I searched this for topic but only found posts on shifting at certain RPMs. I have a 2008 XL1200R. At what RPM do you guys cruise? I've been shifting at about 3500 RPM and cruising at 3000. My dad and uncle, both BMW riders, suggested keeping the RPM's around 4000 to 4500 RPM to take advantage of more available power and engine breaking.

Their suggestion seems to make sense but I'm concerned about higher RPMs being hard on the engine. What do you guys think?

 

3500 sounds about right.

 

high rpms hard on the engine?

I think its rated to like 6000.... which means anything under is perfectly safe..... DUH

shift as high as you want! I also shift around 3500 when cruising, but when dragging it out i go to 5500 or more before shiffting.

at least your driving the bike right and not lugging it like a lot of new riders. the BMW riders say that becuase their powerband is higher takes more revving to get it. In a sportster, it kicks in around early and for me at least 3000 to 3500 is a real sweet spot in any gear.

 

I cruise between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. I like the engine's cadence at those levels and see no reason to go higher, unless I'm in 5th and wantto go fasterthan 60-65 mph. Since most of my riding is on country county roads, 3,000 rpm serves me just fine.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. Much appreciated.

 

Someone else just suggested, via phone, going by vibration. Where ever the engine seems to smooth out is where to be. He mentioned he thinks that's about 4000 RPM on his 2004 1200 Custom.

 

In 5th gear, on my 98 1200, at 60, Im turning 2500 rpm. for every additional 500 rpm I add 10 mph.

bob