So I have an amazingly dumb question.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
So I have an amazingly dumb question.
I pick up my new Street on Monday . . . This is my second new motorcycle, but my first new HD.
I want to be sure that I handle the break-In absolutely right.
What's the best way to do it?
Short rides?
Long rides?
Should I try to find some hills to climb?
Highway vs back roads?
What's the best way to go?
Thanks,
PoleCat
I want to be sure that I handle the break-In absolutely right.
What's the best way to do it?
Short rides?
Long rides?
Should I try to find some hills to climb?
Highway vs back roads?
What's the best way to go?
Thanks,
PoleCat
"Moderator & Connoisseur of Ice Cream"
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 5
From: Montgomery Al
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
Before you ever ride it, read this.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Next bike I buy new or motor rebuild, it is getting broke in like this!
Was another post here about a guy who rides his as hard as he can home, and then does a burnout! Makes sense to me.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Next bike I buy new or motor rebuild, it is getting broke in like this!
Was another post here about a guy who rides his as hard as he can home, and then does a burnout! Makes sense to me.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
look at the S&S website or just type bike break in or some variation and you will get tons of info. The best advice I have heard regarding engine break in is to make sure that you get the bike to normal operating temperature and then let it naturally cool down to room temp before you get it hot agian. I'm not sure how many times you should do this but it makes sense to me. The greatest expansion and contraction occurs when the engine is still new. This method allows the engine components to expand and contract through the full temp range. Have you ever listened closely to a new bike as it cools. It clicks and pops like a bowl of rice crispies. Now, listen to that same bike after it has been broken in. You will still hear clicks and pops but not with near the intensity or frequency as the new bike. So to answer your question honestly, I have no frickin idea!!! but it sounds good dont it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 3
From:
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
There are no dumb questions here.....but maybe some dumb answers! Seriously, go by the book on the break-in. Let the engine get to operating temperature and ride moderately, keeping your revs below 3000 in any gear. Vary your speed for the first 200 miles. Some guys say to ride the bejeezus out of them from the beginning, but I don't think it wise. Better safe than sorry, plus it gives you time to get used to the nuances of the handling, etc. Doesn't matter where you ride it, just take it easy.....get those rings seated well and the tranny gears meshed-in properly.....remember you have new tires and brake pads, too. Those have a little brak-in period too.
Take your time............your engine will thank you many times over.
Take your time............your engine will thank you many times over.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 1
From: Sunapee, NH
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
Just in case your dealer is as busy as most
Make an appointment for your 1000 mile service for the following Wednesday
and make an appointment for your 5000 mile service for a week later.
Variate your Speed/RPMs for the first 1000 miles.
Try to keep to the following.
First 500 Miles; Keep the RPMs under 3000
Next 250 Miles: Keep the RPMs under 3500
Next 250 Miles; Keep your RPMs under 4000
If she"s not broke in by then she's broke.
Oh ya!! Congrat's on your new HD.
chappy
Make an appointment for your 1000 mile service for the following Wednesday
and make an appointment for your 5000 mile service for a week later.
Variate your Speed/RPMs for the first 1000 miles.
Try to keep to the following.
First 500 Miles; Keep the RPMs under 3000
Next 250 Miles: Keep the RPMs under 3500
Next 250 Miles; Keep your RPMs under 4000
If she"s not broke in by then she's broke.
Oh ya!! Congrat's on your new HD.
chappy
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,230
Likes: 105
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
For the first 150 or so miles don't lug it, don't bounce it off the rev limiter, don't drive at one speed all the time.
You do want to vary the gears, vary the speed, check the fluid levels several times.
Once you get the 150 then you can have your fun. It should be ready for it.
You do want to vary the gears, vary the speed, check the fluid levels several times.
Once you get the 150 then you can have your fun. It should be ready for it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 5
From: Slidell, LA
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
Ride it like you stole it!!!! Just kidding. The 500 mile varying speed method is the best. Then ride it like you stole!!
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
From: Dover, Oh
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
ORIGINAL: no1likhim
Before you ever ride it, read this.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Next bike I buy new or motor rebuild, it is getting broke in like this!
Was another post here about a guy who rides his as hard as he can home, and then does a burnout! Makes sense to me.
Before you ever ride it, read this.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
Next bike I buy new or motor rebuild, it is getting broke in like this!
Was another post here about a guy who rides his as hard as he can home, and then does a burnout! Makes sense to me.
Why can you not find me ONE race technician who owuld EVER break in a motor like this?
Why do our bikes start to shift more smoothly or any bike for that matter, and start to get better gas mileage at 1200-1500 miles?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA (live in Manteca, CA)
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
Take it from me ride the bike like your going to ride it. That break in period is pretty much full of it. Remember you have two year for that engine to break down on you.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: So I have an amazingly dumb question.
I do it by the book.......HD manual. Under 3000 rpm for 1st 50 miles, under 3500 until 500 which I extend to 700. I change all oils to synthetics & filters at 100,500,1000,2000 then done. Many people recommend short trips (15-20 minutes) for the first 100 miles with complete cool down to heat cycle the engine. My $.02
(PS...do not lug the motor at low speed ever stay in the low end of the torque curve)
(PS...do not lug the motor at low speed ever stay in the low end of the torque curve)