Post by: CaffeineBuzz on August 15, 2019, 01:21:53 PM
I've been doing my homework on the subject and would love to hear any thoughts, theories,etc.
My intentions are to do it like the dealer tells me to do it, but still, some of the theory of what happens during the break in period is interesting.
One of my favorite stories on the subject were the folks who eased a Honda motor in and compared it to one where they beat the hell out of the bike during it's break in period. The claim was there was absolutely no difference. On the polar opposite end of the spectrum are the guys who claim if it's not done perfectly, your bike is FUBAR forever.
Post by: rayson56 on August 15, 2019, 02:02:38 PM
All of this is assuming this bike is a brand new left over 17??
Post by: grc on August 15, 2019, 02:07:02 PM
If the engine wasn't machined and assembled correctly, no special break-in procedure is going to make it good. If it was machined and assembled correctly, running it fairly hard won't hurt it at all. Btw, was your new engine assembled by H-D in their engine plant, or bolted together by a dealership?
Jerry
Post by: CaffeineBuzz on August 15, 2019, 02:13:46 PM
Post by: grc on August 15, 2019, 04:18:32 PM
I only asked because Harley dealerships run the gamut from a few very good shops, to many shops I wouldn't trust to change my oil. Hopefully you got a good one. If you did get a good one, and they happen to have a very good dyno operator on staff, ask them about breaking it in on the dyno. When done right, all the important operating parameters are constantly monitored during the process and the variables of doing it on the road are minimized.
Jerry
Post by: fastfreddy on August 15, 2019, 06:27:30 PM
Post by: Robmay on August 15, 2019, 07:32:25 PM
Ride it like you stole it, but get good and warmed up with good oil circulation 1st, keep it under 4000 rpms, do NOT lug your motor and avoid pre ignition pinging, for the first 1000 miles.
All of this is assuming this bike is a brand new left over 17??
I gotta ask...what is pre ignition pinging?
In my mind, pre ignition would be before starting the engine which would mean no pinging? 
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Post by: grc on August 16, 2019, 08:10:11 AM
I gotta ask...what is pre ignition pinging?
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Pre-ignition is when the air/fuel mixture starts to burn prior to the spark, and is usually caused by a hot spot in the combustion chamber. Detonation is when the last part of the air/fuel mixture burns too rapidly, sometimes explained as an explosion instead of a controlled burn. Higher octane helps control this type of issue.
Jerry
Post by: Robmay on August 16, 2019, 02:54:35 PM
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Post by: Rooster on August 17, 2019, 04:35:26 PM