I was thinking about changing the pulley but after all.....i only ride local and i cruise on 40-45 all the time with 5th gear and fell very smooth. i would say only change pulley if i ride freeway often. all depends what fits your riding style. coming from shadow 750, vn 900 is a lot stronger to me and very happy about it.
Ok, according to Pacomutt's formula, when I'm doing 35 in 5th gear I'm turning 1945 rpm. If you're in 3rd you've got to be turning over 3k. That's highway rpm. To each his own, but I'm comfortable in 5th about 90% of the time.
Nice write up on the Baron's front pulley. For the price I would have ordered the Baron's had been available.
As to all the discussions on gearing, I have both front & rear pulleys. I have always rode by feel with respect to RPMs. Around town 25-40mph I'll be in 2nd & 3rd, back roads 40-60mph I'll run 3rd & 4th gear, highway 65+mph it's 5th. To me gearing is a state of mind and feel where the bike needs to operate for the speed required.
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"Freedom is Loving what you do, and the ability to Pursue It!"
2010 VN900 Classic
I tend to be in 5th around 40~45. Under 40 in fifth if I hit a hill I tend to hear that sewing-machine lugging sounds, an indication that I'm in the wrong gear!
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"8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
2006 Vulcan 900 Classic LT "Couch-a-Saki/Mini-Bagger" Fire and Steel Highway Bars w/ pegs, Mustang seat, Harley-Davidson King TourPak, Mutazu MU Hard Bags, Rick's Stator, and more to come!
2011 Honda Shadow Aero 750 (Wife's) Memphis shades windshield, and one happy new rider!
Member of the Christian Motorcyclist Association
VROC: 34661
Patriot Guard Rider
I tend to be in 5th around 40~45. Under 40 in fifth if I hit a hill I tend to hear that sewing-machine lugging sounds, an indication that I'm in the wrong gear!
Of course! But you can certainly cruise at 35-40 on level ground in fifth. Getting close to 60 mpg consistently ain't bad, either!
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Ron in Cincinnati
Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then.
.........Bob Seger
LOL.... I was having a zen moment.... But, isn't that the reason we ride.... Okay, another zen moment.... 
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Linear Mode
