Question about RPMs

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Dec 28, 2008 | 09:35 AM

#11

SBRob

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From: Missouri City,TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by domenicp7

I shift to sixth at 70 mph in 5th thats 3000 rpms on the button. You would be correct that at 60 mph is around 2800 rpms in 5th. I feel the engine is lugging if you are in 6th gear below 70.

Ditto...my bike is much smoother stayin' at 3K rpms than at 2.5K rpms...

Dec 28, 2008 | 11:37 AM

#12

columbia whaler

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Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 79

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From: Vancouver, WA

My local dealer gave me a chart showing RPM for given speeds and gear selection for a 07 FLHX 6 speed which confirms what others have said here: at 70 MPH the RPM is 3000 in 5th and 2800 in 6th. I personally do not shift into 6th until I am running at least 70.
Interestingly enough the chart shows that to reach 5000 RPM you must go 40 in 1st, 60 in 2nd, 80 in 3rd, 100 in 4th, 120 in 5th, and 135 in 6th. 60 in second!, no wonder I never bump up against the rev limiter.

Dec 28, 2008 | 11:52 AM

#13

Gary7

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Joined: Dec 2008

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From: Upstate, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by columbia whaler

My local dealer gave me a chart showing RPM for given speeds and gear selection for a 07 FLHX 6 speed which confirms what others have said here: at 70 MPH the RPM is 3000 in 5th and 2800 in 6th.

Well, given that the FX has a taller rear tire than the FL, the revs are even lower on the Dyna. A lot of people with tachs have confirmed that 70 mph in 6th is 2500 rpm.

Dec 28, 2008 | 11:57 AM

#14

r00k

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Joined: May 2008

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From: ,,

Odds are if the bike feels "happier" then it's what you are probably supposed to be doing.

Dec 28, 2008 | 12:47 PM

#15

RAWHIDE07

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From: SW OH.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary7

Thanks. That's what I figured. 2800 rpm is the start of the peak of the torque curve (the Sweet Spot) for the TC96, so that would explain why she felt "happy" at that speed in 5th. I suppose that means the Sweet Spot in 6th is around 75-80 mph.

Exactly,at 80-85 my bike is very smooth and feels "happy" at that speed,I've often thought about going to a bigger sprocket(belt drive) in the rear which would result in quicker acceleration and make 6th gear more usable.Anybody done this?

Dec 28, 2008 | 12:53 PM

#16

PoCoBob

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Port Coquitlam B.C.

I did this for my 06 Super Glide. Don't know if it holds true for the 96 inch motors or not.

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Dec 28, 2008 | 01:34 PM

#17

FATBOB67

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Joined: Jan 2008

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From: G-Town, Texas

Never in 6th gear below 63/65 mph............lugs engine to much.

Dec 28, 2008 | 01:45 PM

#18

Gary7

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From: Upstate, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAWHIDE07

That's what Harley did on the 09 Touring bikes. Changed the final drive ratio from 2.790 to 2.875. Makes 6th much more usable at LEGAL speeds.

I guess they figure us Dyna riders are a bunch of outlaws, so they just left us with the tall gearing.

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Dec 28, 2008 | 01:50 PM

#19

Base401

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Joined: Dec 2008

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From: Solvang, Ca

Can you believe that the dumb little owners manual I got with my FatBob says shift into 6th at 50?? Muuhahaha. Give me a break. If I am roostin' around and or riding agressivly I never go into sixth. If I get on the freeway or wide open road I shift at about 60, never lower.