High gear is used as there is less chance of a false reading when in high. No torque feel to fool you!
Engine break in is another can of worms! everybody has their own opinion.
Here is my way, right or wrong!
1) Start the engine with the bike on a stand and allow the engine to come up to operating temperature. Don't allow the engine to run at one RPM at all. Constantly vary the RPM and do not allow the engine to idle. When then engine reaches operating temperature (about 3 to 5 minutes of running time), shut it off.
2) Let the engine cool completely. You want the engine to be dead cold. Longer the better.
3) Start the engine with the bike on a stand and allow the engine to come up to operating temperature. Again, don't allow the engine to run at one RPM at all. Constantly vary the RPM and do not allow the engine to idle. When then engine reaches operating temperature (about 3 to 5 minutes of running time), shut it off.
4) Let the engine cool completely again. Cold, Cold Cold!
5) Start the engine with the bike on a stand and allow the engine to come up to operating temperature. Do not allow the engine to run at one RPM at all. Constantly vary the RPM and do not allow the engine to idle. When then engine reaches operating temperature (about 3 to 5 minutes of running), take the bike off the stand and put it in gear. Take it for a ride. During this ride you want to keep the engine under a load at all times. Do not coast. Do not let the bike idle. Do not allow the engine to stay at one RPM. Riding on a mild slope is fine for this, as is slightly dragging the rear brake the entire time. Do this for about 15-20 minutes. Then shut the bike off.
6) Let the engine cool completely.Cold, Cold, Cold, again!
7) Re-torque the head and base nuts.
Go ride!
The cool-down steps are crucial to this operation. You must let the engine cool completely for the break in process to work properly.
I do 4 or 5 heat up and cool down cycles. Do at least 3.