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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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