Need breakin advice - Harley Forum

Daytripper · #1 03-13-2008, 05:32 PM

I will recieve my new 08 road glide this weekend.The bike has 8 miles on it and would like some advice from you folks on some good technics that would be good for breaking in the new bike. The manual gives some basic things for you to do ,but real world advice is always best. I have access to some great roads in the newberg oregon area, everything from twisty to 2 lane cruises through wine country..

Thanks in advance

PeterV · #2 03-13-2008, 06:13 PM

Congrats on the new ride.
Some say ride the hell out of it, others swear doing it by the book.
Main objective of breakin is ring to cylinder wall seal.
So, with that in mind, don't get lazy with the throttle, vary your rpms.
Others'll chime in.

Pete

evoKENevo · #3 03-13-2008, 07:00 PM

Hey..here's another Congradulations.

Like PeterV says others will surely join in here,with even more good advice. And, at this point I'd just advise that...in case you're not (?) aware of it...although synthetic oils are THEE way to go for the long run, you don't want to try to "break-in" your new engine with them. Rings/cylinders need the friction etc to seat...that the synthetics are just kind of too good at reducing,for a new engine.

Great time to take delivery...enjoy the season
Ken

Daytripper · #4 03-13-2008, 07:13 PM

I plan to go more by the book.I do have some understanding of internal combustion engines which helps. For warrenty reasons i will have H-D to all the maint work for the first few changes. I really need this bike to last a min of 10 yrs before i get another new one.

THanks agin for all the advice

PeterV · #5 03-13-2008, 09:46 PM

Your rig'll probably outlast you..IF...you look after it with reasonable attention.
These things are built like tanks, xcept better

Pete

Trigger87 · #6 03-14-2008, 09:48 AM

Congrats on your new ride! You're going to love your new bike. You may have to change your handle to "Long Weekender"

I broke in my '06 FLHTI following Donny Peterson's parameters. I broke it in in cool weather (April in Michigan) and rode easy for the first 500 miles. I changed the oil religiously at 50 miles, then every 250 miles until 2500. The motor now has 18K on it and is tight and makes great power for a "stocker".

I hope this helps.

#7 03-20-2008, 05:59 PM

Tripper87

Would you please refer me to the AIM issue that you mention Donnie wrote about break ins procedure for a new HD? I have them back to 2005.

Or - is the break in procedure you mentioned in your reply the exact one he wrote about?

I'd like to use it "if and when" I buy a new Roadking.

Thanks,

kingtut

unfknblvbl · #8 03-20-2008, 06:12 PM

I picked up my Night Train last Tuesday from the dealer. He told me to take it through various riding stages. i.e. vary my RPM's, ride it through town, on the highway, etc. Every now and then I have to get on it, just because I can and plus I figure it varies the RPM's

, but I've rode it in traffic moving at 15 miles and hour to 80 MPH down the freeway an everything in between. The train had 5 miles on it when I picked it up and now has 225 all seems to be well, but I'll really find out when I take it in for its 500 mile service.

texan321 · #9 03-20-2008, 06:12 PM

I broke mine in like I would ride it - I did change the OIL at 500 miles and then again a 1,000 miles to Syn3..............time will tell - but I broke in my 97 RoadKing the same way and never had an engine problem - never.............60,000 when sold.....

Trigger87 · #10 03-21-2008, 02:28 PM

Kingtut, I'll dig out the article and let you know which issue it was in. I believe it ran in 2005 or 2006...