Coming from a bunch of different motorcycles before I finally got my RK, they all obviously rev much differently. I have a tach on my RK, and I was wondering, for those that may also, at what RPM do you try to stay in when cruising in each gear?? I know it's a tough question. But just a general idea? For example:

at what speed do you go in 1st, to 2nd, to 3rd, to 4th and so on. What RPM is too low on a HD V-twin? I ride with a very slow rider, and find myself cruising at between 2500-3000 rpm sometimes and it seems a little low, don't want to bog down my engine.. Maybe I should just stop riding with him.. but it's nice sometimes to ride with company.. Let me know your thoughts on this odd question..


Jeff

 

That sounds about average? I have a tach butI don't really pay attention to it, go by ear. I think 5500 is what the limiter is set at.. I am sure someone will correct me if wrong..

 

I normally ride in whatever gear that keeps the rpm's in or just under the power band for the cam/engine setup. For my bike, this is around 3000 rpm. I typically don't allow the engine to go under 2100 rpm as this is the bottom of the power range. Just my humble opinion.

 

To be honest, I haven't paid much attention to the speed at which I am going when I shift into most of the gears. But on the open road, I like to cruise at 2500-3000 rpm, which translates to around 65-70mph in 6th gear and 55-60mph in 5th gear. Around town, I will generally shift by about 3500 rpm or so. I rarely run the engine past 4000 rpm - I pick up a fair amount of vibration beginning around there, so it's more comfortable to shift by that point.

 

Twin Cams typically like to run around 3K, in fifth gear 3K = 70 MPH. I don't usually let my RPM's drop below 2100, and if accelerating from there I go slow until I hit 2500 RPM, then I'll let her rip....

 

I agree with most of what has been posted. I like to keep my bike between 2500 and the low 3000's. I never get on the throttle hard if I'm below 2500 - I'll shift down and the get on it. I doubt I've ever had my motor over 4k yet but it's still only a few months old.

 

My 06 RK Classic doesn't have a tack. I just listen to the motor, make sure I have adequate throttle response and ride. Haven't really "studied" what I do. I usually get in 5th as fast as I can, without hammering it. I do shift down a gear to pass on a two lane.

Hack

 

I personally dont like to be under 2500,luggin the motor isnt good and under 2500 doesnt feel right to me.

 

That's what I figured.. I think I'm almost as fearful riding under 2100 as I am over 4000rpms.. But I was questioning if 3k is too low.. Good to hear that's where people like to hang..

 

I shift according to the manual. However the manual also advises that the rider can shift according to his or her own preference. Being a noob on a new bike I'm following the manual. Once I have some experience on the saddle then I may adjust my shifting style.

1st to 2nd - 15mph
2nd to 3rd - 25
3rd to 4th - 35
4th to 5th - 45
5th to 6th - 55

Downshift
6th to 5th - 50
5th to 4th - 40
4th to 3rd - 30
3rd to 2nd - 20
2nd to 1st - 10