| Author | Message | ||
     Kowpow225 |
I've read a lot of discussion about lugging and and the consequences. So for all those in the know, what is a good cruising speed for the buells and at what rpm does it yield the least unnecessary wear on the engine. Forth and fifth gear for example. | ||
| Darthane |
My XB9 is perfectly happy anywhere from 3K-5K. For that matter, it's happy at 7K, but that gets a little loud... | ||
| M1combat |
Around town, I shift at 3K and try to keep it above 2300. This is mostly steady state cruising between lights in a leasurely manner. If I'm feeling a little frisky I keep it about 3500. I've done some tests to decide what rpm the bike seems to feel like it's lugging - 1st - It seems to be fine at a steady state at about 1300. If I need to go faster from that RPM however, I will give it some clutch and goose it before letting off the clutch. 2nd and 3rd - I try to not run below 2K at all (and a little above that if I can) but it seems to be mostly ok from about 1700 up if you are real careful with the throttle and don't open it too wide. 4, 5, 6 - Mostly the same as 2nd and 3rd, but I move the lower RPM range up to about 2200 and am generally more careful with the throttle opening. It seems that if you open the throttle too wide at low RPM's is where it starts to lug a little. Also, keep in mind that if you are running below 2000 in a higher gear and do give it too much gas, it will detonate and just not sound too well. I'm sure that causes damage. I guess in summary I try to keep it above 2000 in first at the least, move the number up about 200 RPM's for each additional gear... | ||
| Bcordb3 |
M1, you mention 6th gear (4, 5, 6 - Mostly the same as 2nd and 3rd). What transmission do you have. I have been looking for a six speed and can't seem to find one. Maybe there is hope! | ||
| Glitch |
Pete told me Baker will make you one, at the gear ratios you want. Spendy tho. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Bcord, M1 is dreaming of the mythical 6th gear for the XB's  Glitch in a phone convo with BDT when I got my 12 I was told they were not going to make one for the XB's due to not having a trapdoor. | ||
| M1combat |
he he  . I was dreaming. I'd rather have a kick starter anyway . | ||
| Glitch |
Maybe those were just for the racers. Dunno, when he told me I asked him if he was sure, he said yeah, and they'd do any gear ratio. Maybe I have the manufacture wrong  | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Well if my trans is screwed and I can't get it warrentied...I will contact them again just to make sure. | ||
| Xb9er |
Note Kowpow225 that M1combat is talking about an XB12, I think. The interactive exhaust probably makes a big difference and those rev numbers seem to me to be too low for XB9's. My XB9R is happy above 3000 rpm. It's a stock bike with only the race air cleaner and 12 airbox mods. I cruise at about 75 to 80 mph in 5th gear, 4100 rpm. Around the legal freeway speed limit here, 65 mph, I'm usually in 4th gear, I think somewhere between 4000 and 5000 rpm. Excellent for quick passing and lane changing. I don't let it go below 3000 rpm in 2nd gear around town. In twisties I'm usually playing in 2nd or 3rd and just using the throttle without much gear shifting. Mike. | ||
| Prof_stack |
Plus, the XB's are just a whole lot more fun to ride above 3k rpm's anyway, right? | ||
| Xb9er |
Right! Mike. | ||
| M1combat |
Yes, speaking of an XB12R... I should have clarified, my bad. |
