I've never needed a tach. I have ears.

 

you have to shift motorcycles?

 

According to my tach--and my memory of driving in this morning, which may mean I'm a little off for 2nd & 3rd gears--and based on the speeds at 4,000 RPM, and assuming a 5900 RPM redline, the approx redlines for a 1200C are:

1st: 44 MPH
2nd: 59 MPH
3rd: 81 MPH
4th: 118 MPH
5th: 134 MPH

I wouldn't make a practice of shifting at redline, though, since 4000 RPM is the peak of the 1200's power band. Assuming a shift at 4000 RPM, that would come out approximately to shiting into:

2nd @ 30 MPH
3rd@50 MPH
4th @ 65 MPH
5th @ 80 MPH

Also, for Kieth, the 1200 engine wants to run at 4000 rpm. That comes out to 80 MPH in 4th gear, and 88 MPH in fifth. So, when you say it turns to stone on the slab,I don't know what you're talking about.

Or you don't.

 

Thanks, Dale. That is the info I was looking for! Bert

 

What's a tach?

 

True, but even though the curve starts to dip after 4000, it's still pulling, right up until you hit ~5900, just not peak.

I've rarely, if ever had a need or enough asphalt to try maxing out the RPM's in 4th. I'm certain I have never done it in 5th. But 1st through 3rd, especially when merging on the Interstate, I will semi-regularly wind it out to about 5500 per shift. Then, in most cases, I jump right to 5th and coast back down to "less-ludicrous" speed. Good thing the riser clamp is on tight and there is a lip on the back of the seat.

For the original post - yes, I have figured out what speeds the bike redlines at, with and without a tach. But like others have said, its more listen and feel than a specific speed, or even RPM. MPH doesn't necessarily factor in wind resistance, whether you got on the throttle heavy or did a slow roll-on, and other variables. You and your bike will develop a relationship. Once you do that, the bike will answer the question for you.

 

Shift when the limiter kicks in.

 

Mine has a tach but I only use it to confirm that I'm in top gear rather than do the attempted sixth gear shift thing every so often.
I've never had time to look at the tach when I'm really hitting it, I just go by sound/feel and have only once hit the rev limiter.
Personally I think any vehicle with a standard trans should have a tach though.

 

My "Turns to stone on the slab" commentdoesn't mean she losses power. I'm saying who cares where the RPM is when you hit 5th and fall in line behind 70 MPH traffic?

I'm suggesting he get out and hit the back roads where he can learn to "feel and hear" where he is in the powerband.....Experienced riders WITH tachs eventuallydon't need to look at them and DON"T bother.

As I have stated before; Riding a bike is like dancing....Good dancers don't look at their feet....They've got rythm and grace and they learned that by feel and practice.

I've also stated Harley doesn't make a 'starter' bike....Starter bikes have tachs and they are necessary at first....Yeah, some Harleys have tachs too, but even those riders eventually ignore them......You need a tach at the moment as a ref point till you gain more experience, then you will wish you had spent the bucks on chrome or a performance mod.

You just need some dancing lessons and to learn to get a feel for your dance partner, that's all.

 

ive got the tach but i dont pay much attention to it, only know i redlined it in 4th on sunday and was well over 100mph .when i hit 5th it topped out at 117before i had to stop cause i was at my exit.but i had plentyof motor to spare and i was reeling in the ultra that passed meearlier. thats the highest i ever had the rpms. but i still didnt hear the rev limiter kick in. just for ***** and giggles how fast can the stock 1200 go? will it hit 140? just curious