Rev limiter
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
Before I changed my cams, the only way to get to my bikes then top speed was to drop it down to 5th gear to allow the revs to hit about 5400. If I upshifted to 6th, the bike wasn't as fast. Torque is the pressure, horsepower is the amount of work being done, the higher the horsepower, the faster the acceleration. The V Rod only has around 65 lb ft of torque, but it's the muliplier of torque times rpm and the higher horsepower that causes the higher acceleration. At low revs, the horsepower (and torque) isn't as great on that smaller powerplant to move a heavy touring bike properly. The potential of the twin cam to make horsepower and perform extremely well while still retaining high reliablility has been proven over and over again. It has it's limitations, but with the right combination does very well.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 338
Likes: 3
From: NorCal - Land of Pinkos and Prix
I just put on Rinehart TD's today, went for a ride and passed a car going up a pretty steep grade. That was the first time I've ever experienced the compression "dump" after riding this bike hard for 2 years.
As far as being told how to ride my bike by the nannies in this forum - BLO ME!
As far as being told how to ride my bike by the nannies in this forum - BLO ME!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 53
From: ID Ho
Push rod V8's have been to 11,000 rpms well back into the 80's, the push rods donr care how fast they move!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
All dyno charts cross HP and torque lines at 5252rpm. I don't have the formula at hand but it's based on the James Watt's calculation.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
From Donny Petersons Unauthorized Technical Guide-"Torque is the twisting force that keeps the motorcycle moving. Therefore, torque is all about acceleration.
Horsepower is the effort required to keep the bike moving. Therefore, horsepower determines speed."
Ryanl- It appears your chart has been removed.
Horsepower is the effort required to keep the bike moving. Therefore, horsepower determines speed."
Ryanl- It appears your chart has been removed.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
That said combine exhaust, air cleaner, good tune, cams, flowed heads, and big bore, now we're talk big power.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Eastern NC
1) because I can
2) it puts a smile on my face
I dont do it everytime I accelerate, but when i do it is definately not in vain.....
An even better question then why would someone rev their bike so far in the rpm range, is why do so many people ride around lugging their motors? I mean 6th gear at 50.... really?
Last edited by ryanl; Apr 10, 2010 at 02:14 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
You are on the mark as to gear selection. I started riding Harley's back in the shovel head days. If you didn't shift and ride at 2000 to 2500 rpm you vibrated your self to death. With the new primary, trans, and final gearing, 6th gear is like an overdrive. I don't use 6th until 110k+ (70mph), and that's only if I'm on the flats. Most new owners of twin cams are, as you, say lugging their bikes.
