Dumb Question, But Important..
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
For the most part I agree. 3000 rpm is the optimum for these engines for cruising. My self personally
I add 5-10 mph to the above figures for shifting speeds. If I had a 6 sp, it would never see 6th until
70, then only out on the flat.
I add 5-10 mph to the above figures for shifting speeds. If I had a 6 sp, it would never see 6th until
70, then only out on the flat.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 1,754
From: New Bern NC
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
ORIGINAL: Lord Albany
I shift according to the manual. However the manual also advises that the rider can shift according to his or her own preference. Being a noob on a new bike I'm following the manual. Once I have some experience on the saddle then I may adjust my shifting style.
1st to 2nd - 15mph
2nd to 3rd - 25
3rd to 4th - 35
4th to 5th - 45
5th to 6th - 55
Downshift
6th to 5th - 50
5th to 4th - 40
4th to 3rd - 30
3rd to 2nd - 20
2nd to 1st - 10
I shift according to the manual. However the manual also advises that the rider can shift according to his or her own preference. Being a noob on a new bike I'm following the manual. Once I have some experience on the saddle then I may adjust my shifting style.
1st to 2nd - 15mph
2nd to 3rd - 25
3rd to 4th - 35
4th to 5th - 45
5th to 6th - 55
Downshift
6th to 5th - 50
5th to 4th - 40
4th to 3rd - 30
3rd to 2nd - 20
2nd to 1st - 10
If your in 6th gear at 55 MPH you better be riding 1 up and down hill.
There is a lot ofmechanical advantage gainedin the lower gears which means less load on the motor so the lower RPM's aren't much of a problem. In higher gears the mechanical advantage is lessened and the load on the motor increases, at that point the motor needs to be alittle higher in RPM's where the torque level is up to the task.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
I've been told by a couple mechanics I really respect that it doesn't hurt, and is actually good for your engine to bump up against the rev-limiter once in awhile....keeps the engine from getting to used to a low rpm. Now you don't want to hold it at that high rpm for any length of time, but every bike I've ever owned I regularly run it up to the rev limiter in 2nd and 3rd....that limit is set low enough that you aren't going to hurt it as long as you don't hold it there. On the other end I try not to go below 2000 rpm and generally cruise at or above 3000.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: South Florida
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
I think basically my fear is that running it between 2500-2800 rpm will hurt it.. Sounds like you guys think that the real low rpm red line is at about 2000 rpm.. This is good news.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Medford, Oregon
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
"Cruise" is around 2500. IfI need to accceleratequickly from here, the bike can handle it. If I need to jump on it, I can safely downshift and then roll on. If under 2500, there is some lugging. 2000 is lugging.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
Try not to go below 2000. Sweet spot for my bike is around 2700. Most highway cruising is around 3000-3300
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,710
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
I agree !!! I run mine up to 5000 or 5500 every time I ride it. Can't hurt a thing. Blows the cobwebs out.
And I (Rarely) put my bike in 5th until 55 mph.
When in doubt . . . TURN IT ON !!!!
And I (Rarely) put my bike in 5th until 55 mph.
When in doubt . . . TURN IT ON !!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 21
From: central florida
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
go with the force Luke!! shift when it feels right. you'll do fine. above 60 im in 6th. often cruise at 2200 to 2700 range. im not a very agressive rider but like ta go fast