Proper RPM Range
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
RE: Proper RPM Range
ORIGINAL: cadman311
2K to 5.5k is operation rpm for your harley. 8K is the red line speed for the harley. People lug there bike have more problems than a person that run the hell out of them. The back lash on slow rpm just brakes more rods than run them at the higher rpm's. So many people put all that motor work in them and try to ride to slow. Just to look cool.
2K to 5.5k is operation rpm for your harley. 8K is the red line speed for the harley. People lug there bike have more problems than a person that run the hell out of them. The back lash on slow rpm just brakes more rods than run them at the higher rpm's. So many people put all that motor work in them and try to ride to slow. Just to look cool.
8,000 RPM's red line? \\; Not hardly on a stock Harley, unless you're on a V-rod.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
RE: Proper RPM Range
I was following 2 co workers the other day after work. \\; One was riding a Duece, the other a 1983 GPZ. \\; Once we hit the interstate, they opened 'em up and took off. \\; We were trucking along at about 100mph. \\; I have hit 110 before, but I didn't hold it there long. \\; They were taking off and leaving me in the dust. \\; Should I be too concerned about blowing it up at higher rpms? \\; What is the redline on a 1200?
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Proper RPM Range
ORIGINAL: bzxgdk
I typically run with RPMs in the 2000 - 2500 range... sometimes a little less 1500 sometimes a little more 3000.
What do others do?
I typically run with RPMs in the 2000 - 2500 range... sometimes a little less 1500 sometimes a little more 3000.
What do others do?
Try this one: http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...pmstospeed.gif \\;
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
RE: Proper RPM Range
ORIGINAL: crash1292
1500 on my bagger and it is not lugging...any lower and it would be
1500 on my bagger and it is not lugging...any lower and it would be
And yes it is lugging it, and you are slowly but surely damaging your engine and shortening it's lifespan.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Proper RPM Range
the sweet spot depends on the efi download you are using.
lugging occurs when your engine is working (going uphill or accellerating). lower rpm's (~1800+) are ok when you are going down hill and just letting your momentum carry you, or letting the engine slow you down.
lugging occurs when your engine is working (going uphill or accellerating). lower rpm's (~1800+) are ok when you are going down hill and just letting your momentum carry you, or letting the engine slow you down.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Oakland Twp, Michigan
RE: Proper RPM Range
Thanks for the comments.
I have an HD speedo / tach combo on my '08 RK Classic. The redline is reflected at 5,500 and above.
Owner's manual states I should be shifting from 1st to 2nd at 15 mph\\; 2nd to 3rd at 25 mph\\; 3rd to 4th at 35 mph\\; 4th to 5th at 45 mph\\; 5th to 6th at 55 mph (it states downshifting should occur 5 mph lower than the up-shift.
I typically follow this and generally the RPMs are running right around 2,000. And the 2,000 seems to be on the very low end of the range everyone is stating.
It feels good at about this range... just a little concern yet that I am on the fringe of lugging (especially when I am climbing a hill, etc.).
I have an HD speedo / tach combo on my '08 RK Classic. The redline is reflected at 5,500 and above.
Owner's manual states I should be shifting from 1st to 2nd at 15 mph\\; 2nd to 3rd at 25 mph\\; 3rd to 4th at 35 mph\\; 4th to 5th at 45 mph\\; 5th to 6th at 55 mph (it states downshifting should occur 5 mph lower than the up-shift.
I typically follow this and generally the RPMs are running right around 2,000. And the 2,000 seems to be on the very low end of the range everyone is stating.
It feels good at about this range... just a little concern yet that I am on the fringe of lugging (especially when I am climbing a hill, etc.).
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Owasso, OK
RE: Proper RPM Range
ORIGINAL: bzxgdk
Owner's manual states I should be shifting from 1st to 2nd at 15 mph\\\\\\; 2nd to 3rd at 25 mph\\\\\\; 3rd to 4th at 35 mph\\\\\\; 4th to 5th at 45 mph\\\\\\; 5th to 6th at 55 mph (it states downshifting should occur 5 mph lower than the up-shift.
Owner's manual states I should be shifting from 1st to 2nd at 15 mph\\\\\\; 2nd to 3rd at 25 mph\\\\\\; 3rd to 4th at 35 mph\\\\\\; 4th to 5th at 45 mph\\\\\\; 5th to 6th at 55 mph (it states downshifting should occur 5 mph lower than the up-shift.