Expected TOP SPEED
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
My bike is a little lighter and I was riding solo, but I've seen right at 120 mph indicated on the speedo with my '85 FXEF. That was many years and miles ago. I don't think I've broken 100 mph with it in over six years.....I'm afraid of breaking something (it has 105k miles on a stock bottom end and tranny). Then, again, if I want to go fast, I take a different bike because they are smoother and more designed for those kinds of speeds (I have one that has been over 155 mph and my wife has been 165 mph on one of hers).
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 453
Likes: 9
From: Wherever, MI
In my automotive experience, most of the time a slipping clutch will be noticed in the higher gears. Put it in 4th and nail it and the clutch will slip when the RPM's are up in the power band. Usually won't do that in 1st. The higher gears put more resistance against the clutch.
So, how's about some feedback, Bengo?
So, how's about some feedback, Bengo?
Agreed 100%, but I have had 2 bikes that once it started to go in 5th on the expressway it would usually have issues taking off in 1st and then 2nd as well making it a real pain to get home. One was a '78 Goldwing, took me 1hr and a 1/2 to make a 20 mile trip through stoplights, that clutch went FAST.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Agreed 100%, but I have had 2 bikes that once it started to go in 5th on the expressway it would usually have issues taking off in 1st and then 2nd as well making it a real pain to get home. One was a '78 Goldwing, took me 1hr and a 1/2 to make a 20 mile trip through stoplights, that clutch went FAST.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Actually, weight has virtually no effect on top speed. Top speed is all HP and wind resistance (Coefficient of Drag, frontal area, etc.) Two vehicles that are otherwise identical but one weighing twice the other should achieve almost the same top speed. Rolling resistance (tires, wheel bearings, etc.) being higher in the heavier vehicle would slow it down some. Now, the lighter vehicle will accelerate up to that top speed a lot faster than the heavier vehicle, but the top speed itself is about the same.
I did the math on our LS400 once. If it wasn't speed governed to 148 or something, I think it would do like 180, based on published HP, CD, frontal area numbers. Weight isn't in the equation at all.
I did the math on our LS400 once. If it wasn't speed governed to 148 or something, I think it would do like 180, based on published HP, CD, frontal area numbers. Weight isn't in the equation at all.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 453
Likes: 9
From: Wherever, MI
I was just kinda joking around, weight = acceleration drag. Dang Doc, you're b*tch slapping me up and down this thread!!
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