When to shift to 5th
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
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From: Middle of Kansas
When to shift to 5th
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
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Joined: Jan 2007
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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 ...
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 ...
Last edited by wildpig1ms; Jul 17, 2009 at 10:45 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
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From:
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.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
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From: Middle of Kansas
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.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Arizona
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.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 375
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From: St. Peters, Missouri
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.