How fast should I be going?
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
From: Denver, Colorado
RE: How fast should I be going?
That's how I've been doing it ever since. I only glance at my speedo when the police are around.
And I've been riding motorcycles forever, so really it's just by feel.
And I've been riding motorcycles forever, so really it's just by feel.
ORIGINAL: Da Gumpmeister
I'd have to say Duece put you "in the know".
I don't even have a speedo thingy, ride by 'ear' for years.
Other thing, that round thingy on the end of your right handlebar: if it is NOT turned all the way to the STOP, then you aren't going fast enough.
I'd have to say Duece put you "in the know".
I don't even have a speedo thingy, ride by 'ear' for years.
Other thing, that round thingy on the end of your right handlebar: if it is NOT turned all the way to the STOP, then you aren't going fast enough.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From:
RE: How fast should I be going?
When I'm rushin the bike a little and shut it down around 65-70, seems like I shift three or four times before I finally find top gear. If I'm trying not to drive up some slow minivans *** I'll end up in fourth or fifth at idle and maybe 45mph. I guess a chart is a starting place, but you'll know better in no time. If your holding a steady speed try giving the throttle a short crank... if it bogs you should go down a gear... if it leaps out from under you, go up a gear.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,481
Likes: 4
From: Triangle, VA
RE: How fast should I be going?
ORIGINAL: kingk9
Nah, no reason for that. He's new, he asked a question, no reason I could see not to answer it. Questions don't bother me, it's the preaching I can't stand.[8D]
ORIGINAL: UncleDon
Wow..I thought you guys would have ripped hima new one for asking that question. Is this his first bike? Is he a RUB/Squid? Hey turczytj....do your sneakers match the color of your bike? Hopefully this is not an accident waiting to happen.
Wow..I thought you guys would have ripped hima new one for asking that question. Is this his first bike? Is he a RUB/Squid? Hey turczytj....do your sneakers match the color of your bike? Hopefully this is not an accident waiting to happen.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 1
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
RE: How fast should I be going?
ORIGINAL: electaRICK
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BBRRRRRRRRAAAAAUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMM.................. ....................................
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 3
From: San Tan Valley, AZ
RE: How fast should I be going?
ORIGINAL: monsterdeluxe
This is really close to how I ride.
ORIGINAL: zombie
Not recommended by the books, but bike seems happy with the following
1st 0-20mph
2nd 20-30
3rd 30-40 (50-55 if accelerating hard)
4th 40-55 (65 if accelerating hard)
5th 55-70
6th +70
Definitely not rule of thumb.
Not recommended by the books, but bike seems happy with the following
1st 0-20mph
2nd 20-30
3rd 30-40 (50-55 if accelerating hard)
4th 40-55 (65 if accelerating hard)
5th 55-70
6th +70
Definitely not rule of thumb.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 0
From:
RE: How fast should I be going?
ORIGINAL: Dorkman
After awhile you will not even check the speedo for a shift. Just go by the sound of the engine and feel of the bike at speed. If you are on the freeway, you will likely be in fifth or sixth. Not a big deal...the bike has torque and can take it.
After awhile you will not even check the speedo for a shift. Just go by the sound of the engine and feel of the bike at speed. If you are on the freeway, you will likely be in fifth or sixth. Not a big deal...the bike has torque and can take it.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From:
RE: How fast should I be going?
My local dealer suggested that I run my rpms around 27 - 32 hundred. **** at that rate I'm doing 50 in 3rd gear. There is a stretch of highway on my way to town that is posted at 50 MPH. In a traffic situation, I would be busting down the road at 50 mph in 3rd gear. I know that I'm not 'hurting' anything, but Ijust can't seem to do that.
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Joe Kucinski
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
RE: How fast should I be going?
Nothing wrong with the question. Answer is simple, For dummies like me follow the MOM (owners manual not the service manual). just remember 15 + 10,in other words
1st to second 15, then add 10 mph for each gear change..
2 to 3 is 25 mph
3 to 4 is 35 mph
4 to 5 is 45 mph...exactly by the book
Having said that, after a while u will get a hang of improper gear. Also will depend on gradient up slope etc and the load u r carrying? does this sound right
1st to second 15, then add 10 mph for each gear change..
2 to 3 is 25 mph
3 to 4 is 35 mph
4 to 5 is 45 mph...exactly by the book
Having said that, after a while u will get a hang of improper gear. Also will depend on gradient up slope etc and the load u r carrying? does this sound right
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,880
Likes: 9,633
From: Big Pine Key, FL
RE: How fast should I be going?
Ever since I put a tach on mine, I find that I hardly use the speedo anymore. It cost about 450 bucks installed with the housing and mount, it looks factory, and I consider it the best addition I've made to my bike.