Rayjay wrote:
The following is a paste from MototuneUSA.com on Break-in Secrets. We used to say something like "Break it in fast - drives fast, break it in slow - drives slow." According to Mototune's research, that saying was quite correct.

On the Street:
Warm the engine up completely:
Because of the wind resistance, you don't need to use higher gears like you would on a dyno machine. The main thing is to load the engine by opening the throttle hard in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear.

Realistically, you won't be able to do full throttle runs even in 2nd gear on most bikes without exceeding 65 mph / 104 kph. The best method is to alternate between short bursts of hard acceleration and deceleration. You don't have to go over 65 mph / 104 kph to properly load the rings. Also, make sure that you're not being followed by another bike or car when you decelerate, most drivers won't expect that you'll suddenly slow down, and we don't want
anyone to get hit from behind !!

The biggest problem with breaking your engine in on the street (besides police) is if you ride the bike on the freeway (too little throttle = not enough pressure on the rings) or if you get stuck in slow city traffic. For the first 200 miles or so, get out into the country where you can vary the speed more
and run it through the gears !

Be Safe On The Street !
Watch your speed ! When you're not used to the handling of a new vehicle, you should accelerate only on the straightaways, then slow down extra early for the turns. Remember that both hard acceleration and hard engine braking (deceleration) are equally important during the break in process.

Break-In Secrets

I always break a new engine in by alternating hard acceleration mixed with a cruise with varying throttle positions. The worst thing you can do is cruise a new engine at a steady set throttle position. You need to vary RPM and torque. This is why I have done several high load accelerations to 100+ MPH with an immediate deceleration on mine recently. I learned this procedure a long time ago breaking in new piston aircraft engines after install. The old saying is true, if you want a baby engine, baby it during break in. If you want a power engine, power it during break in. But, it is important to remember that all power is bad too. As mentioned, the key is varying the power load/torque and RPM. Short full throttle applications are good, followed by lower load/torque and RPM with varied throttle positions.

MS1700 wrote:
... it had plenty of git up and neck snapping go,... So something is wrong with your bike if it don't have any pep. MC

"Neck Snapping go", isn't a term usually associated with V-Twin cruisers.

I also think it's relative to what a rider is accustomed.

There isn't anything wrong with my bike.
Simply, I am accustomed to the tremendous accelleration of a modern Sportbike.
So consquently, I have midjudged and been subject to the limitations of the R*.

Further, I cannnot get comfortable on long rides.
I am forever "Fidgeting" and adjusting my riding position, to acheive some level of comfort.
No doubt it's because I am tall and "Lankey".
A 37" inseam is difficult to postion, for an extended period.
My arm length is 36", so I sit in a very upright position.
Consquently, my spine is straight up and down, causing a "Jack Hammer" effect.

It sickens me that I cannot ride and enjoy this machine.
But again to repeat,..."It's not you....It's me!

Video of me riding-Link

yep you are one long legged fella, I'm thinking about the only v twin you would be comfy on would be a custom..one that has had the frame stretched a bit maybe.. Are you planning to sell your R*?

Sorry to hear it's not working out for you FustPlaynBob especially as you're from NS. As was suggested, you needed to customize your bike to fit your fralme.

I agree, however, in that if you're not enjoying it then time to more on. I hope you find what you looking for in either of those bikes. Check this review out if you have not already seen it ... FJR1300 vs ST1300. If you're tall and lanky then you may find the riding style no better.

Doc

What about the Roadliner?

Got 120 indicated today. I checked it with GPS last time and the indicated was 5 MPH high, so I figure I was doing 115 MPH today, and it was still accelerating when I got out of it.

yeah not into gettin it up to top end got it up to 95 on the interstate and i felt like a giant sail and had to hang on with all my mite, im goot at just cruzin..haha thats just my of view point from a big guy here..

WOW the first liar hasn't got a chance.

SMSgt wrote:
WOW the first liar hasn't got a chance.

What? Are you saying I'm lying?

Road_Hawg wrote:
Got 120 indicated today. I checked it with GPS last time and the indicated was 5 MPH high, so I figure I was doing 115 MPH today, and it was still accelerating when I got out of it.

Road_Hawg I bury my speedometer all the time and I'm not a making it up ether