Highway gear

[Glensummers]

Guys I recently purchased a 2008 GL-1800. I have even out riding it and really love it. Quiet and smooth just what I wanted. I am a little disappointed in the RPM at highway speed. I live on the Texas/New Mexico line. Most all of Texas has its highway speeds at 75 and NM ranges from 55 and up. It seems tome that 3300 rpm at 75 is too high. It seems I am waistline gas and don't need that high of rpm to maintain that speed. I plan to get a trailer and maybe the rpm's will be justified then. I figured when you hit OD you would be in the mid or low 2000's. I am hoping you guys might have some options for me or at least educate me a little! I would appreciate some feedback.

[MikeB]

I figured when you hit OD you would be in the mid or low 2000's. I am hoping you guys might have some options for me or at least educate me a little! I would appreciate some feedback.

Unfortunately, OD is not a true overdrive, just 5th gear.

Here is the Gear ratio:
1st 2.375 (38/16)
2nd 1.454 (32/22)
3rd 1.068 (31/29)
4th 0.843 (27/32)
5th 0.686 (24/35)

So, until Honda comes up with a 6th gear, that is where we stand.

[harvey01]

Owners of the GL1800 have been wishing for a sixth gear or overdrive sine the bike came out in 2001. The suggestion has been made to Honda many times in many different ways.

There is no question fuel mileage drops when riding above 3000rpms. But the engine and tranny can go all day a lot faster than 75MPH. I say just ride it, and expect lower gas mileage.

Maybe Honda will add another gear if they develop a new Wing.

[Glensummers]

MikeB thanks for the information, I was beginning to think something was wrong with the tranny. Thanks again

[Dusty Boots]

@ 75 mph a drop of even 500 RPM will not improve your gas mileage!

I have a 1500 and have experimented with running various sized car tires on it, the RPM has seen a range of 500 RPM difference @ 70 mph and no difference in fuel mileage. What you will notice is a drop in throttle response with a taller tire/lower rpm at higher speeds over the stock configuration!

The overall frontal size of the Wing is akin to a barn door, which requires increased power (think more fuel) to propel it down the road to overcome aerodynamic drag which is compounded the more you head north of 55 mph! Nature of the beast!

[Glensummers]

Dusty Boots
I was thinking of trying a taller tire on the rear. 500 rpm drop would help and it seems to me my speedometer is running faster than my actual speed and that would help cure that also. What tires have you tried?