When between gears, such as traveling at 45 mph, is better to drive in 4th or shift to 5th? I never want to lug an engine, but at the same time I don't want to stay in 4th past the shifting guideline. Which would provide the best gas mileage?

 

I don't shift to 5th until I hit 60-65mph

 

I go into 5th around 55mph.

 

i hit 5th at 50-55. no way would I shift into 5th at 45. 45's a good cruising speed in 4th.

rob

 

With out a doubt at 45 you should be in 4th gear, around 50-55 5th gear, when you get past 60-65 6th gear, smooth as silk on my FATBOY 08!, hope this helps!.....Ivan

 

Am I missing something? I have 5 gears only, where is my overdrive?
06 Fatboy

 

I forgot to mention that I had a 5-speed tranny. I am pretty sure the gearing is the same up to 5th gear with the new 6-speeds. Anyway, thanks for the replies. I will start shifting to 5th gear at 50-55. That might even improve my gas mileage, huh? I have been shifting religiously at 15, 25 35, and 45.

 

The 96ci 6 speed gear ratio is totally different.

I have been shifting religiously at 15, 25 35, and 45.
Just don't read the manual, if you do it the way they ask, you are likely lugging the motor.

 

My wife says her 08 6 speed Heritage is totally different than my 06 Roadking in shifting. She says she hates to get behind me when I am doing about 50. She doesn't pay any attention to the manual shift guides. She uses the sound of the motor.

 

Hmmm ... I shift my '06 Night Train (5-spd) into 5th no earlier than 60-65 mph. Always feel like it's bogging the motor if I shift earlier than that. And I've never paid attention to the manual's suggested shift points. I know when to shift by the sound of the motor.

~ Z