optimal cruising RPM
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 2
From: Naples, Florida
RE: optimal cruising RPM
I do not know the optimum RPM, but I can say from experience that while running 85 MPH I got maybe 30 MPG. When I dropped it down to 3000 RPM (around 75 maybe), I got 5 MPG more.
My bike seems to run better right around 3000 RPM. I am curious to see what others have to say. I have an 05â Ultra with no mods.
My bike seems to run better right around 3000 RPM. I am curious to see what others have to say. I have an 05â Ultra with no mods.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 2
RE: optimal cruising RPM
Kinda scratching my head on this one. I would think you base it off of speed rather than RPMs. With the TC88 you have a 5speed transmission. I assume you are cruisin on the highway you have it in 5th so not like you can adjust the RPMs at the speed when you are in the highest gear. but LawDawg makes the point. Higher the RPMs the less MPGs you get. 65-70 I would think would be closer to optimal
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 279
From: .
RE: optimal cruising RPM
I get about 37 going 85 down the interstate a couple weeks ago. Saddlebags loaded. I have noticed MPG drops significantly over 75 or so. I have an '05 Standard with python slip-ons, PC, and K&N A/F.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
RE: optimal cruising RPM
Dont know if will help you any. We have a 07 SG touring pack loaded down. My favorite rpm is 3000 - 83 mph. We mostly ran around 85 to 90 mph and got around 159 miles per tank. I will tell you 70 is best for gas millage on this bike so im thinking the magic number is 70 to 75. mph and keep your rpms at or below 3000. Above it and your gas millage goes out the window.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 1
From:
RE: optimal cruising RPM
I have big bore kit, 203 cams, 44MM CV Carb on my 99 flht, if I hold the RPMs down below 3,000 which is about 70-73 MPH I get around 42-44 MPG thats loaded on a trip but riding solo.anything above 3,000 RPM and I am down around 35 MPG.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham, WA
RE: optimal cruising RPM
For a 5 speed gear box it's 52mph in 5th. Of course you'll be bonkers within 5 miles of riding at the pace.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 2
From: Naples, Florida
RE: optimal cruising RPM
I think I need to slow down, I am not getting anywhere near 40 miles per gallon. Hmm then again, whats a few extra miles.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 2
RE: optimal cruising RPM
They musta built the Ultras for the NorthWest. My bud and I both have '07 ultras and we consistantly get between 42-46mpg. I don't redline really but on some giddy-up I will take it to 4000 rpms or once in awhile 4500 (torque curve drops dramatically after 4k). Running Premium gas all the time (95% of the time chevron and 5% Shell). Running AMSOIL for the fluids and he has V&H Duals with oval slipons and I have the Rinehart true duals.
I've seen many threads about people complaining about the gas milege and am a little flabbergasted as to why ours seems to be right where HD says it should be.... puzzling.
I've seen many threads about people complaining about the gas milege and am a little flabbergasted as to why ours seems to be right where HD says it should be.... puzzling.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,602
Likes: 5
From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
RE: optimal cruising RPM
Did the mileage thig this week-end on a trip from Palm Springs to Yuma Prison Run - And again on the return run... Run Hard cruise speeds 75 - 85 mph Most of the way - With about 40 miles in town driving speed - The "PUMPKIN" avg 41.8 MPG