How many RPM's

[txlander]

This trike I have just acquired has got me stumped on the speedometer. It seems to read OK up to about 60 mph. But when it indicates 70, I'm passing everyone on the road. I have tried to check it with the speedo app on my android and it confirms speed up to 60. When it says I am going 70, the speedo needle is all over the place. The beast is a 2010 GL1800 Nav with Motor Trike kit. Can anyone give me an RPM count at 70 MPH?

 

[Gold Rush]

Should be right around 3000... <img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" />

 

[txlander]

Thanks. When my speedo says 70, my tach says 3300 but varies up and down. If I could pinpoint the rpm's, I won't have to worry about the speedo. It has been my experience that tachs are more dependable than speedometers. I guess I could get my riding partner to mark the speed while I mark the rpm's.

 

[Gold Rush]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>txlander</strong>
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<div class="message">Thanks. When my speedo says 70, my tach says 3300 but varies up and down. If I could pinpoint the rpm's, I won't have to worry about the speedo. It has been my experience that tachs are more dependable than speedometers. I guess I could get my riding partner to mark the speed while I mark the rpm's.</div>

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</div>I'm a bit puzzled. Is the speed really staying steady and the tach changing? I've never seen any GL1800 do that..... <img src="images/smilies/smiley confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="confused" class="inlineimg" /> <img src="images/smilies/smiley confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="confused" class="inlineimg" /> <br />
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Which MotorTrike conversion do you have? Sounds like a solid axle with the 3.07 to 1 ratio. My Adventure is 2.7?

to 1 I believe. That would account for the difference in rpm. I seem to recall a friend of mine runs close to that 3300 number. <img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" /> <img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" />

 

[txlander]

I have the Adventure IRS. The tach stays steady with no accel or decel. That's why I feel like I could count on the tach. It could be that I'm not aware of subtle variations in speed due to terrain changes or wind forces. However, the rpm's don't "seem" to change. I'm used to my HD which has a solid response to any variations. This trike is very new to me and it just may take some getting used to. I'm just a little concerned that in 70 mph zones, I am passing a lot of other vehicles. Maybe they are just too slow.

 

[saab9k]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>txlander</strong>
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<div class="message">I have the Adventure IRS. The tach stays steady with no accel or decel. That's why I feel like I could count on the tach. It could be that I'm not aware of subtle variations in speed due to terrain changes or wind forces. However, the rpm's don't "seem" to change. I'm used to my HD which has a solid response to any variations. This trike is very new to me and it just may take some getting used to. I'm just a little concerned that in 70 mph zones, I am passing a lot of other vehicles. Maybe they are just too slow.</div>

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</div>My 1999 Valkyrie Interstate is a lot more responsive at speeds above<br />
60mph than my Yamaha Road Star 1700.<br />
Remember you now have a short stroke, with 6 pistons, instead of 2.<br />
The Valkyrie Interstate is above 100 hp and torq. Out of the box when born.

 

[Gold Rush]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>txlander</strong>
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<div class="message">I have the Adventure IRS. The tach stays steady with no accel or decel. That's why I feel like I could count on the tach. It could be that I'm not aware of subtle variations in speed due to terrain changes or wind forces. However, the rpm's don't "seem" to change. I'm used to my HD which has a solid response to any variations. This trike is very new to me and it just may take some getting used to. I'm just a little concerned that in 70 mph zones, I am passing a lot of other vehicles. Maybe they are just too slow.</div>

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</div>GL1800s are notorious for the speedometer being off. Some as much as 5 to 8%.....

As a two wheeler, my '06 was off about 3 mph at 70. When I converted to the MotorTrike Adventure in June 2011 the first thing I noticed was all of a sudden my Garmin 660 and the bike speedometer agreed. I mean they are dead on the money the same at nearly any speed. And yes, you will pass a lot of riders because they are still trusting the OEM speedometer. I've had several guys accuse me of riding too fast until I convince them I'm staying legal (well most of the time). Now they either keep up or not but don't mention speeding....

 

[JaysGone]

Ive found in my experience.
Most bikes speed sensors are on average 5% off.
Mechanical speedos not so much.
With the R* the OEM rear is a 150-70-16 I think?
Ive been using a 195-65-16 for so long Im not really sure anymore ..
Use a 160-80 and its dead on
Speedo healers are some folks cure.
But for most going up 1 tire size can put you dead on.
I have the same setup as you.
2010 with MT kit.
Im running a 225-60-15 rear tire.
If your running 205-70s or even a 215-60 that would change your speedometer a tad.
10mph is a lot of difference....
Heres a helpful but not 100% accurate little program we use over on one of the darkside forums to get a general idea what tire sizes do.
Might be helpful?? Might not in your case.

Just plug in 225-60-15 then whatever you have if different.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos

 

[driver10]

I used the gps to run speed with. just check speedo against gps and mark your your speedo correctly. I did this to my wifes 750 aero trike it was 7 miles mph @ 65 mph. now she keeps up with me.

 

[txlander]

Thanks for all the responses. It does not appear to be a problem from 60 and below according to the GPS. But it seems as if the needle is reluctant to move up once I exceed 60. If I didn't know better, I would say that the movement inside the speedo hits a rusty spot. The senior citizen that owned it before me probably never went over 60. (Just kiddin') But on these Texas roads where 75 mph is common, I can hardly hold back. Regardless, I have resolved not to fret over it. If I get tagged for speeding, then I will know for sure.

 

[Texas Rider]

Thanks for all the responses. It does not appear to be a problem from 60 and below according to the GPS. But it seems as if the needle is reluctant to move up once I exceed 60. If I didn't know better, I would say that the movement inside the speedo hits a rusty spot. The senior citizen that owned it before me probably never went over 60. (Just kiddin') But on these Texas roads where 75 mph is common, I can hardly hold back. Regardless, I have resolved not to fret over it. If I get tagged for speeding, then I will know for sure.

Find yourself a friendly cop and tell him whats going on. See if he will run radar on you doing a run towards him.

 

[driver10]

check to see if the needle is hitting the lens or the face on the speedo, some of the older models the face would worup in the sun.

 

[Gold Rush]

check to see if the needle is hitting the lens or the face on the speedo, some of the older models the face would worup in the sun.

Good catch drive10!!! I forgot all about that. My '01 did it. First time I slowed down coming into a tiny town somewhere and the speedo stuck on 66 mph. Imaging my surprise... :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[riverdoc]

Should be right around 3000... :xszpv:

Every trike (or bike) has a "sweet spot". My 2006 GW Hannigan 2010, I run at 3000-3200 rpm. Sweet. At 70, I am 3200 rpm. Take it from someone who has ridden for 59 years, never lug an engine, it is better to run it at higher rpm within the engine safety. I rode Harleys for most of my riding years, and always tried to keep it around 3000 rpms. I do the same with the Gold Wings I have owned.

 

[msocko3]

Every trike (or bike) has a "sweet spot". My 2006 GW Hannigan 2010, I run at 3000-3200 rpm. Sweet. At 70, I am 3200 rpm. Take it from someone who has ridden for 59 years, never lug an engine, it is better to run it at higher rpm within the engine safety. I rode Harleys for most of my riding years, and always tried to keep it around 3000 rpms. I do the same with the Gold Wings I have owned.

:Agree: The wing has bunches of low end but I also prefer to stick in the upper rpm range and choose my gear accordingly, as I also do on Harley's.