Keep from lugging the engine...
Keep from lugging the engine...
I was wondering what rpm's you guys are riding at.
I am usually around 2000 which seems to be a good smooth ride, until I hit the freeway and then I am up to around 2500 in 6th.
Around town in 4th, 5th, and 6th, is 1600 - 1700 rpm's too low?
I am usually around 2000 which seems to be a good smooth ride, until I hit the freeway and then I am up to around 2500 in 6th.
Around town in 4th, 5th, and 6th, is 1600 - 1700 rpm's too low?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I am normally not under 2000, my bike purrs really nice at 2200-2400 so thats where I try and keep her. On the freeway its obviously higher. But I also like to hear my exhaust... Lol
Lower than 2k though, you can feel her luggin and thats why I keep it above 2k.
Lower than 2k though, you can feel her luggin and thats why I keep it above 2k.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
Your 255 cams help & allow your engine to have more grunt at low rpms over stock, so you can get away with lower rpms in each gear, but I typically always keep mine over 2,000 no matter the speed or gear, and prefer 2,200-2,600. I may go below that if I'm going really slow in 1st or 2nd, but don't be afraid to let her spin a little higher.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
To be honest, I never let my rpm lower than 2,000. Plus when I am in danger, I can always take off like a rocket. The only time I lug the motor is whenever I see cops, I have to shift to higher gear to lower my exhaust noise. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
I will add....the higher the gear, the more load is being put on your engine at the same rpm. In other words, say 1,800 would be fine in 1st gear, but would start loading up in 3rd, and would likely be lugging in 5th or 6th.
As mentioned above....keep it above 2,000.
As mentioned above....keep it above 2,000.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 133
From: TEXAS
Dam I am usually 3000 to 3300 and never under 2500. Then bike really feels good 3500 to redline
My bike hardly runs under 2000,
My bike hardly runs under 2000,
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Yea, my bike was doing pretty good the last time I had it at at 3500 rpms...
That was when I was doing 95 mph in 6th gear.
Just had to see how those cams worked.
That was when I was doing 95 mph in 6th gear.
Just had to see how those cams worked.
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