Break-In Riding Procedure
First 500 Miles
The sound design, quality materials and workmanship that are built into your new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle will give you optimum performance right from the start.
To allow your engine to wear-in its critical parts, we recommend that you observe the riding rules provided below for the first 500 miles.
- During the first 50 miles of riding, keep the engine speed below 3,000 RPM (5,000 RPM for VRSC™) in any gear. Do not lug the engine by running or accelerating at very low RPM, or by running at high RPM longer than needed for shifting or passing.
Note: For models without a tachometer, operate the motorcycle according to the following table.
Break-in Upshift Gear Speeds: 0 - 500 Miles Gear 1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th Speed (MPH) 15 25 35 45 55 - Up to 500 miles, vary the engine speed and avoid operating at any speed for long periods. Engine speed up to 3,500 RPM (7,000 RPM for VRSC™) in any gear is permissible.
- Drive slowly and avoid fast starts at wide-open throttle until the engine has warmed up.
- Avoid lugging the engine by not running the engine at very low speeds in higher gears.
- Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 200 miles.
More, Than an Oil Change
Our Harley-Davidson® factory-trained Technicians will provide the ultimate in service maintenance, which, depending upon the model and mileage, can include up to 26 checkpoints. Our technicians utilize the latest diagnostic tools to service your motorcycle with Harley-Davidson® genuine motor parts and only use factory-approved methods, assuring you of thorough and competent workmanship.
- Inspect rear brake reservoir for proper level.
- Check rear air suspension pressure, operations, leakage.
- Lubricate the fuel door, Tour-Pak carrier, and saddlebag hinges, latches, and locks.
- Check battery and clean connections.
- Inspect fuel lines and fittings for leaks, contact, or abrasion.
- Lubricate clutch cable. Ensure proper cable adjustment and hand lever free play.
- Inspect front brake reservoir for proper lever.
- Inspect and lubricate brake and clutch hand levers.
- Check operation of all electrical equipment, lighting, and consoles.
- Lubricate steering head bearings.
- Inspect front brake pads and discs. Ensure pad thickness is within specification. Inspect front brake lines for leaks, contact, or abrasions.
- Inspect front tire tread depth and air pressure; adjust as needed. Check torque of all spokes (if equipped).
- Remove and replace oil filter.
- Inspect and lubricate jiffy stand.
- Drain and replace engine oil; examine condition. Replace drain plug o-ring and torque to proper specification. Ensure proper oil level at operating temperature.
- Inspect oil lines for leaks, contact or abbrasions.
- Drain and replace transmission lubricant. Examine fluid condition. Replace drain plug o-ring and torque to proper specification.
- Inspect and adjust drive belt. Inspect wheel sprocket.
- Inspect rear tire tread depth and air pressure; adjust as needed. Check torque of all spokes (if equipped).
- Inspect exhaust system for leaks, cracks, and loose or missing fasteners or exhaust shields.
- Inspect rear brake pads and disc. Ensure pad thickness is within specification. Inspect rear brake line for leaks, contacts, or abbrasions.
- Drain and replace primary chaincase lubricant; inspect condition. Replace drain plug o-ring and torque to proper specification.
- Inspect clutch assembly adjustment. Ensure adjuster screw free-play and locknut torque.
Tips for Maintaining Your Motorcycle
Performing both cosmetic and mechanical maintenance on your motorcycle regularly will keep your ride looking like new and running smoothly. Here are some easy tips for you to follow:
Cosmetic
- Refer to the "cleaning and general care" section of your owner's manual for information on the proper Harley-Davidson® products for maintaining all surfaces of your motorcycle tanks and fenders, saddlebags (leather and hard bags), windshields, wheels and tires.
- Also under "cleaning and general care" you will find the recommended process for properly washing your motorcycle. By following this step-by-step process you will be able to keep your bike looking as spectacular as it did the day you brought it home.
- Keep your bare aluminum wheels looking like new with Harley® preserve bare aluminum protectant-individual wipes.These single-use wipes have a long-lasting formula that provides superior corrosion control for bare aluminum surfaces by forming a protective polymeric coating that is detergent and UV-resistant.
Mechanical
- Be sure to keep tires properly inllated at all times.
- Always check tire pressure cold for an accurate reading. Swing by our dealership anytime for an air pressure check.
- Keep your motorcycle's battery properly charged between rides by using the SuperSmart® battery tender. It plugs into a standard AC outlet and can stay connected. Its "smart" feature turns itself on and off as needed so the battery never overcharges.
- To make battery charging even easier,ask one of our service technicians to install a pigtail harness on your motorcycle, which will allow you to plug into the battery tender without having to remove your seat.
