So I guess this is probably a stupid question, BUT... I have always wondered what is a safe top speed for the engine and clutch on a HD Sportster before you cause damage? It seems with only 5 speed on my 2002 HD Sportster XL 1200 once I reach 65 miles per hour it gets sketchy... How fast is to fast on a 1200 sportster before you can damage your transmission or motor or both??

 

it gets sketchy at 65? A 1200 can do way better than that for sure

 

Accelerating onto the highway, I'm not even hitting 5th gear until 65...

 

I have maxed out my 2012 Forty-Eight at 120 plenty of times and have gone long distances doing 90 and it held up fine! If you're only doing 65 on the highway then you're just putting along down the road and not even opening it up half way. Have some fun just be careful and don't go over what you're comfortable with.

 

My Wife, on her 04 XLH1200C usually passes me on my 07 Street Bob when we hit third gear ... around 90. She shifts right before the Rev Limiter kicks in. We ride together very "spiritedly" and enjoy riding with each other. Trust me, you can cruise at any speed you want (legally) all day long. The biggest issues of concern are the tires and air pressure; 32 front and 38 rear. Then again, there is the vibration issue of pre '04 rubber mounted.

 

Did 90 for long stretches on my 48 when I had it. 65 would get me run over in Florida.

 

Dang... I guess I just like to open it up then cuz im hitting 65 at or before 3rd gear! And that's being conservative.

 

A 1200 Sporty will roll along at 90 all day long without damaging anything.......might not be so comfortable for the rider though. ;-)

 

Im regularly cruising on my 08 Nightster around 95 on the highway and from Phoenix to Anaheim did the same. Once in awhile im even doing around 115 for short periods of time. Seems to be ok to me.

And yea, I usually shift to 3rd getting close to 60mph.

 

OK, good to know... I guess what bothers me a little is that this bike doesn't have a tachometer. I am mainly listening to the revving of the engine. So I just wanted to be safe! Don't want to damage it.