I have a 2007 FXDL that is completely stock. Based on the spec's, peak torque is at 3000 RPM and from what I have read in this forum people seem to suggest running at 3000 - 4000. The owner's manual says upshifting should be done at 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 but this has me running more in the 2200 - 2800 range. When I run over 3000 it "feels" like I should shift and it starts to kick when dropping down below 2000. Maybe my "feel" is all wrong since this is my first bike and am used to driving stick shift cars.

Am I running at too low RPM and is this bad for the engine?

Also, does the load on the bike have an effect? My weight plus my gear is probably running at 250-255 pounds.

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Putnam County, NY
2007 FXDL

shift around 3500 to 4000, will not cause a problem, and you will have more fun the engine can handle it.....

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SE A/C sert
rush slip ons

ZXCV,
I expect you'll get as many opinions as you do answers on this one. It's basically whatever floats your boat short of getting crazy and redlining it everywhere. For me, I'm a chugger. On flat level ground I'll do 45 in sixth gear. You'll hear some guys say they don't hit sixth gear till 70 mph. I'll chug along at 1500 rpm in any gear so long as it's level ground so I'm not overly stressing the engine. That said I am probably on the lower extreme of the rpm range guys normally run. Like I said, it's whatever makes your heart flutter when you're on the open road. Safe riding...................

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2006 Low Rider
Stage 1 Download - Zippers AC w/ Mud modified cover - Rush 2"
Nightrider IEDs - Mean City seat - WG bobtail and bars

I take it easy most of the time. I'll shift a little under 3000 and usually run about 23-2500 cruise. That equates to 2nd for 25 mph, 3rd for 35 mph, 4th for 45 mph, 5th for 55 mphand 6th at 65for cruising. I used to cruise at about 2000-2100 but I changed. That would move all gears up one for the listed speeds. I don't know why I changed, but I did.Sometimes I rack it to 5500 in 1st, 2nd and third but, by then, I'm way over the speed limit and I shift on up to 6th and slow down.

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Live and learn; die and forget it all.
2006 Low Rider Semper fi '71 - '77

MyTC doesn't mind at all running 3500-4000, butit doesn'tlike lugging below 2000. Lugging causes lots of stress on the internals, and you should always be able to accelerate without any hesitation. My LR hasn't been stock since I bought it, but I have to believe this applies to stockers as well.

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Be careful who you piss off. He may be on your jury someday.

What a coincidence... I just posted this (below) in a thread in the General forum. What do you guys think?

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I have a related question for you guys... I rode a bit yesterday and noticed that the bike seemed to run better overall if I kept my RPMs right around 3K. Before yesterday, I'd shift into 5th gear (out of 5 gears) when going around 55mph. I never paid attention to the RPMs, so I'm not sure where that was at. But anyway, yesterday I stayed in 4th going 55mph and the RPMs were right at 3K. The bike just felt much better.

Am I doing the bike good if I try to keep the RPMs right around 3K at all times when cruising (whether it's 30mph or 80mph?)

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Thump,
You say it feels better at 3k rpm, not sure what that means. At that rpm you're nearing the peak in the power band and probably more importantly the infamous Harley vibrations tend to smooth out. Not sure what gen engine you have on a '92 but mine is an '06 TC88. I would say 3k rpm is kind of a sweet spot where the power starts coming on and the vibrations tend to really smooth out. That said, if you're cruising at 3k rpm your fuel mileage is going to suffer and you could probably make some comments about long term wear and tear always cruising at 3k rather than 2250 to 2500 which is about where the Moco recommends you run at. Yet as noted above it's more important about the ride and what you enjoy the most. Ride on........

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2006 Low Rider
Stage 1 Download - Zippers AC w/ Mud modified cover - Rush 2"
Nightrider IEDs - Mean City seat - WG bobtail and bars

My tach that is installed this year is the best!! here is how i shift when i am powering off the line 5000 1st, 6000 2nd, 7000 3rd

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Joe Knapp “Your life is an occasion. Stand up to it”

Chicago, IL "If you can buy it, you can build it better"

i've seen joe ride...kinda a wimp...i'm sure his figures are speculation...LOL!