Posted by Richard fssnoc#4368(Ks) on July 24, 2003 at 00:46:55:
In Reply to: H-D pulleys compatable? posted by Kentraveler on July 23, 2003 at 05:33:57:
Kent - I read with some interest the comment about yuor recent weekend trip traveling at 70-75mph and that you felt uncomfortable because you felt the bike was turning too many rpm's. Since you say your Savage is new I can assume it is a 5 speed. You also go on to say that your other bike is a Harley. I think what you may be trying to do in your mind is to try and make the Savage into your Harley. It won't happen. It's a totally different bike entirely. Neither better, nor worse, just different and the differences must be appreciated. First, let me say that just an hour or so ago, I just got back from my regular 'fssnoc' lunch ride. Ninety two miles one way. I took the long way home and ended up riding 209 miles today at the speeds you indicated. On certain stretches of road, I picked up the pace and put my Savage into her happy zone of 75+mph. 'My' happy zone by the way is 60 - 65mph. Now I mention this only to compare my comfort zone to what yours apparently is on the Savage. Look in your new owners manual to where it speaks of break in periods. In a little most overlooked chart, it gives the rmp of the engine at various speeds. The rpm at 60mph is 4000. Rpm at 75 is only 5000. The reason I bring this up is that the Harley is a low rpm engine. My guess is that your Harley at these speeds is turning probably 2000 rpm less. If you're used to listening to your Harley at these speeds, then yes, you probably do think the thing is coming apart. But, believe me, it's not. My bikes' balancer, crank, wheels, geartrain, etc. just come into complete harmony at this speed. Its where it likes to be. Not me necessarily however, which I guess is my point. Your bike doesn't care, you just have to get into this bike and not compare it to your Harley cause it 'aint' one. Never was. Never will be. Do I like the sound of my engine at this speed. Absolutely, it's music to me! Will it hurt it? Not in the least. I might mention however that the altitude here in Kansas is about 1000 feet above sea level. The wind was light here today, the roads straight with a few mild twists and curves just to keep my attention and the temperature was upper 80's. Your conditions may differ. So there guys, eat your heart out!