M8 Reliability
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,900
Likes: 8,007
From: poway
Once again you lack the ability to focus on the actual details of a post, you are slipping Max, some of us have noticed. The 3800 rpm guy didn’t describe a 3-4000 range, he said holding in the 3800 rpm for extended riding. If he said 3200- 3800 I would have left it. And possibly the poster meant that and just didnt make it clear. My original comment was cheeky as well, for the record
I cruise as close to 3000RPM as possible. I'm conservative when it comes to not doing burn outs, drag racing at stop lights, and so on. But when riding longs stretches of curvy roads and wanting to play around a bit, I'll ride consistently in the 3800 range for the sake of technique and the bike not feeling wobbly.
Add: You are right tho. I have been slipping..
Still on my 17 RK, that is about the RPM range I use on certain twisties.. Especially when a mountain is involved.
Last edited by Max Headflow; Oct 2, 2025 at 06:19 PM. Reason: Add:
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 418
From: Pennsylvania
Well, I cant comment on "annoying" as you clearly have a different threshold for annoyance than I do, but even bone stock my bike had a lot of nuts as low as 2000rpm.
After I installed the cam and other upgrades its almost ridiculous how much torque I have at low rpm. I twist the throttle and this thing launches. I kept sliding off the back of my seat.
I dont have to be turning 3500 rpm to get responsiveness...
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 707
Likes: 332
From: Indiana
I mean he's averaging over 40k miles a year living in the Midwest not west coast.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 9,550
From: central NC
Yep, Scott7d has got some cred. We tracked him doing 100k in 100days a couple of years ago. I may not ride exactly the same way he does, but I sure as heck won’t ever suggest he’s doing it wrong.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 439
From: florida
I hope he keeps at least one bag filled with baby powder.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 806
Likes: 1,513
From: Bloomington, IN
But I still appreciate the kind words.I probably could have been a little more clear with my "3800" post that started the whole pissing match. No, it isn't 3800 RPM straight for hours on end. Of course there is some variation going in and out of turns, some up shifting on the occasional straight-aways, etc. I figured common sense and intuition would kick in for people to realize what I meant in those scenarios. Maybe giving a range of 3500-4000 would have been less confusing. I'm so sorry.
That's easy. Torque. Go ride some tight curves at 2000RPM then at 3500+. It will become clear very quickly. Engine braking at 2000RPM also isn't very effective. I rely quite a bit on that to ride in a spirited manner with rarely needing to touch my brakes. Even on routes like The Dragon.
Last edited by scott7d; Oct 5, 2025 at 06:18 AM.
