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[05CVOfatty]

Ok guys. I know we have heard the how's and how not to break in a brand new motorcycle motor. But my last initial break in was my very first of 6 Harleys of my ownership. My first new Harley was a 1999 Sportster 1200C. I must have done it correct because that bike was a joy. My next 4 Harley's were used. Now I'm all grown up and plunked down the bank for my new 2015 Hard Candy Street Glide FLHXSE. 4 miles on the odometer. I want the best tried and true way of a perfect break in. Is it the first 500? miles before any high RPM's or constant highway speeds? When does the initial fluids need to be changed? Are we talking the entire drivetrain? Trans, Primary and motor? Chime in! We have some good  knowledge out there! (sitting on the shelf are my Vance and Hines Power Duals, V&H FuelPak FP3 tuner and CFR mufflers..killing me looking at them in boxes)

[bakon]

From manual:

The First 500 Miles (800 Kilometers)


The sound design, quality materials, and workmanship that are built into your new Harley-Davidson will give you optimum performance right from the start.

To allow your engine to wear-in its critical parts, we recommend that you observe the riding rules provided below for the first 500 mi 800 km .

1.During the first 50 mi 80 km of riding, keep the engine speed below 3000 rpm in any gear. Do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at very low rpm, or by running at high rpm longer than needed for shifting or passing.


2.Up to 500 mi 800 km , vary the engine speed and avoid operating at any steady engine speed for long periods. Engine speed up to 3500 rpm in any gear is permissible.


3.Drive slowly and avoid fast starts at wide open throttle until the engine has warmed up.


4.Avoid lugging the engine by not running the engine at very low speeds in higher gears.


5.Avoid hard braking. Break-in new brakes with moderate use for the first 200 mi 300 km .

[05CVOfatty]

There you have it. Read The Instructions! Sounds good. Put a few miles on it up to 3000 rpm. Then to 3500 varying the speed with no quick take offs or sudden stops. The brakes need to be broken in too. Easy enough. Now get that manual out and thumb through it! 
 

[GregKhougaz]

The manual is written by lawyers and insurance companies.  I know a bit about lawyers.     

Try a mechanic's method:  Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car ...   

[Dr.D]

Never lug it ever and let it warm up a bit before riding like you allays will.

[Driver30]

First 500 miles, forget you have cruise control.  Starting at 501, ride it like you stole it.

[CVO2FIXUP]

Do not get it to not in traffic. Use non synthetic oil for the first 1000 miles. Drain the crap oil the bike comes with, and use regular dyno oil.  Get on the free way asap and do 4th or 5th gear roll onns letting the rpm drop on there own as you shut off the throttle. Then roll on gain with good helping of throttle letting the rpm climb higher every time until you are shutting off the throttle around 5500 rpm. Between roll onns ride for a minute or two to let the temp drop a bit. Do this for 30 miles and your done. Prob 20 roll on cycles. Then go home and change the oil. Then go to the dyno shop and re tune the stock setting to get the correct fuel air mix.  Change the oil in 1000 miles to a non HD brand synthetic.  Then think about getting rid of that Catt. Cheers.

[CVODON]

 Just ride them, quit worrying about all this "break-in" crap. Owners manual is sort of minumal in recommendations and they made the bike/car/boat or whatever. Drain good oil out? Don't ride in traffic? Crazy man, just use them and enjoy.

[Dr.D]

Just ride them, quit worrying about all this "break-in" crap. Owners manual is sort of minumal in recommendations and they made the bike/car/boat or whatever. Drain good oil out? Don't ride in traffic? Crazy man, just use them and enjoy.

I would not want to be in stop and go traffic in the summer on a new bike for over heating reasons. Other than that most of that stuff is about being more conservative than needed.

[crobson]

guess I have bought five new bikes now and always rode em like I stole em lol. never had any problems and ended up with a little stronger bike than my buddies. guess I figured there under warranty and if something did mess up just trade it in before warranty expired,  good luck

[Mano]

Just ride them, quit worrying about all this "break-in" crap. Owners manual is sort of minumal in recommendations and they made the bike/car/boat or whatever. Drain good oil out? Don't ride in traffic? Crazy man, just use them and enjoy.

Yup.....and remember you do have a warranty.

[CVOStreetglide]

guess I have bought five new bikes now and always rode em like I stole em lol. never had any problems and ended up with a little stronger bike than my buddies. guess I figured there under warranty and if something did mess up just trade it in before warranty expired,  good luck

  +1

[Rooster]

I had a motor guy tell me a few years ago. If all the guys rode these bikes harder they would run better and last longer.

[cheeset202]

I had a Harley mechanic tell me the same thing, he said most guys don't run their engines correctly. He told me to shift between 3500 and 4000 rpm, and cruise at 3000 rpm.  He said many people shift at lower rpm, lug the engine and have crankshaft problems.  Been riding that way ever since, never a problem and a lot more fun to ride. He also told me to take it out on the highway and find the rev limiter, kind of like when they Dyno tune the bike, sounds like the engine is going to blow up but he said they are made to run at higher rpm than most people run them.

[HarleyJeffOregon]

I have a 2010 cvo ultra with 75,000 miles on it. I picked it up from the dealer went right to the freeway in 95 degree heat and rode all the way home at 70 to 80 mph. My bike does not use any oil and runs great. Ride it like ya stole it!!!