RPM Range

The manual for my 09 TE250 says that the tach max's out at 14,500 rpm. The bike actually hits the rev limiter at 12,000. The reason I ask is that when I am going 65 on the road with stock gearing, I register about 9,000 RPM. My concern is what is a safe cruising RPM? I have a streetbike and a dualsport for real road riding, but I will be on the street with the TE from time to time to get between riding areas and to keep it in shape. So is 65MPH/9,000RPM too much? What is a safe RPM?

I'm no mechanical engineer but 9000 RPM sustained for a duration, I think that wouldn't be good for your engine. I take my 08 TE250 up to about 7000-7500 RPM just for a couple minutes on the highway since I live only three miles from work.

Do you have the 40 tooth on or the 50 tooth ???

In the 50 tooth rear I would not do 60 for more then a mile or 2 tops as even bikes like a Suzuki Dr 250 doesn't sit well over 55 and the Dr 350's at 60 seem to be strained/labor when backing off the throttle.

I'm sure they all could do it but on my own bikes I wouldn't push top speeds for reliability..

Chow, Carl