Question for 1200 owners -

What gear do you cruise in at 55mph? This is the first bike I've had without a tach so I'm still trying to guage the best gears at certain speeds. I was always told the HD twins can just be put in 5th to cruise, but my bike seems much smoother in 4th when it's under 60mph. Thoughts?

 

I'm in 4th until I hit about 65 mph.

 

Whatever feels best, simple as that. I'll ride in either one depending on the situation. 4th offers more power for the need to start accelerating and will handle hills or slopes in the road better, but 5th will give you lower rpms and a little smoother ride.

 

At 50 mph, I'm in 5th. Why stay in 4th and give the gas money to the oil companies? The manual says go to 5th at 45 mph...

 

Yeah, but if you need to gas it at 45mph in 5th gear, it starts to lug like hell.

 

That's what down shifts are for. I don't usually go into 5th until 48-50 mph, and only then if conditions permit. If I'm on some country road just tooling at 50, I'm in 5th. If the need arises, I downshift (usually to 3rd) and do what I have to do. 4th ain't no magic bullet over 5th for passing at that speed...

 

at 55 I cruise in top gear... to save gas

 

Fifth, though fourth would be smoother. There's a sweet spot at 70 mph on my 1200R, which corresponds to about 3200 RPM.

 

I agree with you about 5th through 4th (3rd to 5th) being smoother. Fourth seems to be a gear they could have done a little better withonits ratio. I've also got the same "sweet spot" you mentioned...

 

I'm not sure how you can do that?? If I hit 5th at 60mph or under the bike starts lugging.