Would riding a big cube, high compression build for extended hours at low rpms be hard on the build? I'm doing a long run where the guys cruise very slow allll day... we'll probably be doing 65mph for 7-8 hours... should I run it in 5th gear?
09 FLHX 11.25:1 (210ccp).
It should be fine, pay attention to what the motor prefers. Cruising rpms are usually best above 2500 or 2600 rpms, but your motor may prefer a few more.
Some situations at 65 mph may call for 5th gear, or at times 6th gear will be fine. If the motor was built well, you should have no problems.
My motor combo prefers higher rpms in general, so I shift gears as necessary.
Don't worry about it, go riding and have fun!
5th gear. I don't use 6th unless I'm 70mph or higher on flat roads. 210ccp won't like being dogged.
At those speeds, 5th on any slight grade (with a lower gear as needed) and 6th on the flats or down hill.
All very logical ideas. Thanks all.
Quote from: Ohio HD on June 13, 2021, 08:05:14 PM
5th gear. I don't use 6th unless I'm 70mph or higher on flat roads. 210ccp won't like being dogged.
Spot on.
As you gently roll up through the rpm from 2000 you will likely find a span of a couple hundred rpm that feels harsher than the rest. That's because it is impossible to have perfect balance on a 45 degree V twin Harley. With my 4 5/8" stroke high compression 120 it occurs from about 2350 to 2550. It's not bad but if you pay attention you can find it on yours. I personally avoid those rpm and stay in the silky smooth zone. I am also geared 3.15 final and run 3000 rpm plus on the highway. That may mean using 5th but I can tell you that running in the torque / power zone up there gives me better fuel mileage and gobs more response. I will run lower rpm if it is no load (level ground no headwind) and I am trying to be quiet, but that is an exception because I DO NOT lug my engine.
Quote from: kd on June 14, 2021, 02:38:38 PM
As you gently roll up through the rpm from 2000 you will likely find a span of a couple hundred rpm that feels harsher than the rest. That's because it is impossible to have perfect balance on a 45 degree V twin Harley. With my 4 5/8" stroke high compression 120 it occurs from about 2350 to 2550. It's not bad but if you pay attention you can find it on yours. I personally avoid those rpm and stay in the silky smooth zone. I am also geared 3.08 final and run 3000 rpm plus on the highway. That may mean using 5th but I can tell you that running in the torque / power zone up there gives me better fuel mileage and gobs more response. I will run lower rpm if it is no load (level ground no headwind) and I am trying to be quiet, but that is an exception because I DO NOT lug my engine.
That is a good summation.
👍. Thank you... LOL... strange request eh: dear HTT forum members, can you please teach me how to ride my bike slow... I don't know how 🤷♂️!!! :chop:
:hyst: Me neither but I like to have a drivers license so I have learned where and when to smarten up. :doh: I hope that wasn't a jinx comment.
My 131" at 200 ccp will pull up thru no matter what, but prefers north of 2300-2400.
Quote from: kd on June 14, 2021, 02:38:38 PM
As you gently roll up through the rpm from 2000 you will likely find a span of a couple hundred rpm that feels harsher than the rest. That's because it is impossible to have perfect balance on a 45 degree V twin Harley. With my 4 5/8" stroke high compression 120 it occurs from about 2350 to 2550. It's not bad but if you pay attention you can find it on yours. I personally avoid those rpm and stay in the silky smooth zone. I am also geared 3.15 final and run 3000 rpm plus on the highway. That may mean using 5th but I can tell you that running in the torque / power zone up there gives me better fuel mileage and gobs more response. I will run lower rpm if it is no load (level ground no headwind) and I am trying to be quiet, but that is an exception because I DO NOT lug my engine.
This tip worked great. Mine was in roughly the same rpm range as yours. Really smoothed out at about 2700 rpms. Bike seems to like low speed cruising at close to 3k and can do it all day!