When to shift
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 411
Likes: 71
From: Texas hill country
Yep that's the sweet spot RPM range for my low rider. Red line'er when I need to get away from groups that like to share my lane. :-)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
"Don't worry about it, doesn't really matter. Except that higher rpms will produce more power if and when you need it. And don't worry about taking the rpms too high. The rpm limiter will take care of that."
Geez, some of the responses in this thread (and other rpm threads) get as ****-obsesseve and absurd as the responses in the numerous "What's the best brand of oil" threads.
Last edited by Warp Factor; May 25, 2018 at 03:26 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 534
Likes: 35
From: Western Australia
Warm it up till the rocker boxes are hot, change the oil every 3000 miles, dont rev the guts out of and it will last you forever. Words of wisdom from an old 1%er when l bought my first Sporty years ago and and l do the same with my 014 Lowrider.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 391
Likes: 176
From: Leicestershire, United Kingdom
I've read elsewhere that keeping the revs in the 2,800rpm to 3,200rpm band is ideal for the engine. Seems about right to me, although I'll often take it above 4,000rpm briefly when overtaking, and might cruise at 2,500rpm if the road is flat.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 130
From: Vancouver
listen to the bike ... with enough experience you will figure out ideal rpms for any bike. i dont even look at my rpms anymore on any of my bikes...youll know when it wants to pull or when its gasping for fuel. this whole rpm when to shift is highly overrated considering what mods you also have on your bike.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,094
Likes: 51,353
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Just ride it, more saddle time and gained experience with both you and the bike you'll find your own groove so to speak not everyone rides the same. DO NOT overthink this **** and go all technical trying to watch a tack or worrying about it.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 255
Likes: 75
From: Nj
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,311
Likes: 1,876
From: Conn.
When it stops pulling lol! Seriously, like others have said, the bike will speak to you. When able rev her out good and grab a good shift. This is not always possible. Say you are stopped at a light 4 cars in front of you, you will be making a left threw the light. In a situation like this I will short shift 1st because I want to be in 2nd going threw the turn. Different situations call for different techniques. I can tell you I like to shift at 3 to 4 k for normal riding. Getting on it is a different matter. Take your time and ride within your means. Pretend you are invisible and everyone else is drunk. Ride safe is what I am saying.
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