Slow speed riding question

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#11

05-31-2017, 09:41 PM

PirateRider

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My M8 likes 3K rpm, she seems really happy there. The M8 seems to like a few more revs than the 103 did and is much quicker to spool up.

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#12

05-31-2017, 09:44 PM

BuzzCap7

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Quote:

Originally Posted by WHS1964

That is exactly when I do my friend.

If you need extra speed really fast, you have it at a lower gear than normal.

If you need to roll off the throttle and slow down faster than normal, you have it in a lower gear than normal.

And lastly, your RPMs will be higher so there is a greater chance people are going to hear you because of your pipes. I run Rinehardts.

So I would agree with you 100%.

Safety is everything.

BuzzCap7

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#13

05-31-2017, 10:25 PM

bad tappets

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Quote:

Originally Posted by WHS1964

So as this is my first HD, I am just not sure what is best. I know on my old liquid cooled bikes and for safety reasons, I usually run in lower gears when I am just running around town or in traffic. The old advice I was given, run it 1 gear lower than you think...

Here is what I am running with the SGS.
Under 20 = 1st gear
Under 40 = 2nd gear
Under 50 = 3rd gear

Again, this is in town and traffic type of riding... Just wondering what's the best for these NON liquid cooled monsters, especially as the weather starts warming up.

My opinion is you're winding it up a bit much. A Harley red lines about 1/2 of what a sport bike does. With a liquid cooled engine, the higher the rpm (to a point) the more cooled fluid you're circulating through the motor. Not so with an air cooled motor, the higher rpm the more heat and not any more cooling. If I were you, I'd shift a bit sooner unless you need the power. Don't lug it though.

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#14

06-01-2017, 06:53 AM

todd-67

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I am with buzzcap. I run higher RPM's than most Harley riders do. I have more control over the bike that way. You're not going to hurt it dispite what some may say.

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#15

06-01-2017, 07:21 PM

psyshack

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It's pointless to run a lump like our M8's high in the rpm range. Unless you enjoy hearing the push rods and rockers sound off. The TQ is gone and HP,,, well they don't have much to start with. The motor will tell you where and when to shift. And the owners manual gives good insight into this matter.

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mjwebb (06-02-2017)

#16

06-02-2017, 06:53 AM

mjwebb

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Quote:

Originally Posted by psyshack

totally agree...if I wanted to ride a high hp high rpm motorcycle a Harley Touring bike wouldn't be on my list..my bike has a peak torque of 106 at 3K rpm's and to me this is what a big ol V Twin is about

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FM500 (06-03-2017)

#17

06-02-2017, 09:22 PM

BrandonSmith

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mjwebb

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#18

06-03-2017, 10:06 AM

Bobjv

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Originally Posted by mjwebb View Post
totally agree...if I wanted to ride a high hp high rpm motorcycle a Harley Touring bike wouldn't be on my list..my bike has a peak torque of 106 at 3K rpm's and to me this is what a big ol V Twin is about

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrandonSmith

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#19

06-03-2017, 03:47 PM

TwiZted Biker

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OP skip worrying about what MPH in what gear and just enjoy the feel of the bike, it'll tell you when to shift up or down if you have half a clue, hell I have to remember I have a 5th & 6th gear with the M8's.

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