rpm's for the r1200

[Mike Mc]

I am new to the r1200gs. I was inquiring today what rpm's I should be running.. Is this right? no less that 3000, preferably between 4000 and 6000 and above! so crusing along at 60mph, I should be turning around 5000rpm's? Is this close? sounds like a very hi reveving engine to say the least.. Thank you for your responses.. Mike

[multiplu]

Mike if you are asking this kind of question you shouldnt own a bike

I mean cmon now?????

[opticat]

Kind of a crappy response from a "senior member", don't you think? One would think that someone of your obvious wealth of knowledge about motorbikes would at least tell the new member where he could search to find an answer. I want to say more, but it is not my style.

To the new member, yes, the boxer is quite happy at 4000 rpm and above. Just don't lug it as you would a Harley.

[Schtum]

The numbers are not the issue - how it performs and feels when you're riding is. Sure you wouldn't particularly want to lug it down to sub 3,000 rpm going up a steep hill in a high gear but at other times, on a level road at 3,000 in 6th, it might be fine. You do, of course, always need to bear in mind what comes next and your requirements in terms of throttle response and acceleration. The correct gear at the correct time is what's required.

However, if we must do numbers, then, off the top of my head, '08 and later bikes are geared so that the red line in 6th = V-max. So, 8,000 rpm = 136 mph = 17 mph per 1,000 rpm. So 60 mph in 6th = just over 3,500 rpm. Subject to the caveat above, there are times when this would be perfectly fine.

HTH

[Mike Mc]

Thanks for your responses, I know the feel of the motorcycle and should ride accordingly.. I am new to the big twins as opposes to the four cylinder high rpm's. The dealer people said to keep it high, just sounds like it is coming ungluded sometimes.. I will ride to my feel and keep the rpm's up around the 4000 range.. I appeciate the input.. Thank you. Mike.

[multiplu]

Mike just ride it like you stole the bastard!

If you take it in the dirt remember to turn off the abs and use that throttle to get out of trouble more than the brakes

and remember its not a dirt bike so dont go anywhere too crazy,its a top heavy bitch,be carefull,stand up most of the time offroad

[opticat]

Thank you, multiplu. You are a gentleman after all . . . . good advice concerning off-road riding.

[marc]

The proper RPM depends upon your situation.

Going slow on dirt roads where traction is iffy... lugging the engine at 2000 RPM in first or second gear is sometimes the proper thing to do. Was doing that a lot Saturday.

Cruising the flat boulevards.. 3300 +/- 500 is about right.

On the freeway... 4000 +/- 1000 will keep up with traffic

Having fun in the fast twisties... 5000 +/- 1500 feels good.

What kind of riding will you be doing?

[Mike Mc]

Right now I am commuting to work and back, getting to know the beast and its quirks. Also making some trips around the local area (Port Townsend wa) the Hood canal, back and for to Silverdale, Fife where the dealer is. No gravel riding, except friends and mine driveways. I am planning a trip into the mountains and forest service roads soon. Thanks for your input. Mike.

[Roadkill]

I wish I had thought to ask this question myself. Here is what I have discovered from my own accidental testing. I ran mine for an embarassing amount of time in the 2500 to 3600 range. Used more oil than I expected for a new bike and I had trouble keeping the battery charged.

Mainly to try to solve the battery issue and after talking with some other riders I increased the rpms (drove in lower gears) to the 3600 to 4500 range and the battery is no longer an issue. Also noticed that the oil consumption has dropped to almost zero. It makes sense that at higher rpms the pressure across the piston has to be lower and you'd get less blow by. Also noticed that the oil is staying cleaner longer, probably a by product of less blow by.

Still I was taught wear is a function of of the square of the rpms. But I can not argue with the results I've seen so far. The guys are right rev it up.

I've limited my use of 6th gear to the interstate and long straight flat roads.