Goldwing Question

[DH40]

Hello. I am new to the forum and just bought my first bike, a 1997 Honda GW. I've had my license for about 16 years but the last time I was on a bike was at least 10 years ago. FYI, I am planning to take attend the MSP riders course at the end of the month. My question is, on the GW, what is a good RPM range to keep the engine in? According to the owner's manual, it seems they want to keep the RPMs way down with the shift points they call for (5th or OD by approx 31 MPH or so), but while reading on here other posts, that seems like that might cause the engine to lug. I've had it out and while cruising 65-70 MPH, the RPMs were in the 2500-3000 range. So does anyone (especially those who may have big bikes) have any comments or suggestions? Thanks.

[dr_bar]

If you've never thrown a leg over a Wing before, you'll find they have the power to lug out of some pretty low RPM's. My Valkyrie has the 1500 GW engine and I pulled a trailer across Canada and the Northern States last year. It was like riding an automatic after you got it in 5th. Not a good habit, but it was a crazy strong puller with all that torque. That bike has 100hp and about 95 ft-lb of torque...

[Loonette]

...According to the owner's manual, it seems they want to keep the RPMs way down with the shift points they call for (5th or OD by approx 31 MPH or so)...

The owner's manual for my bike says the same thing. Same thing when I had my 2000 Shadow. I think it's way too low. Work that transmission a bit, just don't make your engine scream. I won't shift into 5th until I'm either climbing into about 60 MPH - OR - if I'm cruising steadily at 45-50 MPH. Listen to and feel your bike - you'll get to know as second nature what are the best times for shifing up and down.

Cheers,
Loonette

[Big B]

...According to the owner's manual, it seems they want to keep the RPMs way down with the shift points they call for (5th or OD by approx 31 MPH or so)...

The owner's manual for my bike says the same thing. Same thing when I had my 2000 Shadow. I think it's way too low. Work that transmission a bit, just don't make your engine scream. I won't shift into 5th until I'm either climbing into about 60 MPH - OR - if I'm cruising steadily at 45-50 MPH. Listen to and feel your bike - you'll get to know as second nature what are the best times for shifing up and down.

Cheers,
Loonette

+1 let your ears tell you when it's time to shift

[kvrider]

Come to think of it I never look at the tac on my wing. You will feel and hear the bike and know when it is time to shift. The bike will have the power to ride around in higer gears and not require you to downshift on hills. When I am in fifth gear at 40-45 mph it does not chug at all.