Head Winds
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Monterey CA
Head Winds
When I'm cruising down the road @75 in 6th, with 20 mph tail wind It's sooo smooth.
When I turn around and head back, 6th is a dog, feels as if the primary is made up with only 8 links and 5th
has a hard time, well not as smooth, anyone else dread riding into the wind and have similar issues???
I wouldn't think there would be so much drag.
Dean
When I turn around and head back, 6th is a dog, feels as if the primary is made up with only 8 links and 5th
has a hard time, well not as smooth, anyone else dread riding into the wind and have similar issues???
I wouldn't think there would be so much drag.
Dean
Banned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,976
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From:
RE: Head Winds
Drop it down into 4th, it's good for about 110 mph.
My bike rides smooth as silk in 4th at 60- whatever. At 70 mph you should be running right around 4000rpms in 4th.
5th and 6th aren't great power gears, although 5th works quite well above 80 mph.
Don't get me wrong, I love chugging along in 6th between 50 and 65 mph, but when pushing the bike hard, like against the wind you need to create horsepower. JMHO
DougJ
My bike rides smooth as silk in 4th at 60- whatever. At 70 mph you should be running right around 4000rpms in 4th.
5th and 6th aren't great power gears, although 5th works quite well above 80 mph.
Don't get me wrong, I love chugging along in 6th between 50 and 65 mph, but when pushing the bike hard, like against the wind you need to create horsepower. JMHO
DougJ
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: Houston, Texas, USA
RE: Head Winds
That's the great thing about riding a motorcycle that you don't get in a car. A sense of your environment. Ever notice how the temperature can drop 10 degrees when you cross bottom land, like a creek? And, how about the smells? Cut grass, smoke, oil fields, etc.Wind is a big factor.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 1
From: Nude Hampster....
RE: Head Winds
yeah, I absolutely agree with Doug... I can't count the times I've shifted at about 75 mph +/- and expect to see the 6th gear indicator light come on only to realize I was in fourth before I shifted , not fifth. Sixth gear is soooooooo tall you almost never need it under 80 or 90 mph ( not that I would endorse that knid of behavior...) I honsetly have purposely made myself pay no attention to what gear I'm in and just shift when she asks for it. If you let off the throttle and you don't slow down dramatically, you're doin' fine...
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 1
From: Nude Hampster....
RE: Head Winds
yeah. I don't have a tach either.. I would dare to say you could run like that all day long , I have been and my buddy who has a '96 FXDL ( bought it new in 96) has run like that since he bought it. That is one of the reasons Dyna riders aren't complaining about "5th gear whine" one is ...we never know when we are in 5th gear!!!! the other is we run at alot higher rpm than our pops on the tourers. I think Harleys need a little more respect when it comes to durability.. i joke ( and sometimes complain ) just like the rest of 'em but I've beat the dog snot out of all my Harleys and they have taken it... I overhead two friends talking the other night on a ride and one said to the other " dude, how'd you like to be the guy that buys his bike when he's done with it?" I think that says it all. Give 'em what they came for....
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 104
From: Tampa Bay, Florida
RE: Head Winds
My body turns into a parachute in a head wind.
I just make sure I have my good high speed glasses on, leather fully zipped, and more throttle.
Otherwise, just turn around and go the other way[8D]
I just make sure I have my good high speed glasses on, leather fully zipped, and more throttle.
Otherwise, just turn around and go the other way[8D]
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 109
From: Mesa, Az.
RE: Head Winds
Headwinds don't bother me much, kind of like going uphill - just downshift.
Crosswinds are a different story. Strong side winds can take the fun out of a ride, especially when you're playing with semi's on the Interstate.
Crosswinds are a different story. Strong side winds can take the fun out of a ride, especially when you're playing with semi's on the Interstate.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14,564
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From: the 50s & the 60s
RE: Head Winds
ORIGINAL: deanz
Yeah I've done the same thing, but without a tach I,m at a loss.
How long can I run in 4th @ 70mph?
Yeah I've done the same thing, but without a tach I,m at a loss.
How long can I run in 4th @ 70mph?
Probably run at 70 in 4th just about as long as you want Dean.
Very hard to damage this new gen TwinCam motor.
in third my 06 hits the RevLimiter (6200) at 90 MPH.
In fourth, 100 MPH is 5500 RPM
I wouldn't hesitate to run mine at full twist, in any gear third and up,
til I have to pull over for fuel.
Assuming of course that you are not running the lean factory setting.
mud