Rpm's

[Triker Mike]

I am totally new to trikes & 1500's . I have a "96" Roadsmith.
when I am running at about 55 the rpm's are about 27 or 2800 is that about right?

L E T S R I D E

[Ozarkryder]

Triker Mike - welcome to the three world!

Sounds good to me - we have a '95 Gl1500 Motor Trike. I believe they use a Ford rear end. At 65mph indicated on the speedo, but about 62 on the GPS, we are running about 3000rpm.

You might know that 3000 rpm seems to be the "magic number" as far as mpg on a 1500 goes. We get around 35mpg 2-up general riding around if we keep it under 3000rpm, about 64mph. Hit the freeway at 70 - 75, up around 3500rpm or more and the mileage is down to around 28 mpg. Loaded for a trip with all the gear and pulling the full Bunkhouse, I expect 25 - 26 on the freeway. Strangely enough, under 3000rpm on level ground we still get about 33 - 34 mpg loaded up. For economy, and just an all around nicer riding experience, we like to stay off the freeway when possible. (example- going from SW MO to MN on US65, avoiding I-35)

[John Luciano]

100% true Last week on back roads loaded 2 up with 600# trailer 34 MPG on the way home Honey wanted to get home faster took the freeway 70MPH 3,600 RPM watched the gas Gage move about 24 MPG . Got home 20 min sooner

[ben721364]

Originally Posted by Triker Mike

I am totally new to trikes & 1500's . I have a "96" Roadsmith.
when I am running at about 55 the rpm's are about 27 or 2800 is that about right?

L E T S R I D E

I understand that trike kit builders typically try to select a differential ratio and tire size (diameter) that closely matches the final drive ratio of the host motorcycle. Likewise Honda motorcycle speedometers are typically optimistic.

[Triker Mike]

Thanx for the replys. So far it is just 1 up but hope by the week-end it'll be 2 up & by Fathers day 2 up + Kwik Kamp

[topgatt1]

Originally Posted by ben721364

I understand that trike kit builders typically try to select a differential ratio and tire size (diameter) that closely matches the final drive ratio of the host motorcycle. Likewise Honda motorcycle speedometers are typically optimistic.

I ride an 07 vtx1300/Champion.... My speedometer is about 5-6 mph faster than my garmin GPS . My car HondaCRV and gps Different GPS are dead on..Is the Honda speedo That much off ? Thanks...Rick

[ben721364]

Originally Posted by topgatt1

I ride an 07 vtx1300/Champion.... My speedometer is about 5-6 mph faster than my garmin GPS . My car HondaCRV and gps Different GPS are dead on..Is the Honda speedo That much off ? Thanks...Rick

My GL1800 Roadsmith speedometer is almost dead on with my Garmin Zumo. Likewise the odometer agrees with the mileposts along interstate highways. Whether by design or happenstance, TS appears to have selected the right final drive ratio and tire diameter in this instance...