Early evo cruising speed?
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Beach
Early evo cruising speed?
How fast (RPM) can I run my '84flhtc all day long? This is my first EVO, (pans and shovels my whole life) and she feels fine at 80 MPH , about 3500 RPM, but I don't want to push her too hard. This is the early motor with the shovel lower end. I never cruised the shovels much over 70 because it was hard to hang on and keep my feet on the boards any faster.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
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From: NW AR
With my 79 FLH POS, I found that for every 10 MPH over 55 I cruised while on the road, it required one additional hour wrenching that night.
With my 86 FLHT, I've set the tach at 4000-4200 in 5th, left it there and run it 1000 miles like that. 80 is no problem at all.
With my 86 FLHT, I've set the tach at 4000-4200 in 5th, left it there and run it 1000 miles like that. 80 is no problem at all.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
On my 1985 FLHTC, I cruised across country for years at 75 to 80 MPH with no problems. I had over 125,000 miles on it with no motor work before it was stolen. I even tried cruising at 90+ but found that the mileage I received was so bad it was not worth the expense.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: California
My sleds a '94, i put a "1" tooth larger drive pully on the trans. Lost a little low end but It feels like my gears went from 1-5 to 2-6. At 70 my sleds not eaving breathing hard.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
3500 rpm extended cruising, should pose no long term effects, normal and routine maintenance being followed. I have made numerous trips from SE Michigan to Central Florida along I-75, and will normally run at 70-80 mph continously. A bigger issue with my FLHS is the large windshield that makes speeds in excess of 80 mph a bit tiring to maintain, as the bike requires a bit more 'attention', due to buffetting. I'm much more relaxed at 70-75 mph.
My FLHS is the same. When I'm doing 75, I'm thinking a 500 rpm reduction would really be nice. Perhaps a final gearing change is in the future for my scoot.
My FLHS is the same. When I'm doing 75, I'm thinking a 500 rpm reduction would really be nice. Perhaps a final gearing change is in the future for my scoot.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,354
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From: S.W. Florida
Know what you mean, so I installed a Baker six speed. 2800-2900rpm@85mph on the Interstate.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
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From: Driftless Area
No joke eh? And you still get the low end grunt? I might seriously consider that option. Always seems like there's enough power to pull higher gears.