Best New Engine Break-in Procedure?

[K9Anniv]

(There's probably a thread or two already in this Forum regarding this subject, so if someone would be so kind to direct me there I'd appreciate it!)

I know what BDM's manual says and what Joe Minton (American Rider) advises, but I'd appreciate some good feedback from fellow Forum members too.

Got a new K9 coming in April and I want to break it in right for the long haul :up:
Thanks for all responses!

 

[PROFLYER]

Dyno break in is the best. Being easy on it is NOT ideal for a motor like everyone thinks. See this website.

Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

I have broken in 3 Yamaha and 2 Honda race bikes using this method. We did our team bikes in 05 like this. We did one on the dyno and did one the baby it for 600 miles way to confirm and the dyno one burned NO oil AND put down an extra 8hp...if you hammer it slowly and methodically (why a dyno is best) it forces the rings to seat perfectly. Most say to not even START the bike before it's on the dyno. Start it, warm it up, then have at it. Good luck!

 

[barhopper]

I bet the rings are already set from the factory. Just be easy on it for a while, change oil alot at first, then let er rip.

 

[lee]

great link pro

 

[Moespeeds]

When I was into airplanes, break in for a new aircraft engine was to start it up, get it in the air as quickly as possible, and run it full throttle until exhaust gas temps on all cylinders topped out, then get it on the ground as quickly as possible without chopping the throttle and shock cooling the engine. Let it cool, check for leaks, then do it again. Engines that were babied always burned oil. I have followed the "beat the shit out of it" break in method on every new vehicle I've ever owned, and not one problem ever. Our Vtwins are damn close to the air cooled normally aspirated aircraft engines in most light aircraft. When I raced sportbikes, we would take a brand new factory engine out of the crate, put it on the bike, and run it at 15,500 RPM's on the track right from the start, and the tolerances in jap bikes are tighter than an S&S. Someone already posted the motoman link, and I think there is something to what that guy has to say. I think the whole baby it break in method is based on liability and not performance.

 

[bruce]

bigdog will void your warranty if you run it to hard, and they did a lot of work on my bike at no charge in the 2 year warranty period, they can and will get a rpm reading from the computer when you go in for your 500 mile check. I no a lot of people no more then me even thou I have been working on car, cycle, plane (air force ) etc. for about 30 years. but in most cases common sense works. If you ride it normal and do not dog engine so the rings have time to seat, you will be fine. do not use synthetic oil for a little - I switch at about 5000 miles and it does help the engine run alittle cooler.

 

[Vegas]

Depends on how the engine is built as well. Most engine builders will break them in on the dyno. A factory car that is supposed to last 200,000 miles. Well maybe different story..

 

[Gas Man]

I have a few points of view on this topic.

I don't beat the crap out of them from the crate.
Change the oil often. Remembering oil is cheap and motors aren't.

But I would say after 1k you can start to treat her a bit ruffer. My oil change sked on a new motor is 500, 1k, 3k, 6k, 9k, ect... at least for my bikes.

 

[Rockman49]

I am presently breaking in my new k-9 so I am no expert. I am just trying to use common sense. Very rpms but don't over rev per warranty. Change oil often. Get bike in for first 500 mile service. And Make sure to warm bike up minimum of 3 minutes before riding or you could blow head gasket per BDM mechanic.

 

[lee]

rockman - I would change the oil before you get to 500 miles. If I ever get a bike with a brand new engine I will change the oil after 50 miles

 

[scubaman15]

I'm with you Lee ! We all talked about this before ! I'll be quite .. Don't beat it and don't baby it !!!! Change /Oil repeat ......

 

[lee]

I picked my bike up from Andy yesterday and spoke to him about this. He says when he gets / builds / rebuilds an engine he starts it, lets it warm up, and then hammers it straight from the off. He used to do that when he worked at a dealership too and he says those engines always ran better than others that were molly coddled from new.

 

[K9Anniv]

I picked my bike up from Andy yesterday and spoke to him about this. He says when he gets / builds / rebuilds an engine he starts it, lets it warm up, and then hammers it straight from the off. He used to do that when he worked at a dealership too and he says those engines always ran better than others that were molly coddled from new.

When you say he "hammers it straight from the off", please explain. I assume he's staying within the factory prescribed rev limits in each gear? Does Big Dog still put "rev recorders" in their engine electronics which they download at the dealership to see how you've been running it? I think this was for warranty purposes.

I "babied" my Screamin' Eagle Roadglide when I broke it in and that engine's been a 'squid' ever since:bang: (but maybe that's just the Harley engine...upper end has always been much noisier than S&S, too!).

 

[1mndg]

I've built a few hot rod engines in the past and every time I would break it in the way I was going to run it. Usually hard and that would help seat the rings better. Todays rings are made of better materials and seat-up quicker. Most important part is to change the oil after a few miles to make sure any residual dirt that may have been left from the build is flushed out.

 

[lee]

When you say he "hammers it straight from the off", please explain. I assume he's staying within the factory prescribed rev limits in each gear?

I mean he gets on the throttle pretty damn hard - absolutely does not stay within the factory (whatever factory that may be) prescribed limits. The decision to make here seems to be do you want your motors to run strong and clean as they can (I wonder how much blow by is caused by the break in procedure??) or do you want to protect your warranty. I know what I would rather...

 

[stig]

When you say he "hammers it straight from the off", please explain. I assume he's staying within the factory prescribed rev limits in each gear? Does Big Dog still put "rev recorders" in their engine electronics which they download at the dealership to see how you've been running it? I think this was for warranty purposes.

I "babied" my Screamin' Eagle Roadglide when I broke it in and that engine's been a 'squid' ever since:bang: (but maybe that's just the Harley engine...upper end has always been much noisier than S&S, too!).

always heard the SE's had lots of problems...any with yours?..mind if i ask which dealership you are gettin the new k9 from?

 

[K9Anniv]

always heard the SE's had lots of problems...any with yours?..mind if i ask which dealership you are gettin the new k9 from?

Jamie's Custom Cycles, Big Bend, WI...great people, great dealership!:2thumbs: 262-662-4511
Milwaukee Motorcycle Choppers, scooters, sales dealer and parts, Waukesha, Custom, Big Bend, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin – Jamie’s Customs

It's a 15th Anniversary K9 in the red/black color combo (only 1 of 5 K9's in that color).
Each of 5 models will have 15 Anniversary bikes - 5 red/black, 5 black/silver & 5 dk. blue/black...so only 75 TOTAL 15th Anniversary bikes will be built. Big Dog's website has a more info on this limited edition offering.

All 3 of my existing bikes are going in on this new K9, along with some money back. I needed to make changes in my life and go a new direction after my dear wife, best friend and riding partner passed away last year from cancer. I wanted to get back to having just one bike now, and decided this unique K9 will be it!

Better hurry if you want one! I can't wait to get mine - should be here in April. :up:

 

[Gas Man]

I have heard many use the "break it in how you will always ride it" mentality.

As said, the most important thing is oil changes and never let the rpms stay steady for too long.