I love the sound of the low RPM "chug" of the big twin & used to run at about 2200-2500 RPM but, after reading several posts about the hazards of running low RPM, I now try to stay closer to 3000.

 

exactly what hazards? i am also curious how 3000 rpms or more can give one better gas mileage than 2200-2500 rpms. Doesn't make sense to me, sorry. Also more rpms means shorter lifespan of engine imho. please explain what I am missing here. I have heard don't lug the engine, but constant speed above 2000 rpms does not seem lugging to me. Someone nicely explain this without being a smartass please.

 

No argument there. Seems to be a sweet spot. But, doesn't this make you wonder......................;

(From the owners manual, page 146)

1st to 2nd @ 15 mph
2nd to 3rd @ 25 mph
3rd to 4th @ 35 mph
4th to 5th @ 45 mph
5th to 6th @ 55 mph

At first I thought it was a during-break-in suggestion, but it's not. It's in the Operations section with no direct reference to break-in. Even then, who'd want to do that to a motor. Who doesn't find those shift points odd, right?!

FWIW to the OP, now that I seem to FINALLY have a near-ideal map in my PC-V tuner, my 103 (same as your Limited) is really happy around 2800-3000 like it's just having a good ole time! Around town in traffic I have a tendency to run her a little higher to stay in the meat of the power for escape maneuvers should I need them. Besides, it sounds meaner and cagers seem to pay a little more attention even though she's not really all that loud.

 

Guess I'm the only one then that agrees with the owners manual here. FWIW, i respectfully disagree with those that think higher rpms sound meaner, (yes more abnoxiious to cagers)-- As stated earlier, I just like the deep throatly bass thummp vs high revved whine. I do however, love to open it up on a 70 mph on ramp, but give me 2200 to 2500 rpm hum while cruising anyday Far as gas mileage goes, why do cars have overdrive as standard equipment now?

 

You are not the only one... my stock police 103 has the same shift points in the owner's manual. As long as the terrain is flat, the bike is not overloaded, and the wind is minimal, these shift points are absolutely fine...

 

You are not the only one that agrees with the owners manual. Riding solo on a level highway. The MoCo has finally got the 6 spd tranny gear ratio right. Before 09 they had the 6th gear to where you couldn't use it unless you were running 70. In 09 they had the 5th gear whine. Now in 2010, I use 6th gear at 60 MPH. If I start up a hill, I shift down. If I'm going down a hill, I'll shift into 6th at 55. I'm also with you on the logic that an engine isn't going to last longer running running 3500 rpms than 2500. Excellent point with why do cars have overdrive? It's simple, to give better fuel economy. Before Harley came out with the 6th spd, I always felt I needed another gear.

 

My SE 204 cam starts to come on at about 2800 rpm so once above 2nd gear, I generally run 2800 to 3200. I'll get above 3500 when passing. "Chug" = "Lug" IMHO. I subscribe to the proposition that oil flow is crucial to engine lubrication so use a high flow filter, synthetic oil, and keep revs up, in the interest of engine longevity. The extra horses are a bonus.

 

anywhere above 0 is fine with me...

 

Blast from the past here, OP?

my 88 to 107 twinkie likes 3200-3300 RPM with the short stroke.

My 103 seems to enjoy about 2800-3100.

Harley riders are notoriously wary of "high" RPM's IMO. The only time I wish my 4" stoke had a 6th gear is when I'm out west on the slab getting from point to point when over 80MPH. I rarely use 6th on my 103 under 75 MPH.

 

I would recommend if you ever have to go into your primary,or you just want that little extra,install a Baker 31 tooth pulley.