Dumb Question, But Important..
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: South Florida
Dumb Question, But Important..
Coming from a bunch of different motorcycles before I finally got my RK, they all obviously rev much differently. I have a tach on my RK, and I was wondering, for those that may also, at what RPM do you try to stay in when cruising in each gear?? I know it's a tough question. But just a general idea? For example:
at what speed do you go in 1st, to 2nd, to 3rd, to 4th and so on. What RPM is too low on a HD V-twin? I ride with a very slow rider, and find myself cruising at between 2500-3000 rpm sometimes and it seems a little low, don't want to bog down my engine.. Maybe I should just stop riding with him.. but it's nice sometimes to ride with company..
Let me know your thoughts on this odd question..
Jeff
at what speed do you go in 1st, to 2nd, to 3rd, to 4th and so on. What RPM is too low on a HD V-twin? I ride with a very slow rider, and find myself cruising at between 2500-3000 rpm sometimes and it seems a little low, don't want to bog down my engine.. Maybe I should just stop riding with him.. but it's nice sometimes to ride with company..
Let me know your thoughts on this odd question.. Jeff
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 34
From: Iowa
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
That sounds about average? I have a tach butI don't really pay attention to it, go by ear. I think 5500 is what the limiter is set at.. I am sure someone will correct me if wrong..
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
I normally ride in whatever gear that keeps the rpm's in or just under the power band for the cam/engine setup. For my bike, this is around 3000 rpm. I typically don't allow the engine to go under 2100 rpm as this is the bottom of the power range. Just my humble opinion.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
To be honest, I haven't paid much attention to the speed at which I am going when I shift into most of the gears. But on the open road, I like to cruise at 2500-3000 rpm, which translates to around 65-70mph in 6th gear and 55-60mph in 5th gear. Around town, I will generally shift by about 3500 rpm or so. I rarely run the engine past 4000 rpm - I pick up a fair amount of vibration beginning around there, so it's more comfortable to shift by that point.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 760
Likes: 4
From: Plano, Texas
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
Twin Cams typically like to run around 3K, in fifth gear 3K = 70 MPH. I don't usually let my RPM's drop below 2100, and if accelerating from there I go slow until I hit 2500 RPM, then I'll let her rip....
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Washington
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
I agree with most of what has been posted. I like to keep my bike between 2500 and the low 3000's. I never get on the throttle hard if I'm below 2500 - I'll shift down and the get on it. I doubt I've ever had my motor over 4k yet but it's still only a few months old.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, Ga
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
My 06 RK Classic doesn't have a tack. I just listen to the motor, make sure I have adequate throttle response and ride. Haven't really "studied" what I do. I usually get in 5th as fast as I can, without hammering it. I do shift down a gear to pass on a two lane.
Hack
Hack
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,112
Likes: 20
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
I personally dont like to be under 2500,luggin the motor isnt good and under 2500 doesnt feel right to me.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: South Florida
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
That's what I figured.. I think I'm almost as fearful riding under 2100 as I am over 4000rpms.. But I was questioning if 3k is too low.. Good to hear that's where people like to hang..
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
RE: Dumb Question, But Important..
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
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