Best rpm's for steady speed?

[redbeard]

I have about 7 or 8 miles of 55 mph highway to and from work each way. Traffic is usually right at about 60mph. My question is when riding at a steady pace, what rpm's do most of you run? At 60mph my B12 runs at about 4800 rpm's in 3rd gear, 4000 in 4th, and 3500 in 5th. For mechanical longevity, fuel economy, etc., whats your call, and why? For what it's worth, I generally run in 4th gear at 60mph with the engine turning 4000 rpm's, I never run that speed in 5th cause it feels to luggy, and often run in 3rd @ 4800 rpm's. I'm only using 60 mph as an example, because it happens to me all the time. The question stands for any speed. Just curious on others riding preference, and opinions. Do most run a steady pace at higher, lower, or mid-range rpm's?

[Tundrahog]

For cruising, I generally try to stay at or over 4k.  That gives you pretty easy access to the power band if you need it.  for your situation I'd probably run in 4th, or depending on traffic, speed limit and LEOs, go to 5th and push it up to about 70mph.  I prefer to run a little faster than traffic, it helps keep people from hiding in my blind spots, or sneaking up on me.

[redbeard]

In most situations, I run faster than the traffic also, However, on my commute to and from work, the highway has pretty heavy traffic, and alot of long curves that are no passing zones, so alot of the time, I'm stuck with the flow. Even when I have alot of open road, it seems like I'm usually between about 4000 and 5000 rpm's for steady running. Thanks for chiming in Tundrahog.

[IcyChaos]

In most situations, I run faster than the traffic also, However, on my commute to and from work, the highway has pretty heavy traffic, and alot of long curves that are no passing zones, so alot of the time, I'm stuck with the flow. Even when I have alot of open road, it seems like I'm usually between about 4000 and 5000 rpm's for steady running. Thanks for chiming in Tundrahog.

I keep it wherever I can crack the throttle and it'll go imediatly. My bones are worth more than gas/engine problems.

So if a possom or deer or car runs at you, your bike wont hesitate..

[GaryB12VA]

My Bandit seemed to really smooth out at about 5000-5500 RPM in 5th gear. The only problem with that was if I kept that  up very long, I would proabaly see some flashing red lights in my rear view mirrors before long  

[ATC'er]

Throttle wide open in 5th gear.  Mileage will suck though.

[Cargo7]

I can keep the B12 in 5th almost all day. Most of my cruising in that gear is between 3500 - 4500 rpm. If you're on a highway I don't see the need for power so instant that you can't get it by downshifting once. This is "cruising" mind you...

This bike will run smooth and pull evenly right down to 2500rpm. That causes fairly high cylinder pressures however and it will definitely not accelerate fast enough to get you out of trouble. So in traffic probably a good idea to keep it above 3500/4000rpm - the 1200 is a good torque motor. It's not often I need to run to 8000rpm and in most conditions I just scare myself over this - so maybe I'm a pretty mellow rider...

Having said that I've ridden any number of 600's where the fun doesn't start till 10 grand. These engines can sing there all day long so that's were you ride 'em.

As far as mechanical longevity - lugging an engine is generally harder on it that higher rpm - higher octane fuel is also advisable. All things considered higher rpm will wear the engine quicker - but this is something you wouldn't notice for a long time. Having to refill your tank more often is something you'll notice however.

[redbeard]

Thanks all for your responses. I was just curious as to the prefereces and opinions other have in this area, and where their comfort cruising rpm's are at.