top speed?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: top speed?
Gosh I must be getting old... LOL but at 43 I dont even have a curiousity about top speed. That's not what these bikes are about - any Harley for that matter. They're built for fun and comfortable cruising. Yes they've got some low-end torque thatmakes itfun to launch from stoplights or pass a car on the freeway while out on the open road, but true speed isn't what these bikes are about. Sure against the average car you can run cirlces around them or smoke them pretty good at a traffic light, but in the world of sports cars or motorcycles the top-end speed of a Harley is dismal.
I think I've had my bike to like 95 while passing someone on the freeway, but haven't even tried to seek out the top speed. I'd guess 110-120 is where these bikes start to peter-out.
I think I've had my bike to like 95 while passing someone on the freeway, but haven't even tried to seek out the top speed. I'd guess 110-120 is where these bikes start to peter-out.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From:
RE: top speed?
I've been up around 100 on my stock FLTHC. Probably could have squeezed a bit more out of it, but I'm getting an occasional wobble when it gets over 90. It doesn't feel like a tire issue, more like the front end is floating a little.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,391
Likes: 10
From:
RE: top speed?
I took a trip with the old lady to the Fire and Ice Rally in Grants, Nm last year. Had the bike at 90-94 just about the whole time. I have only broken 100 mph once. I looked down and saw how fast I was going and let off the throttle. I have a family to think about.
I have a 88" '05 rk custom and would like a bit more power. Not that I would use it often, I generally cruise on I-25 and I-40 at 80 mph. It would be nice to increase my hp and tq. I would like to know I could do 120 mph, if I wanted to, and I know that with the stock engine I have and only 5 gears, 120 mph is only a dream (at this point). $$$
I have a 88" '05 rk custom and would like a bit more power. Not that I would use it often, I generally cruise on I-25 and I-40 at 80 mph. It would be nice to increase my hp and tq. I would like to know I could do 120 mph, if I wanted to, and I know that with the stock engine I have and only 5 gears, 120 mph is only a dream (at this point). $$$
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern, PA
RE: top speed?
The fastest I ever went on a bike was 110 mph on my 1985 Honda Shadow. I am pretty sure the safety valve on my bladder was just about to open at that speed.
Only had the RK up to ~90 mph.
Only had the RK up to ~90 mph.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 4
From: Logan, Ohio
RE: top speed?
ORIGINAL: Arizona
Gosh I must be getting old... LOL but at 43 I dont even have a curiousity about top speed. That's not what these bikes are about - any Harley for that matter. They're built for fun and comfortable cruising. Yes they've got some low-end torque thatmakes itfun to launch from stoplights or pass a car on the freeway while out on the open road, but true speed isn't what these bikes are about. Sure against the average car you can run cirlces around them or smoke them pretty good at a traffic light, but in the world of sports cars or motorcycles the top-end speed of a Harley is dismal.
I think I've had my bike to like 95 while passing someone on the freeway, but haven't even tried to seek out the top speed. I'd guess 110-120 is where these bikes start to peter-out.
Gosh I must be getting old... LOL but at 43 I dont even have a curiousity about top speed. That's not what these bikes are about - any Harley for that matter. They're built for fun and comfortable cruising. Yes they've got some low-end torque thatmakes itfun to launch from stoplights or pass a car on the freeway while out on the open road, but true speed isn't what these bikes are about. Sure against the average car you can run cirlces around them or smoke them pretty good at a traffic light, but in the world of sports cars or motorcycles the top-end speed of a Harley is dismal.
I think I've had my bike to like 95 while passing someone on the freeway, but haven't even tried to seek out the top speed. I'd guess 110-120 is where these bikes start to peter-out.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 980
Likes: 1
From: The Grassy Knoll
RE: top speed?
Well, my last bike I was cruising down Hwy 50just outside of Paddock Lake (for those who know the area) and opened her up on my new build I had on the motor. Last time I looked down I was at 172. I tucked in and gave her quite a bit more. (obviously not aHarley)Didn't need to look down though, I was watching the telephone poles look like a 40 foot tallpicket fence.
I sold that bike and picked up the SG. The fastest I have been on it is about 85 or so. No need for any faster around here. I got all that speed demon stuff out of me when I was "younger".
I sold that bike and picked up the SG. The fastest I have been on it is about 85 or so. No need for any faster around here. I got all that speed demon stuff out of me when I was "younger".
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Just got mine
ORIGINAL: dr.phatkins
hey guys, dont get me wrong, im no speed demon. im here to cruise. im just testing out a new thundermax and pipes, and have noticed that i lost a little on the top end which was surprising to me. i figured id lose off the line and gain on the top. my experience has been the opposite so far. the bike is still dialing itself in so i am still reserving judgement, but so far i am blown away!!! right now on the top, throttle fully pegged its a slow climb to 90 from 80. i suppose there is another 5 or 10 mph in there. hope it gets a tad zippier up there for passing.
hey guys, dont get me wrong, im no speed demon. im here to cruise. im just testing out a new thundermax and pipes, and have noticed that i lost a little on the top end which was surprising to me. i figured id lose off the line and gain on the top. my experience has been the opposite so far. the bike is still dialing itself in so i am still reserving judgement, but so far i am blown away!!! right now on the top, throttle fully pegged its a slow climb to 90 from 80. i suppose there is another 5 or 10 mph in there. hope it gets a tad zippier up there for passing.