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[RedDevil]

I've noticed with all the posts on breaking in new rides, that they mention keeping below 50 mph for the first 50 miles and varying speeds until 500 miles.   I'm wondering if this break-in requirement is just a carry-over from the old days and the dealerships just keep telling us to do it that way.  After I got my new B&O I was reading  [smiley=nervous.gif] the owner's manual and when I got to the break-in section, I was surprised, but it made sense, by the MoCo's recommended procedures.  It basically states that for the first 50 miles keep the engine, not the bike's, speed below 4000 rpm without lugging, and up to 500 miles, do not maintain constant engine speeds for extended periods, but engines speeds up to 5000 rpm are permissable.  If you think about it, that makes more sense then maintaining speeds like my dealer told me.  Not more than 50 mph for the first 50 miles, and keep it under 60 mph for the first 500.  You're not really varying engine speeds, like the manual says to do, if you break in by mph vice rpm, which doesn't let the engine wear in at varying engine speeds.   I haven't approached my dealership about this.  Has anyone questioned their dealership on the difference between the dealer's procedures and the MoCo's?    [smiley=nixweiss.gif]  Just wonderin'
Red

[jeffj]

My take, Ride it like your going to Ride it - all the time [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]


jeffj

[Hoist!]

My take, Ride it like your going to Ride it - all the time [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]


jeffj

I agree except I would not exceed the RPM's you've indicated above, for that mileage period. Hoist!

[VAZHOG]

Excat info for your bike is located in the Owners manual for engine break in and proper operation on how to shut down an efi engine.
If you did not get an owners manual contact your selling dealer.

[grc]

Red,

The original break-in instructions in Harley manuals always referred to maximum road speeds, not continuous speeds.  The instructions always included the "vary your speed" statement.  BTW - the reason they used road speed instead of engine rpm was because many of their bikes didn't come with tachs (and some still don't).

Jerry

[RedDevil]

Red,

The original break-in instructions in Harley manuals always referred to maximum road speeds, not continuous speeds.

[djkak]

BTW - the reason they used road speed instead of engine rpm was because many of their bikes didn't come with tachs (and some still don't).

Jerry

Speaking of

[Rhino]

Here is the simplest break in tip.
The dealer or MoCO already honked on it for a few miles before you took it. They did not treat it lightly. Dealer says (one opinion) just RIDE it but don't race it for a few hundred miles.)

OR

a.  Ride it taking it easy keeping the rpm under 3K for 50 miles, break it up into smaller stints if you like.

b. When Shutting off bike, take 30 minute breaks.

c. Ride it for another 100 miles under 3K  (6th at 3K is about 80-85mph)

d. After 150-200 miles, ride it like you stole it, under 4K

e. After 500 miles or more if you like, gradually do runs towards higher rpms.

f. If it aint broke, run it up to 6200 or less, checking limiter cutoff point, around 5800 or so on stock bikes if I recall.

Rhino

[Midnight Rider]

I think the most important thing is just not to run at a constant RPM for any length of time...also, allow the engine to brake the bike, as it helps seat the rings to allow the engine to load up while decelerating, so downshift and let the engine do most of the stopping when possible.  I took it easy on mine the first 50 miles, and after that just kept varying the RPM, no matter the speed.  DON'T lug it though!!

[HarleyBee103]

I think the most important thing is just not to run at a constant RPM for any length of time...also, allow the engine to brake the bike, as it helps seat the rings to allow the engine to load up while decelerating, so downshift and let the engine do most of the stopping when possible.  I took it easy on mine the first 50 miles, and after that just kept varying the RPM, no matter the speed.  [highlight]DON'T lug it though!![/highlight]

Probably the most important tip...

[RedDevil]

Probably the most important tip...

Concur...I think insuring that you're not lugging the engine is probably the most important tip when breaking in the engine.  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Red

[ultrafxr]

Concur...I think insuring that you're not lugging the engine is probably the most important tip when breaking in the engine.

[Fired00d]

And, even after it is broken in.

[RedDevil]

I knew it was a perfectly legitimate reason I like keeping my scooter "on the cam".

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

Ya don't have to worry about luggin when you're up around 6000 rpm all the time, eh d00d?  
Red

[Fired00d]

Ya don't have to worry about luggin when you're up around 6000 rpm all the time, eh d00d?