How fast do you want to run? 100+ for an extended period of time??? I probably ran 2,500 miles or more at 82-85mph on my Sturgis trip and it was fine. Above 85, it sounded like the motor was working pretty hard. Not saying it was, but I could hear the difference. And that's with the 5 speed tranny.

 

Mine was more a question of curiosity. A friend of mine with a Goldwing said he and a friend on a trip to Las Vegas from Washington had a stretch where they were at or above 100mph for a long time. I don't know what max speed I'd be comfortable with while cruising (as opposed to passing) I can't see myself going over 80-85 frankly but who knows - with the right conditions...

I just wanted the cruising RPM limit in my head cause it seems like a good thing to know. Thanks for everyone's responses.

Steve

 

Well, the Gump could probably provide more information, but the older 4 speeds spend a lot of time in the 4k range to no ill effects. At least not on the motor...the rider on the other hand?

 

I can say that cruising at 85 all day long won't hurt mine. The last Iron Butt we rode (2up) we cruised at 80-85 nearly all day long, which as I recall was around 4000 RPM. 70 is 2900 on mine. It is more a matter of what you can handle, than what the bike can handle, provided you take the time to properly maintain the bike.

 

Yeah, I just talked to the service guy at my local HD dealer. He said they can run all day at 4 grand. I can't see me hanging out above that.

Steve

 

I run 3500 to 4000 most the time. I dont run a speedo so I cant say for sure the speed. Its held up for 12k+ miles so far. BTW I am going to a 48t sprocket this week to lower the RPM's some.

 

6th Gear is sweet for Interstate rolling at 80+

 

I personally would have appreciated the violator providing a photo of the speedometer for my case. Never happened though.

 

On a related note, how long can I keep the throttle fully open before 1) the oft talked about rev limiter kicks in, and 2) I'm damaging the bike?

 

My 400 mile trip to and from the Dragon I ran 80 to 85....That's the thing I love about six gears...Just a tad over 3000 rpm's...I think no more than 85 mph is fast enough for me at long distance riding legal or not....