I have a 99 Softail Classic. I do not have a tac, and am not sure when I should shift to 5th. I am generally at about 55 when I do, but some times I get down to about 50. I don't want to lug the engine, and it doesn't seem to complain at all, but just wondering what you guys do. I think they changed ratios on some of the different model years so some might be different. Thanks for the replys. Jim

 

Your doing just right ... under "normal" (flat terrain) conditions ...

I'll wind it on out a bit farther in 4th if quicker acceleration is needed ... say 65 ...

I'll drop it back to 4th if I slow below about 45 ... depends on the road condition; uphill, flat, downhill ...

You'll feel it ...

 

usually I do it around 55mph,unless I race some gxsr

 

You shift when the next gear will pull better than the gear you're in. You'll develop a feel for it.

 

I listen to the engine it will tell me

 

What gearing does a '99 Evo Softail have? My '92 has 3.37 gearing and I putter around town at 35mph in fifth. After 143,000 miles, I'm pretty sure I haven't been lugging it. The last Evo cam closed the intake earlier than the TC cams, so the power comes on at a lower rpm. In any case, there's no basically stock Harley Big Twin (in a good state of tune) you have to wind out to 55mph before shifting to fifth, unless you're accelerating quickly.

 

I am not sure when they changed, but the 99 has 3.15 gear ratio for fifth gear. 3.86 for forth. I think they did this to cut down rpm on the highway. I am sure it also cut down power a little also, but it still has plenty. Had it up to 80 the other day for a short stretch, and those drag pipes really do talk to you. Man, I love this bike.

 

I usally hit 5th over 45 or so depending on where im at and how the traffic is.

 

mine a 90 fxstc and ill shift to 5th at 50 mph. ill down shift if i get below 45 mph. you get to know the power band range of your bike the more you ride it, where it feels good, and sounds good.

 

35mph in fifth gear?