Joe Minton recently wrote an article in American Rider on SE parts and their dyno numbers. I found the following statement by him interesting and thought it worth sharing.

“The easiest, simplest and most effective way to get added performance is to downshift. Downshift until the engine is near or above 4,500 rpm then use full throttle. 4,500 rpm boost horsepower by almost 50% compared to what the engine delivers at 3,000 rpm. This is free power and it will not hurt the engine to use it, not at all.”

Personally I'm normally at 2400 to 3200 and often cruise at 2600. Sounds like I need to adjust my riding style to a higher rpm range. I may even be lugging the engine at 2400 since I hear what my dealer calls valve train noise from 2200 to 3000 rpm.

I'd be curious to hear what range my fellow baggers ride in?

 

I find the sweet spot running in all gears is around 2500 on mine. Now when I am out on the highway running 65 or more I drop it into 6th for fuel mileage even if it drops below that. I very rarely even hit 4500rpm! Thanks for sharing with us.

Aaron

 

I tend to keep it right around 2200-2300 RPMs.

 

I also keep mine between 2500 and 3000. 3000-3200 is my normal shifting range when on the hiway at around 70mph in 6th about 2800 is sweet.

 

I don't think you have to adjust your riding style. I'm sure most people ride in the same RPM range as you.

 

I don't mind noodling along at 2400 rpm, but I also believe the sweet spot on my bike is 2800 around town. Of course, it also loves 3500 on the mountain twisties.

After a good 20 mile warm-up, I have no problem regularly bouncing off the 5K notch, and beyond...especially in the lower gears. It's true; this is where my V-Twin really comes alive.

I would never subject this engine to under-2K operation, unless I were motoring through a school zone or idling up to a stop sign. But hey...to each his own, right?

 

This is an interesting idea. I'll put it to some little bit of a test when this Atlanta rain lets up in a day or two.

 

Surely you dont ride at 2400-3200 when you are riding hard???

When my bike was stock 96 i used to have to wring her neck and she would go ok about 4500, but got breathless above 5000. I never hit the limiter, she was all done before 5500 and there was no point.

 

I ride mine like I stole it when I wont to and get around like an old dog when I wont to.

 

2200-2800 for cruising ,maybe 4500 when passing cars?