Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 S&S Motor Break In Recommendations

The first few rides on your new S&S® engine are the most important. As with any air-cooled engine, heat is the major enemy you can encounter. Your engine cools as air flows past the cylinder fins and the oil circulates. Sitting still for extended periods of time—at a crowded bike rally in traffic—will prevent air from flowing past the engine. It should be avoided anytime possible—but especially during the break-in period, try to maintain airflow for the engine at all times.

S&S suggests you try to maintain oil temperatures of 180- to 250-degrees. Use an oil cooler if it is necessary to maintain this temperature range.

S&S Cycle recommends the use of Mobil 1® V-TWIN 20W-50 full synthetic oil from day one in our engines.

If you want to keep the costs down you can use Mineral based for the first two oil changes, but S&S Recommends then to switch back to Mobil 1® V-TWIN 20W-50 full synthetic oil for the remainder of the engine’s life.

The First Start of the motor should be planned. When you do this have everything checked over, Ignition, Oil, Gas. The First Running of the motor should be just enough to get the heads (not rocker boxes, heads) hot enough where you can not touch the heads. This type of starting should be done three times. During this time you can do some initial tuning of the carb or viewing of the EFI operation. Be aware, of the motor running and how hot it becomes, oil pressure, oil returning to the oil tank. If you have a temp gun, check temps at the exhaust ports. See that the temps are the same at both heads. (within 50/75 degrees)


Initial Riding Note

1- Oil temperature is a big concern with your new engine. Be aware that your new S&S engine will show slightly higher oil temperatures during break-in than it will later on.

Please do everything possible to keep the oil and engine temperature as low as possible during break-in.


Break-in Procedure for V-Twin Motors

1- The first 50 miles should be ridden very conservatively, allowing edges and surfaces inside the engine to wear into each other.

2- Keep the RPM below 3,500 if possible—but be conscious not to lug the engine. (Lugging the motor, or running low rpms in a high gear, is never good on your V-Twin motor. Always try to be above 2,700 at all times while the bike is moving down the highway. This would be true for the life of the motor)

3- Change the engine oil and oil filter at the 50-mile point. Be aware of your motor style and use the right filter for that style. Evo and earlier motors require a low restriction filter without an anti-drain back valve to avoid excessive oil carry over and usually have 30 micron media , Twin Cam and X-Wedge style motors that filter on the supply/high pressure side require an anti-drain back valve to assure oil on startup and benefit from the more restrictive but better filtering ability of the 5 or 10 micron media.

4- For the next 500-miles try to keep the RPM below 4,000.

5- Avoid lugging the engine or maintaining a constant RPM level for any appreciable time. (lugging the motor, would be low rpms in a high gear, this is never good on your V-Twin motor. Always try to be above 2,700 at all times while the bike is moving down the highway.)

6- Change the oil and filter at 500 miles.

7- From 500- to 1,000-miles, ride the motorcycle normally, but be conservative with the harsh treatments. Avoid racing, burnouts or dyno runs.

8- Once you achieve 1,000 miles on the engine, verify the ignition and carburetor settings and change the oil and filter. If you’re motor is EFI check your EFI calibrations and prove your calibrations are set right.

The break-in procedure is done. ( lugging the motor, would be low rpms in a high gear, this is never good on your V-Twin motor. Always try to be above 2,700 at all times while the bike is moving down the highway. This would be true for the life of the motor)

S&S Cycle recommends the use of Mobil 1® V-TWIN 20W-50 full synthetic oil in our engines.

You can use another synthetic if you choose. It is “OK” to use a full synthetic right away at start up.

Regardless of what type you select, be sure to only use oil specifically designated for use in an air-cooled motorcycle and utilize the viscosity suggested for the temperature you will be operating your motorcycle in.