I understand this is anecdotal evidence but...I've had two Harley engines built. When I picked up the first one the service manager at the dealership said "She runs like a train" which, to me means that he beat the heck out of it at least once or twice within the first few miles. That was about 8 years ago. The engine has always used a little bit of oil, about 1/3-1/2 quart every 1000 miles, normal I thought for an HD. I just recently had it dyno'd and it came in at about 5-10HP less than I calculated based upon the modifications. The second engine was built by one of the best technicians in my area, was just test-ridden (not beaten) and was broken in by me by varying my speed with a lot of stop and go, etc. and not taken on the highway until it had about 400 miles. That engine also dyno'd slightly lower than I thought it would (about 5hp) but in both cases I think hope and hype tends to elevate expected dyno numbers. That engine uses virtually no oil at all. I added about 4oz. after over 3,000 miles and I think I overfilled it slightly.
Keep in mind that (it appears at least) the author of the article seems to be using race engines/race bikes as examples. These engines probably rarely see more than 10-20K miles before a major overhaul. I also think he over-estimates any "detrimental" effects of a text-book break-in. I almost correlate the hard break-in to using a K&N filter. It may be good for performance, but there is a draw-back of possible increased wear. My next new engine will likely be broken in on a dyno by a skilled operator in a controlled environment. But that is not feasible for most situations.
If you think about it, most people don't use either method or are even aware that such a thing exists. They just get in the car and drive it. Those vehicles, with proper maintenance, could still probably last over 200,000 miles.
Keep in mind that (it appears at least) the author of the article seems to be using race engines/race bikes as examples. These engines probably rarely see more than 10-20K miles before a major overhaul. I also think he over-estimates any "detrimental" effects of a text-book break-in. I almost correlate the hard break-in to using a K&N filter. It may be good for performance, but there is a draw-back of possible increased wear. My next new engine will likely be broken in on a dyno by a skilled operator in a controlled environment. But that is not feasible for most situations.
If you think about it, most people don't use either method or are even aware that such a thing exists. They just get in the car and drive it. Those vehicles, with proper maintenance, could still probably last over 200,000 miles.
