First off, I'm a newbie so please don't laugh. Just picked up a 2005 RK Classic completely stock. I'm loving my new toy and having a blast. My question is one of shifting. With the absence of a tach I'm struggling to know where the bike is in terms of RPM's. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not lugging it and the engine's not screaming, but I'd like to have that level of comfort in knowing where I am. Any suggestions on ranges of speed relative to the appropriate gear. Don't really want to by a tach, but I was considering a stand alone mini gauge over the handle bars. Feedback much appreciated!!

 

Sorry, can't help you with the technical range, I just go by feel. Always have.

 

add a speedo/tach, other than that ride it like you stole it you will know when to shift get on it and listen to it

 

Shift by ear or feel... You'll hear & feel when it's time & besides you have a RPM Limiter that will not allow you to over rev the engine - You can also buy a HD's Mini Tach that you can mount or you can up-grade to HD's Speedo - Tach Combo.. Not the safest thing to be doing watching the speedo\tach to know when to shift???

 

I use the tack, with my RG hits the revlimiter at 6200 Rpms and quick when that happens the bike will cut out. You stock RK will cut out at 5800 that is the stock limit.

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Put some pipes on it that are loud enough to hear...like they said,go by sound and,more importantly,IMPO,feel...become one with the machine...only dont burn yourself doing so...:&gt...is this your first bike?

 

You'll just know!! sound and feel adding a tack is just one more thing to look at

 

It's really hard to know when you're new - I, personally, like to know the engine speed and went with >>>THIS<<< filled with a tach in the center, an oil pressure gauge on the right and an oil temperature gauge on the left side.

 

Someone posted a 5 speed and 6 speed rpm to speed comparison chart about 2-3 months ago. Go back into the previous threads and see if you can find the one with the 5 speed. Here's the 6 speed chart for those interested. If I find the 5 speed one, I'll send it to you.



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accelerate until it cuts out, shift, accelerate until it cuts out, shift etc until you reach the speed you want