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I posted this originally on the New Biker's Section then realized I may have posted in the wrong section.

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.

Your first thread location was fine - my response is there...

viewtopic.php?t=27424&start=0&postdays= ... highlight=

I saw it there- I wasn't sure. Thanks alot.

You are correct in that the engine will lug badly if you shift at low rpm points. I have an '86 goldwing and it doesn't like low rpm at low speeds. I just let the sound of the engine tell me where to do the shifting and as you ride more it will become easier to tell about that sort of thing. My bike seems to cruise at 3000- 3400 rpm and I believe it would run that way till the sun stops shinning if you could keep gas in it. Good luck with yours, I love mine. Keep the shinny side up, Joe.