S&S 124ci Two Cam Engine - Safe Engine Break-In, Part II

In last month's issue of HOT BIKE, we discussed the critical importance of engine break-in and highlighted procedures that should be followed. For this month's installment, we asked five major companies (one motorcycle manufacturer, three aftermarket engine suppliers, and one high-performance engine builder) to provide their insight into the clouded world of engine break-in. Although engine break-in procedures between manufacturers are similar, routines do vary. Each manufacturer has its own preferred techniques, philosophies, and methods for breaking in an engine. The following is a summary of what we were told. For additional information, refer to the manufacturer's owner's manual for the specific engine model.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Harley-Davidson not only builds complete motorcycles, it also sells complete remanufactured and new engines. When buying a new motorcycle from the factory, break-in procedures normally begin with the run-in phase. However, when buying a new or remanufactured engine not installed by an authorized dealership or professional shop, all four phases of break-in will be your responsibility. Keep in mind, however, that H-D factory technicians run the engine for a short time before shipping.

H-D recommends a 500-mile break-in period for all its motorcycle models and engine designs, including remanufactured and new engines. Engine oil and filter should be changed at 1,000 miles, 5,000 miles, and every 5,000 miles thereafter.

Pre-Start
When installing an H-D remanufactured or new engine, verify that the engine's oil tank and all oil lines are clean of debris.

Initial Start-Up
All H-D engines, including those shipped with new motorcycles or purchased through a remanufactured or new-engine program, are "hot tested" (started up and checked out) by factory technicians before being shipped.

Run-In
During the first 50 miles, keep engine rpm below 4,000 (5,000 rpm for the V-Rod) in any gear. Do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at very low rpm, or operating at high rpm longer than needed for shifting or passing.

Up to 500 miles, vary engine speed and avoid operating at a steady engine speed for long periods. Engine speed up to 5,000 rpm (7,000 rpm for the V-Rod) in any gear is acceptable.

Drive slowly and avoid fast starts at wide-open throttle until the engine has warmed up. Avoid lugging the engine (running it at very low speeds in higher gears).

Follow-Up
Follow-up procedures are performed by an H-D dealer during the 1,000-mile Regular Service Interval maintenance.