My apologies if this has been asked before. I am wondering what RPMsyou use as a standard when running a Goldwing with a sidecar? We are traveling in the Badlands where terrain is a little hilly and I have been trying to maintain 2000 rpms minimum with a loaded sidecar. Bike has performed very well and wanted to see if anyone has other suggestions. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions
Not sure if it helps, but on my Harley Ultra, I keep the rpm's 2000+.
Any less it seems to lag. Cannot imigine it would be different with any bike-sidecar. But we're talking a v-twin vs 6 cylinder, so I'm sure others with wings will chime in with more experience. Later-
Honda has made many different Goldwings since 1975. You did not specify which one you have. My 1100 at times I would pull mountain passes at 6500 RPM in 3rd gear. Really all it gets down to is do not lug the engine done, letting it turn a bit faster then normal to a point does no harm. If you are concened down shift.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
Thanks Jay. We have a 2018. The sweet spot for running with a passenger seems to be 5th Gerard at about 2100 rpms. I can go to 6th if I get to 65 on a level road. Usually run 4th and 5th most of the time. By the way, have you figured out a mod for the front end of the 18?
We have not done the steering mod yet, I have not seen an 2018 yet. First person who buys a sidecar and brings us their bike will get the front end mod for free. It will be pretty much the same type of thing we build for the BMW K1600GT.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
page 112 of your owner's manual has recommended shift points.
Ken M
2010 GL1800 / Hannigan GTL
Thanks appreciate the info. Just rode 6 hrs- in Yellowstone. Mostly 3rd 4th and occasionally 5th. The bike and sidecar performed flawlessly. ! Really like this combo
NCGLSidecarist - 6/25/2018 11:41 PM
Thanks Jay. We have a 2018. The sweet spot for running with a passenger seems to be 5th Gerard at about 2100 rpms. I can go to 6th if I get to 65 on a level road. Usually run 4th and 5th most of the time. By the way, have you figured out a mod for the front end of the 18?
2100 RPM in 5th is close to lugging the engine, especially with the added load of a sidecar. Granted the 1800 engine is powerful but it wil be much happier at higher revs.
Point well taken. Riding in Yellowstone I found I was using a lot of 3, and4th gear occasionally 5 th on the downhill and straightaways. In Sturgis now for a few relaxing rides and then back east to sweltering temps. Been quite a trip. Will write more about it later in the trip section. Ride safe!
If the engine is working, ie: going up hills, pushing a head wind, then you want to keep the revs up. Not sure of where the power band or what the torque curve is for the 2018, but you want to be in that area when travelling with the sidecar under load. Going down hills there is no problem with shifting to a higher gear as the engine isn't under load.
I'm guessing, ( owned several wings but none with a sidecar ) but you would likely want to be in the 3000 rpm range when under load ( making the engine work ). With the goldwing, it is basically a car engine, so you can use the rpm from your car/truck as a guide to where you should be running it under load. Lugging is a no no for any gas engine.
