I came off a 2011 103 to a 2014 103, huge difference in power. My 2011 I was told to use 6th on the interstate only, but yesterday on my 2014 I used it on state routes, hills, curves and it seemed to work well with no bogging. It ran 2100 rpm range at 55-60 mph. Is it still a no no to use it off the interstate since the new engines have much more power?

 

60 and over and only as long as when you add a little throttle, it responds well. If not, downshift. These motors like to be at 2,500 and above.

 

Just keep it above 2000 rpm and you're fine... Mine hasn't been totally stock on awhile... You'll know when the rpms are too low...

 

Use 6th gear whenever your engine does not feel sluggish.

Sometimes at 55+, on nice curve roads, I get into 6th gear. You'll be able to hear and feel the bike

 

Why would you want to run a high gear at low revs?

It beats the hell out of me why some guys can't relax until they're in top gear, even if that means lugging the motor at 55mph. It's not like 6th gear is made out of some tougher material that is designed to take more of the miles.

You will do more damage to an engine putting it under high load at low revs for mile after mile than bouncing it off the rev limiter going through the gears.

I have hardly used 6th on my Deluxe since I've had it, because I just haven't gone quick enough. It's not really happy in top until 60mph, and with no screen and limited highway miles I'm not doing over 55mph, and thats just not quick enough for top on twisty hilly roads.

 

DING DING DING!! The winning answer.

 

The owners manual shows the recommend shift points. It says 45 for 5th and 55 for 6th. Both are about 2000 RPMs.

 

...except I find my speedo if off by as much as 5 MPH at higher speeds - so I don't change into 6th gear until going over 60 MPH.
Like said above, better to bounce off rev limiter than to lug the engine - that is a big no no.

 

Around 60 depending on the circumstances going up hill, down hill, against a high head wind or with high wind.

 

From 60mph to 130mph.