What is Redlining a Motorcycle and is it Bad for My Bike?
Comments Comment“Running on the redline” is common slang for putting out maximum effort, but what is redlining on a motorcycle, and is it bad for your bike? Here’s everything you need to know about the redline.
What is Redlining an Engine?
The redline refers to the maximum engine speed recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. We are talking about engine speed, not the speed of the motorcycle over the road or trail. Engine speed, as expressed in RPM (revolutions per minute) is reported by the tachometer instrument found on most motorcycles. The maximum recommended engine speed is indicated on the tachometer by a red line (get it?), a red zone or by red numerals. The engineers who designed your engine have determined the redline based on the design of the internal components.
Is it bad to rev your engine to the redline?
A brand-new motorcycle usually has a “break in” period where engine speed should be restricted, and the specifics of the break-in period will be detailed in the motorcycle operator’s manual. For example, Harley-Davidson recommends that engine speed on touring models not exceed 3000 RPM for the first 50 miles of riding, and 3500 RPM after that until the bike has covered 500 miles. Limiting the speed of a new engine allows the bearings, piston rings and other internal components to wear in together with minimal stress.
Once the engine is beyond the break-in period, it’s OK to operate the motorcycle at higher RPM, including right up to the redline. Holding engine speed right at the redline for a long period of time is probably not a good idea. That’s just going to accelerate engine wear and waste fuel. In fact, most Harley-Davidson® V-Twin motorcycle engines reach peak torque well below the redline. Unless you are competing on a racetrack, there’s really no point in operating the motorcycle at very high RPM. When you feel acceleration start to fade or the engine sounds strained, upshift to keep the engine in its power zone.
What is the Rev Limiter?
Most modern motorcycles have built-in protection to keep you from over-revving the engine. This is called the rev limiter. When the engine reaches or exceeds the redline, the engine computer will reduce fuel or spark to prevent RPM from going any higher. You may feel or hear this as an intermittent miss or hesitation in the engine. The rev limiter should not be used as a shift indicator. It’s a warning that you need to pay attention to engine speed.
Does revving the engine in neutral cause damage?
When the motorcycle is in neutral, the engine is not under load – meaning it’s not working to push you and the bike forward. This means it’s much easier to give the throttle a big twist and over-rev the engine, which could cause engine damage. Some motorcycles have the rev limiter set at a lower speed when the bike is in neutral.
Motorcycle Engine Redline Tips
- Follow the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendation for engine speed during the new motorcycle break-in period.
- It is OK to operate the engine anywhere below the redline on the tachometer, but it’s not recommended to ride for a prolonged period at very high engine speeds. Most engines make peak torque, and are under much less stress, well below the redline. That said, it’s also not good to lug the engine – or to operate at very low RPM. Your best bet is to ride in the middle of the RPM range on the tachometer to keep your bike happy.
- Downshifting more than one gear, downshifting too quickly, or accidentally downshifting from a high RPM can suddenly over-rev the engine and this not recommended. The rear wheel will mechanically force the engine RPM to go beyond the redline. This could cause engine damage
- Hitting the rev limiter is a warning that you need to back off the throttle or upshift to a higher gear. It’s not recommended to constantly hit the rev limiter, excessive engine wear or damage could occur.
- Riding at high RPM will likely reduce fuel economy and increase engine wear, so it’s recommended to do so sparingly.
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