Bad Vibes
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
[QUOTE=Fireguy88;14354951]
This is an interesting read on RPM: https://www.reddit.com/r/Harley/comm...w_lugging_your
I'm going to agree with what others have already posted, 50 MPH in 6th is way too low. During group rides I'm in 5th gear since we seem to run around 62 MPH as a group but I fully know I'm rev-matching down to 4th if I need any sort of acceleration. When the bike is fully warmed twist that girl up in the RPM's a bit, when I ride alone I like to keep the cruising RPM's 2600-3200, you'll notice no real change in MPG. I tend to upshift between 3500-4000 RPM...
....
you should keep the cruising RPMs between 2500-3200 in any given gear.....QUOTE]
Where do you find this info? I guess I need to dig into my manual more. I'm not disagreeing with you, would just like to read it myself. That just seems kind of high. I'm usually at about 2300 when I'm cruising in lower speeds/gears. Guess I need to break that habit.
you should keep the cruising RPMs between 2500-3200 in any given gear.....QUOTE]
Where do you find this info? I guess I need to dig into my manual more. I'm not disagreeing with you, would just like to read it myself. That just seems kind of high. I'm usually at about 2300 when I'm cruising in lower speeds/gears. Guess I need to break that habit.
This is an interesting read on RPM: https://www.reddit.com/r/Harley/comm...w_lugging_your
I'm going to agree with what others have already posted, 50 MPH in 6th is way too low. During group rides I'm in 5th gear since we seem to run around 62 MPH as a group but I fully know I'm rev-matching down to 4th if I need any sort of acceleration. When the bike is fully warmed twist that girl up in the RPM's a bit, when I ride alone I like to keep the cruising RPM's 2600-3200, you'll notice no real change in MPG. I tend to upshift between 3500-4000 RPM...
[QUOTE=Fireguy88;14354951]
I'd say the "hard" info on that RPM range could be easily seen on a dyno graph, by looking at where the engine makes peak power and you'll want to be using that power effectively.
Nothing wrong with cruising at 2300, is say as long as the situations is safe to do so IMO. I do it occasionally.
....
you should keep the cruising RPMs between 2500-3200 in any given gear.....QUOTE]
Where do you find this info? I guess I need to dig into my manual more. I'm not disagreeing with you, would just like to read it myself. That just seems kind of high. I'm usually at about 2300 when I'm cruising in lower speeds/gears. Guess I need to break that habit.
you should keep the cruising RPMs between 2500-3200 in any given gear.....QUOTE]
Where do you find this info? I guess I need to dig into my manual more. I'm not disagreeing with you, would just like to read it myself. That just seems kind of high. I'm usually at about 2300 when I'm cruising in lower speeds/gears. Guess I need to break that habit.
Nothing wrong with cruising at 2300, is say as long as the situations is safe to do so IMO. I do it occasionally.
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Sep 1, 2015 at 12:29 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
Bottom line, I don't think they're enjoying the potential of their bike.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
It seems like there's a lot of these questions about this subject. I would love to know why so many riders feel they have to be running at the lowest rpms possible. Maybe it's from experience on other bikes, maybe no experience at all, looking to get the best fuel economy, or the fear they'll blow it up.
Bottom line, I don't think they're enjoying the potential of their bike.
Bottom line, I don't think they're enjoying the potential of their bike.
You need to get above 3000 RPM before you even start to see any power. When I'm playing in the twisties I'm in 2nd gear with the engine roaring near 5k RPM getting that continuous throttle roll-on... music, sweet sweet music 
I honestly believe it's all the noise, these engines have pushrods and aluminum boxes on top to make them sound even louder. Many riders are sitting behind a windscreen with no earplugs and hear all that noise directly under them and are concerned it's a symphony of destruction... it's normal, they're not going to fly into pieces You need to get above 3000 RPM before you even start to see any power. When I'm playing in the twisties I'm in 2nd gear with the engine roaring near 5k RPM getting that continuous throttle roll-on... music, sweet sweet music
You need to get above 3000 RPM before you even start to see any power. When I'm playing in the twisties I'm in 2nd gear with the engine roaring near 5k RPM getting that continuous throttle roll-on... music, sweet sweet music 
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 97
From: Corona, Ca
your Bike runs smooth at 50mph in 6th gear? that doesnt seem right....
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
This is just a WAG, but the condition of your front isolator is most likely the key here. Every Dyna I've ridden feels different, it's their front isolators and how far they've degraded due to oil contamination and how much stress they were installed under; vehicle/engine alignment also plays a big role here. As that isolator ages you may find the RPM/MPH sweet spot changes as well. I'd ride it and enjoy every mile she gives you