When to shift
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
New to manual transmissions, I assume?
Unfortunately, it's not a one size fits all answer. I shift anywhere from 2000 to 6200. Depends on conditions and intent. The more aggressive your intent, the higher the shift point, usually.
Unfortunately, it's not a one size fits all answer. I shift anywhere from 2000 to 6200. Depends on conditions and intent. The more aggressive your intent, the higher the shift point, usually.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 2,860
From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
^ That for sure.
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
after the yr I usually shifted at about 3k rpm
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Different people have different styles. My ex wife was a short shifter. I often wring mine out.
Can't say there's anything particularly wrong with either as long the engine seems happy. You definitely don't want high load/throttle at extremely low RPM. That's called "lugging" and can be hard on an engine. Of course, riding in traffic at 6000 in 1st/2nd isn't real good either.
Bottom line, don't look at the tach so much. Learn to shift by feel. Lots of Harleys don't even have tachs. I don't agree with that, but there is a certain romance to just riding your ride and feeling the bike under you.
Can't say there's anything particularly wrong with either as long the engine seems happy. You definitely don't want high load/throttle at extremely low RPM. That's called "lugging" and can be hard on an engine. Of course, riding in traffic at 6000 in 1st/2nd isn't real good either.
Bottom line, don't look at the tach so much. Learn to shift by feel. Lots of Harleys don't even have tachs. I don't agree with that, but there is a certain romance to just riding your ride and feeling the bike under you.
Last edited by cggorman; May 23, 2018 at 06:22 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Different people have different styles. My ex wife was a short shifter. I often wring mine out.
Can't say there's anything particularly wrong with either as long the engine seems happy. You definitely don't want high load/throttle at extremely low RPM. That's called "lugging" and can be hard on an engine. Of course, riding in traffic at 6000 in 1st/2nd isn't real good either.
Can't say there's anything particularly wrong with either as long the engine seems happy. You definitely don't want high load/throttle at extremely low RPM. That's called "lugging" and can be hard on an engine. Of course, riding in traffic at 6000 in 1st/2nd isn't real good either.
Trending Topics
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Sounds OK to me, but you'll definitely want to drop to 5th at lower speeds (65-ish) and when passing.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 914
Likes: 245
First bike? Am I correct in assuming these are also the first miles on the bike? If so be sure to break it in like they told you, vary the RPMs.
As for me, I have a 110 so I'm not sure if the shift points are different but I usually cruise around 2500 RPM, I go more off how it feels than anything else. If I'm just putzing around I probably shift around 3000-3500. For me it depends more on how the bike reacts after I change gear.
If it chugged or seems low on power, you shifted too soon. If you hit the red line, you shifted too late. There is a power range in the RPMs, just got to find it and stay in it. If you're concerned about it I would say the biggest thing to remember is to not shift down too far when you're going to fast. Dropping a gear to pass is one thing, drop several at 60mph and you're gonna have a bad time.
As for me, I have a 110 so I'm not sure if the shift points are different but I usually cruise around 2500 RPM, I go more off how it feels than anything else. If I'm just putzing around I probably shift around 3000-3500. For me it depends more on how the bike reacts after I change gear.
If it chugged or seems low on power, you shifted too soon. If you hit the red line, you shifted too late. There is a power range in the RPMs, just got to find it and stay in it. If you're concerned about it I would say the biggest thing to remember is to not shift down too far when you're going to fast. Dropping a gear to pass is one thing, drop several at 60mph and you're gonna have a bad time.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,621
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Your owner's manual has the recommended shift points/speeds. If you have a tach use 2800 rpm's as your shift point.
first to second 15 mph
second to third 25 mph
third to fourth 35 mph
fourth to fifth 45 mph
fifth to sixth 60-65 mph
Hope this helps.
first to second 15 mph
second to third 25 mph
third to fourth 35 mph
fourth to fifth 45 mph
fifth to sixth 60-65 mph
Hope this helps.
