Rpm
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Eastern NC
1800-2200 RPM when cruising at lower speeds unless going up a grade or need to accelerate rapidly. I like the deep, low authoratative rumble and the 107", with the performance combination installed it is not lugging the engine, still has plenty of acceleration. Some of the people I ride with are always reving like they are riding a ricer, now that is extra wear and tear on a Harley engine.
Geez.... With your super performance 107" I hate to tell you but your are putting more wear on it by lugging then revving. Its yours, ride it like you want to, and enjoy it while it lasts...
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
That fits with my style too. I do a lot of goofing off though.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
From: Ward, Arkansas
Mine just seems happiest between 2K and 3K (75 MPH in 6th) when cruising on the hwy. When just crusing around town I always shift around 3K and if having fun she sure sounds good when I am anywhere around 5K shifts! 
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Lugging is not "just" about engine rpms, it's also about engine loading. Being below 1500 rpm's doesn't hurt a thing in the lower three gears as long as you're gentle on the throttle. If you're in 1st gear, you don't even have to worry about being that easy on the throttle! 
I've had my bike down to 2000 rpms in 6th gear and accelerated away with absolutely no complaints from the engine. It pulled away smoothly with no bucking or knocking. The thing is, I was also being "very" gentle on the throttle. If I wanted more from it I'd downshift but as it is, I'm not hurting anything and I've got 40 years of driving/riding to prove that.
If you like to ride in a sporting manner, then yeah, keep it at a minimum of 2800 rpms. If you're like me, and tend to ride more casually, shifting at a max of 3000 rpms is perfectly normal and acceptable and you won't be cutting the engines life expectancy in half doing it, especially if it's maintained properly.
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
I've had my bike down to 2000 rpms in 6th gear and accelerated away with absolutely no complaints from the engine. It pulled away smoothly with no bucking or knocking. The thing is, I was also being "very" gentle on the throttle. If I wanted more from it I'd downshift but as it is, I'm not hurting anything and I've got 40 years of driving/riding to prove that.
If you like to ride in a sporting manner, then yeah, keep it at a minimum of 2800 rpms. If you're like me, and tend to ride more casually, shifting at a max of 3000 rpms is perfectly normal and acceptable and you won't be cutting the engines life expectancy in half doing it, especially if it's maintained properly.
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
you're basing this assumption on what??? These motors are perfectly happy at 1500 under a lot of conditions. I wouldn't go 2-up in 6th gear uphill and just roll on the throttle at 1500, but ridden respectfully, there's nothing wrong with keeping your motor in the lower rpm range. Lots of HD motors are tuned to perform better in the lower rpm range.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 765
Likes: 49
From: New Jersey
If in town I try keep it around 2k other wise I keep it between 2400-3k rpms while shifting between 3k-4k.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
From: Eastern NC
you're basing this assumption on what??? These motors are perfectly happy at 1500 under a lot of conditions. I wouldn't go 2-up in 6th gear uphill and just roll on the throttle at 1500, but ridden respectfully, there's nothing wrong with keeping your motor in the lower rpm range. Lots of HD motors are tuned to perform better in the lower rpm range.
Last edited by ryanl; Apr 11, 2010 at 03:53 PM.