A lot of people don't seem to realize these motors like to breathe. My 03 1200C goes into 5th at 65 MPH, rarely lower. Most of my miles are at or below 55, so I'm always cruising in 3rd or 4th gear. A motor that's spinning comfortably isn't being stressed and is getting good oil circulation.

 

Somewhere between 2500rpm and 6500rpm. I don't have a tachometer so it's just a guess really.

 

So...shift when the rev limiter kicks in?

 

Haha. Well, the rev limiter is set to 6500. I had it at 7100 but figured that was a bit much.

 

I have known drag racers to set the rev limiter higher than 6250. But those engines are rebuilt after every race weekend. But on a street Harley motor...I do not see it lasting long.

How many HD parts in your 7100 RPM capable motor?

 

I don't think there are any internal HD parts anymore.

 

I figured that was the case. The only thing Harley in most "AHDRA" engines are the decals.

 

The factory redlines are too conservative. I always test mine. I run the motor up until the valves float. Then mark it 200 RPM less than that, and that’s where I always shift.

 

I heard that's the best way to break in a new build as well.

John

 

Had a friend ride my sporty a while back, first time sporty rider. I was on my Fat Boy. He had never owned any Harley smaller than a touring bike or softail. He couldn't get over how he could wait til 60 or 65 to shift into fifth. He had a ball and ended up buying one.