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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 11:27 AM
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Default RPM range help

90% of the time I ride, my RPMs are between 2,000 and 3,000. Sometimes below 2,000; rarely if ever above 3,000.

I have a tuner and tuned a map to the bike. I think it runs great, but I'm a newb.

Is this OK? Am I doing something wrong? Isrunning it only in this range detrimental to the performance or longevity of the bike?

Thanks for your help.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 12:13 PM
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Most everyone will say to keep them above 2,000. I do, as long as I'm giving it gas. As for shifting, I do that mostly by sound. But it's rarely much over 3,000.

Some might say it depends on the bike. I don't know, since I don't know if they're geared different. I'm not that knowledgeable in that area.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 12:33 PM
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Just turned 90,000 on my 07 Ultra. Most of the time I run between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. In sixth gear at 75 mph its turning 2800 rpm. But, in a high speed pass (to avoid trouble) or a short on ramp to freeway speeds, I will take it to 4,000 or more. It really begins to haul the hay above 3,500 rpm. The redline is 5,800 rpm, so the only thing I consider is below 2,000 rpm. I will loaf along down to around 1800, and maybe gently accelerate from there in third or fourth gear but no higher gear than that. Based on 50+ years riding.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by goodbirds
Just turned 90,000 on my 07 Ultra. Most of the time I run between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. In sixth gear at 75 mph its turning 2800 rpm. But, in a high speed pass (to avoid trouble) or a short on ramp to freeway speeds, I will take it to 4,000 or more. It really begins to haul the hay above 3,500 rpm. The redline is 5,800 rpm, so the only thing I consider is below 2,000 rpm. I will loaf along down to around 1800, and maybe gently accelerate from there in third or fourth gear but no higher gear than that. Based on 50+ years riding.
That's 49 years more than me. Thanks.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 12:49 PM
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Keeping your RPM above 2000 will prevent excessive wear on engine components. Even if the load is light, you're best off downshifting to keep RPM's above 2000.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 12:56 PM
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BTW Nice color! I rode from CO to NE (about 500 mi) doing average 80~85MPH which hits the RPMs at about 3100 for about 6 ish hours and it loved it. I think 2000 ~3000 or there abouts as others have said here should be fine.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by ursman
BTW Nice color! I rode from CO to NE (about 500 mi) doing average 80~85MPH which hits the RPMs at about 3100 for about 6 ish hours and it loved it. I think 2000 ~3000 or there abouts as others have said here should be fine.
Nice color indeed!!!!
 
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Old Dec 11, 2015 | 02:24 PM
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I go by the tach in my head- I don't trust instruments.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2015 | 12:58 AM
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Don't be afraid to wind up the engine some more. When I'm cruising, I'll typically upshift around 4k-4.2k and downshift around 3k, cruise maybe around 3500-3800. If I'm really getting on it, I'll run it right up to the rev limiter.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2015 | 04:45 AM
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Thank you for the info, I go mostly by what I feel sounds right. I generally let it drop no lower than 1800 but as far as the high end, its good to know that I am not the only one willing to let it hover around 3500 or so.
 
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