a faster bike initially but in the long run the slow break in will out perform the fast and hard break in.
The articles were excellent in that they also identified the EVO and Pan break in methods and the reasons why the TC's are the strongest and best motors to come out of HD for longevity.
That is in spite of the arrested development of some riders that hang their hats on the older iron.
Best method is the one I used over many years. The basic fact the A.I.M. found is that a slow easy break in will produce a more longer lasting motor and one that runs stronger than the short fast break in that some do on a dyno or the street. The hard fast break in will result in a faster bike initially but in the long run the slow break in will out perform the fast and hard break in.
The articles were excellent in that they also identified the EVO and Pan break in methods and the reasons why the TC's are the strongest and best motors to come out of HD for longevity.
That is in spite of the arrested development of some riders that hang their hats on the older iron.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I just got a call that my bike ready from the shop. I had to get the motor rebuilt after the a cam bearing failed and took out the motor. I need advice on the best way to break in the motor. The shop told me to only drive it in the evenings and don't get caught up in traffic. Not to keep the same rpms for long period of time. To do an oil change at 500, 1000 and 2000 miles. then i can ride it normal. What say the masses? Thanks guys.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
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From: Billings,Mt.
I don't agree with the "evenings" part.
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From: New Jersey
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Pacific Northwest
Just ride the thing, man. Don't over-rev it or lug it down and you're fine.
As far as all those oil changes go, I'd change out at 500 and then go right on to regular intervals.
As far as all those oil changes go, I'd change out at 500 and then go right on to regular intervals.