crusing speed

Post by **yellowjacket** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 8:49 pm

On my 2016 R1200RT LC I was wondering what is the best RPM range to stay in. At 55-57 MPH I can be at 3000-3100 in 6th or 3300-3400 in 5th. The gas mileage seems to be just about the same. I ride a lot around 55 on the back roads and just thinking about what is best.

Post by **Levisp** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:16 pm

I would say stay in 5th. Smoother engine better throttle control and better engine braking.

Post by **k9doc** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:27 pm

^ +1
The mantra always was 'stay in a responsive gear', which is probably 1 lower than where you think you should be.

Post by **k9doc** » Wed Apr 20, 2016 10:13 pm

yellowjacket wrote: I ride a lot around 55 on the back roads and just thinking about what is best.

If the 'back roads' were 'twisty', then 4th may be a good choice.

P.S. A post above seems to have just disappeared.

Post by **T6pilot** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 12:05 am

I agree with above posters
5th if unexciting back road
4th if twisties

Post by **yellowjacket** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 1:27 am

I agree but what RPM range should I shoot far. Being a life long Harley rider, I am not use to these hi RPM's. It seems that the 1200 loves RPM's but I am just getting use to the bike.

Post by **Budman** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 4:56 am

Mine seems to be happyest between 4000 and 5000

Bud 

Post by **onegrecook** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 5:07 am

Mine spends most of it's time right at 4,000 rpm. usually in 6th gear at about 72 mph. It just seems to be smooth and happy at 4k.

Post by **k9doc** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 9:13 am

Forget the tacho, just feel the force, 'ride with the tide and go with the flow'.

Post by **k9doc** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 9:30 am

Just noticed the OP is talking about the LC. Having no experience of this engine and it's characteristics, my above comments are probably worthless. Apologies for wasting your time.  :-X

Post by **Levisp** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 9:59 am

onegrecook wrote: Mine spends most of it's time right at 4,000 rpm. usually in 6th gear at about 72 mph. It just seems to be smooth and happy at 4k.

Agree. That is a particularly smooth part of the rev range. IMHO anything above 3500 rpm is smooth on the LC.

Post by **Gonzo** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 4:58 pm

I am a newbie and wanted to thank yellowjacket as I had the same question. My 2016 likes to be around 4000 RPM but I wasn't sure if this was ok during the first 500 miles.

guest2360 · Post by **guest2360** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 5:43 pm

Think the book tells you 4000 max for the first 600 miles.  Main thing is don't slog them.

Post by **mercator1** » Wed Apr 27, 2016 5:46 am

When at cruising speed on the interstate (75-85+), I put it in 6th.  Otherwise, I keep it in 5th when cruising on open back roads.

guest2360 · Post by **guest2360** » Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:08 am

Mine is happy in 6th at 55 if I'm not in a hurry. Still in 5th at 75 seems a little high

BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

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