Over on the Sportster threads a conversation started about shift points...and as I was running past the first 500 miles on my 2014 Fat Bob yesterday, I noticed that 6th gear isn't happy unless I am at least doing 70 plus (which I will seldom do now that I have crossed over to cruiser-dom) and even 5th isn't happy until over 50.

So - 103 TC Dyna owners - when do you shift in either speed or RPM?

My earometer says the manual recommended shift points are way too low... what say you?

 

agreed too low, but normal shifting depends on wether your trying to accelerate quickly or not. everyone's different opinions are easy to give , what I'm trying to say is don't shift too soon or too late!

 

Do it by ear! Riding around looking at your tach and speedo will get you killed!

 

agreed! My main thing is avoid lugging when downshifting quickly - I'm coming from a metric that didn't even blink until like 11,000 RPMs. The replacement dual speedo tach from HD says redline is around 5.5K, and the whole break-in thing is about not going over 3K.....

Seems for quick acceleration 3-4K is not unreasonable - again only going by my ear.

 

I agree with this.

Growing up on dirt bikes, and in motocross, you learn to listen and feel your bike and when to shift. No gauges to rely on... That's the whole fun of a bike. Becoming connected to it.

Maybe it's bad habits on the Harley, but I find myself riding it like a dirt bike (haven't jumped it) like shifting, braking (never more than 1 finger on the front brake lever) etc... But what I found is that it's easier to be more in tune with your bike if you can actually hear it....
Harley's are happy at 2800-3000 RPMs.

Once you learn the bike and carve a canyon, being in sync with the bike; it becomes like a dance when you ride... I call it "getting in the groove" with your bike. You'll know you're there when you can't even feel your shifts...

 

You mentioned 6th gear not being any good until 70+, that is the main reason I did the 30T front pulley - one the best mods I have done, brings the gearing down 6 percent.

I usually shift around 4000 rpms, unless I am playing, then about 5000 rpms. Like others said, normally not looking at rpm readout but occasionally a look helps you know what you are doing.

 

If it sounds like its ready to shift then it probably is.

 

Just cruising around i either play it by ear or i watch speed. 1st is up to 20 mph, 2nd is 20-30, 3rd 30-40, 4th 40-50, 5th 50-up unless I am on the highway I'll slide into 6th around 65-70. If I'm accelerating up to speed I go by sound but if I'm cruising around I'll glance at my speed and try to keep it around what I posted above. Keeps the engine from lugging and still in the power band if need be

 

I usually shift somewhere between 3k and 5200.

 

i never shift before 3K and if i am in a giddy mood it more like 6K when i toss the shifter