The First 500 Miles (800 Kilometers)
The sound design, quality materials and workmanship that are built into your new Harley-Davidson will give you optimum performance right from the start.
To allow your engine to seat in its critical parts we recommend for the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) you observe the riding rules provided below. Adherence to these recommendations will help to assure good future durability and performance.
  1. While riding the first 50 miles (80 kilometers) avoid operating at any steady engine speed for long distances. Keep the engine speed below 3000 RPM in any gear. Do not lug the engine in higher gears by running or accelerating at very low RPM. Do not exceed speed for each gear as noted in Table 1.
  2. Up to 500 miles (800 kilometers), avoid operating at any steady engine speed for long distances. Engine speed up to 3500 RPM in any gear is permissible. Do not exceed speed for each gear as noted in Table 2.
  3. Avoid fast starts at wide open throttle. Drive slowly until the engine has warmed up.
  4. Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 kilometers).
Table 1. Sportster Break-in Speeds: 0-80 kilometers (0-50 miles)
SPEED
GEAR
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
km/h
37
53
69
84
97
mi/h
23
33
43
52
60
Table 2. Sportster Break-in Speeds: 80-800 kilometers (50-500 miles)
SPEED
GEAR
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
km/h
43
61
80
97
113
mph
27
38
50
60
70