[Windsblow]

I have a fresh top end on my 97 883. I have factory Thunderstorms buell 10.5 1205 pistons and N4 cams. I have only 8 miles on my top end and decided to check my compression. It reads 135'ish in both but when I add a little oil to the cylinder it jumps up to 180+. I expected this but am curious as to what the reading should be at after break-in. Also I would love to hear how any of you personally break-in your engines. I have always been in the "school of thought" that you should break it in how you ride it. I am always heavy on the throttle and never seem to have any problEms.

[fxdxriderleo]

I followed the owners manual. First 50 miles, kept below 2500 rpm, no lugging. From there up to 500 miles, max 3000 rpm. I also found a long clear stretch of road, got up to fourth gear 45 mph back off throttle coast down to 35, throttle up to 45, coast back to 35 repeat for five miles or so, the more the better, during the first 50, helps the rings seat properly. After that stay mellow till the 1000 mile service. Then ride it hard till the warranty runs out, if it holds up, you gota good one treat it well and it will last forever.

[skull2007]

i pretty much followed the manaul also. i'm not very sure about bikes, but i used to work on cars alot, have rebuilt car engines. so i'll offer the the following:
keep an eye on the plugs, if they're not fouled with oil thats half the battle

don't worry to much about compression until the rings are well past the break in period. for now just be grateful if both cylin. are within 10-20 psi of ea. other.
other than that enjoy your new engine. and maybe think on lending out your compression gauge to someone for awhile.

[Windsblow]

Thanks. You know I forgot to open the throttle up when doing the test. They read both exactly 169 .lbs. That more like what I was expecting. If the rings keep setting in I might get more. I Better get a better ignition.