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[CaffeineBuzz]

Will be breaking in the engine on my '17 CVO SG.

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.

[rayson56]

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??

[grc]

Breaking in a modern engine is no where near the big deal it was back in the day.  The single biggest thing initially is to avoid overheating things like pistons and rings.  Otherwise, you just ride it normally.  Don't baby it, also don't hammer it.

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

[CaffeineBuzz]

dealer is installing....why do you ask?

[grc]

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

[fastfreddy]

 assembly and first few heat cycles is what I fell are most important.... and that your not going to have any control over that, so go by their recommend procedure cause they are warranting it  … right 

[Robmay]

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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[grc]

I gotta ask...what is pre ignition pinging? In my mind, pre ignition would be before starting the engine which would mean no pinging?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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

[Robmay]

Thanks Jerry!


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[Rooster]

  Jerry well said