That is what I typically do on my bikes.....

 

I shift when if sonds like I should later better than sooner

 

It all has to do with is the bike broke in. and is it a 5 speed or a 6 speed ! The new 6 speeds require you to wind them longer. And if the bike is new stay out of 6th gear unless yer around 70mph until you have about 2500 plus miles on the bike and the engine is loosened up a lot. If you ride it till then you will find you can start shifting a little earlier. But with the new twin cams if you want to be in 4th or 5th gear and git on it you will need to downshift and not lug the engine.

 

usually around 2500 rpm for 2nd to 4th and then up around 3K for 5th, thats for general everday riding. when traffic becomes an issue like a string of cagers coming up from behind you from the light behind you and your light just turned green, it's whatever it takes to get the job done. ride safe

 

Not having a tach, I shift by feel on my Wide Glide. Normally, it's into 4th at around 40 and into 5th at 60. Not paying too much attention at anything below that. Probably wound it up once or twice beyond those #'s, but not often.

 

i shift when i want to leave my yard