High RPM's

Is there a way to lower the RPMs of my '82 550 maxim? I was thinking maybe changing the front sprocket but was unsure if it was ok to do? I plan on riding from to Dubuque Iowa to my Hometown in Billings MT this summer and almost the entire route is I 90 at 85 MPH. My concern is that the rpms at 60 run around 6 grand. Any Thoughts?

 

You could go up a tooth on the front sprocket if you want; they're available.

But if you're worried about running the motor at 7K all day, don't be. You won't hurt it, provided it's in a proper state of tune. I run 80 for extended periods during my commute and the motor doesn't even break a sweat.

MY "thought" would be: why the heck would you take the freeway for a trip like that? I'd be on the "2-lane blacktop" myself rather than the superslab with all those trucks.

 

Yeah me too fitz, 2 lane black top and a bit of dirt road..

 

I agree. There would be a lot of nice scenery on that ride.

 

No reason to do that........you can run higher rpms all day long on a 95 degree day and the bike won't even start to break a sweat.

Dave F

 

I have to take I90 in order to get as much time visiting friends and family because even going that route it's a 17 hour drive straight through. I will bump it up a gear definitely. Just for my own piece of mind, because it gets nasty hot out there especially in July and August.

 

You could also change the rear to further increase your rpm/speed ratio. If you are going the interstate route I would look into a manual cruise control for your throttle, and some kind of windscreen if you don't have one already. Make sure your bikes in good tune and take some emergency stuff with ya. (fresh plugs, extra cables, fuses, water (for yourself), etc.)

I can make almost as good of time on state highways as I can on interstate just by going a little bit faster when the highway opens up and there is little traffic, which on you're route would be often.

 

I plan on having a good emergency kit put together including oil, oil filter, plugs, first aid kit, clutch brake cables, a full complement of extra fuses and $1,000.00 petty cash just in case shit happens.


I want to ride I90 also because That's the route I took when I rode from Montana to Dubuque on my Honda CB 360T..... Besides there are some good coffee / food stops on that route.

Are there any adverse affects to changing the sprockets I should be aware of?

 

Only if you don't torque the bolts to spec.

The chain should also be replaced when replacing the sprockets.

 

cramp buster. Best $12 I ever spent on the bike.

 

Where do i find that for 12?

 

http://shop.crampbuster.com/category-crampbusters.html

it just slides on your grip and rests under your wrist. You can stretch out your fingers and relax your hand. It's great.

 

Nice I'm definitely picking one up