How strick should i be breaking in a new motor?

Question

I was told at the dealership to keep under 65 the first 500 miles. It is a Harley Sportster if it makes a difference.

I went on a poker run and a few times I had to go faster to catch up. I am trying to vary my rpms.

Answer 1

Jesus man, If there is one area you really want to be strict on its break-in. If hit it hard now you a sacrificing valuable horsepower and torque. If the engines doesn't seat tightly you never get it back. You can't even replace fowled parts because of the rate of part ware will be inconsistent. There is NO way around break-in. Hold back on hard starts from stop and be cautious of popping the engine for the crowd or your own indulgence.
Your lucky to have a new bike treat her right!!!

Answer 2

I would follow that advice. There are a number of items in any engine that need a little time to 'settle in' before it should be pushed hard. Chief among these are piston rings, valve seats, and cams. Early abuse of a new engine will lead to early demise of that same engine. Be sure to follow the owner's manual regarding oil changes too. You don't want to be running the same oil you broke the engine in with 2,000 miles later!

Answer 3

After reading the below link I began to question my our beliefs about engine break-in. Your Harley dealer may want to see the link as well. And an engine is an engine, rerardless of where it's made.

Answer 4

Don't "bog or lug" it , don't redline it and don't run it at one rpm for an extended period, that is to say ,when doing highway miles speed up and slow down to vary the rpm.
It is most important in the earliest miles, each mile that passes it becomes less critical.

Answer 5

for warrenty reasons,due as manufacture recommends. most new vehicles come with what is called break in oil that will show if a vehicle has been tortured or abused within the first few thousand miles. its one of there ways of making you pay if things seize up. good luck,and remember,the throttle works both ways.

Answer 6

If I were you the first thing I would invest in is a crankcase breather. it relieves alot of pressure so maybe you wont blow gaskets. It is enxpensive and worth it.

Answer 7

Take your time breaking it in ,you will have plenty of time later to balls to the walls as some say

Answer 8

you dont have to run it in like that....but it will directly effect its service life.
a properly run in engine will run and serve much longer than one you thrashed on day one...not that youll be thrashing a sportster

Answer 9

ride it like you stole it! the break in on my soft tail lasted about a mile or so, then it was balls out! it's an '05 and has almost 9K on it now............no problems yet.

Answer 10

Check out this site......It reveals all.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm