gear ratio

[frich01]

I have just recently recieved a XS Eleven G from a friend, after several repairs of common problems I have been riding it back and forth to work, 30 miles of my trip (each way) is interstate travel 70 mph.
What I am wondering is if there is any way of changing the gear ratio of the bike to bring the rpm down a bit at the higher speed, sure would be alot more comfortable of a interstate bike if it could be done.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions
Fred

[Pat Kelly]

At 70 mph you should be turning between 4,000 and 4,500 rpm, about perfect. I rode about 85 mph when I went to Canada last year (1,000 miles). Bike just hummed along happy as can be. Comming back I kept it below 4,200 rpm (around 70-75 mph) because I get better fuel milage. On my bike the carbs transition from pilot jets to main jets at 4,200 rpm.
You could lower your crusing rpm a little by going to a taller (but not wider) rear tire. Just a thought.

[beechfront]

75 mph speed limit

interstate speed limit out here is 75 mph so traffice usually flows about 80-85. I agree it would be nice to see rpms a bit lower in the top gear.

If you did make changes either by a bigger back tire or changing gears - is there any speedometer adjustmet to compensate?

highways are usually 60-65 so even there traffic moves closer to 75.

[dwales]

Changing the gearing or back tire won't efect the speedometer anyway, because it is driven off of the front wheel. But, if anyone does know how to adjust the speedometer. please speak up. I have a 78 Standard that travels 10 MPH slower than the speedo says, and an 81 Special that travels 10 MPH faster than the speedo says!

[Pat Kelly]

Swap the front wheels?