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I just traded my 1500 for an 1800 and just am curious about how many rev's I can turn . I usually only turn about 3 but the engine sounds really tight.

I assume based on your avatar that it is an 2002 GL1800. That would indicate that it probably has some miles on it and is well beyond the breakend period. First thing I would do is consult the Owners Manual to see what it says about max RPMs if anything.

Frankly I have hit redline a couple of times with my 04 and now have over 120,000 miles on it. I doubt you have an engine problem, just a well made engine. I would not be reckless but I would run it as needed to satisfy my riding.

The 1800 like to be run middle of the range . That would be3k rpm . Don't lug it by keeping it in too high of a gear . This engine lies to run not lug

I thought the same thing on my first highway ride. I ride an 02 and have now had it over 100MPH in 5th for long, rare runs and the RPM is up above 4k easily. Our interstate is 80MPH locally and that puts me at about 3.5k. In town at 40mph or less I use 4th and at about 2k RPM, but it shifts smoother around 2 - 2.5k RPM. The 1800 has an over speed cut out and if you hit that point it will take over ( I did it once in 3d when I pulled out and discovered a car moving well over the speed limit was approaching ) it scared the heck out of me, I think it kills fuel or spark but it feels horrific for a moment. I eased the wrist and shifted up and all was fine. On the highway being above 3k RPM in 5th is pretty much go for ever cruise status. The 1800 has 2 more cylinders and I'd bet they are smaller than the 1500's cylinders, still more parts and maybe you sense that extra hardware moving but you'll get used to it, I did.

PastoT wrote: The 1800 has 2 more cylinders and I'd bet they are smaller than the 1500's cylinders, still more parts and maybe you sense that extra hardware moving but you'll get used to it, I did.

No, the 1500 also has 6 cylinders. You are thinking of the 1200 etc.

PastoT wrote:I thought the same thing on my first highway ride. I ride an 02 and have now had it over 100MPH in 5th for long, rare runs and the RPM is up above 4k easily. Our interstate is 80MPH locally and that puts me at about 3.5k. In town at 40mph or less I use 4th and at about 2k RPM, but it shifts smoother around 2 - 2.5k RPM. The 1800 has an over speed cut out and if you hit that point it will take over ( I did it once in 3d when I pulled out and discovered a car moving well over the speed limit was approaching ) it scared the heck out of me, I think it kills fuel or spark but it feels horrific for a moment. I eased the wrist and shifted up and all was fine. On the highway being above 3k RPM in 5th is pretty much go for ever cruise status. The 1800 has 2 more cylinders and I'd bet they are smaller than the 1500's cylinders, still more parts and maybe you sense that extra hardware moving but you'll get used to it, I did.

Pretty much every bike and car built in the past 20+ years has an ignition cutout when you hit redline (and yes, it cuts out the spark). It's there for a very good reason - when you exceed redline, the valve springs cannot push the valves closed fast enough, which means the pistons come up and whack into the valves before they have had a chance to close. This is a Bad Thing for your engine.

I used to crew on a racing car on which we used extremely stiff, strong valve springs in order to push the redline up, but we would get at most 2-3 hours engine run time out of them before they had to be changed - they would wear out so quickly.

Ahhh thanks, i didn't know the 1500 also had 6 cyclinders. Anyway I noted this weekend at about 68 mph I'm running 3k RPM and of course most interstates are faster than that. You'll be find running faster RPMs I usualy stick it about 70 mph and just go with it to save gas when trailering (and when I'm paying for the gas). Its likely just different than you're accustom to, as long as the sound is smooth you'll be fine. Redline is marked for a reason and just to get there would mean you're in too low a gear or way over the speed limit even at 80 or 85. Relax and ride!