cruising RPM
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
The cruising "sweet spot" varies from bike to bike, it all depends on your particular set up and load. When in doubt, know that it's better to have the RPM's a little on the high side.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
Since the King don't come with a no tach I am forced to play it by ear.
Usually maintain 40-45 mph in 3rd, 50-60 in 5th and 60+ in 6th.
Usually maintain 40-45 mph in 3rd, 50-60 in 5th and 60+ in 6th.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
Well said. I think the "sweet spot" is a great description. My opinion is that the "lugging" factor is more of a result of load vs torque rather than incorrect RPM's. Otherwise, we'd all be reving up to 2800 rms in neutral while waiting for that train or the long red light. Headwind, tailwind, uphill, downhill all make a huge difference in the "lug" factor. When I'm on the long downhill runs coming off Stevens Pass or North Cascades, I can keep the bike in 6th and well below 2500 rpm and I know it's not lugging.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 2
I am on an 08 RKC, so I don't have a tach, but you really can just get used to the feel of the motor and drive-train to tell if it is starting to struggle or lug.....like allot of the posts have said. It really depends upon wether you have the bike under load....going up an incline, loaded down, into a headwind is going to be a different answer than cruising along on a level stretch of road. My bike has the taller 07-08 gearing, and I hear people say they can't use 6th below 80....that is so not true. It all depends upon the situation. I use 6th all the time from probably as low as 60 mph when the bike is on level cruise and not under load...it just purrs along....is a bike lugging when it is sitting still at idle?...of course not, and neither is it under a very light load. Tachs are great, and if I had one I would enjoy it I'm sure, but you also need to listen to and feel your bike.
