total beginner question on shifting

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Sep 17, 2010 | 03:00 PM

mikedero

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Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2010

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total beginner question on shifting

Ok so I this is a total beginner question, but shoot I am a beginner. I have a 2002 Fatboy when cruising around 30-35 MPH what gear should I be in? I find that third it is a little lagging and in 4th it is fine and need very little throttle. But I also noticed that going over 50 was a little sluggish in 5th gear I think I was babying the throttle a little maybe I need to just open her up a little bit?

This is what I kind do as far as shifting, From first to second pretty fast around 10MPH then from 2nd to 3rd around 25 MPH, then from 3Rd to 4th around 35 MPH I cruise in 4th most of the time going between 30-45 MPH.

Again sorry for the total Newbie question but in the MSF we only ever went to third and I doubt we hit 30 MPH.

Thanks for any and all advice

Sep 17, 2010 | 03:44 PM

rpbrown

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2009

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From: North Texas

Sounds about right. I would have to get on the wifes Fatboy and see where I shift. You can tell by the engine sound usually. or 2500-3000 rpm

Sep 17, 2010 | 03:47 PM

aviator

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

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From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS

I use mph as a guide for the gear...... 2nd gear about 20 mph, 3rd - 30 mph, 4th gear - 40mph 5th - 50mph.

Sep 17, 2010 | 03:49 PM

cowboy-bc

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12 or so mph per shift ending up at shifting into 6th at 70 mph or over if you had 6th. A lot of folks lug their engines you can actually rev them up a bit. I have a Street glide and I shift at 3000 to 3400 all the time when I'm just putting around and my rev limit is 6500 and Iv'e been there too.

Last edited by cowboy-bc; Sep 18, 2010 at 01:06 PM.

Sep 17, 2010 | 03:56 PM

jimmers1817

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: NJ

Shift when the engine tells you to. If it's pulling good you're in the right gear. When the rpms get up and you're not getting any more speed out of the gear, shift up. If the acceleration feels flat or the engine is lugging, you need to downshift to the next gear.

Sep 17, 2010 | 04:01 PM

editbrain

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2010

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35 in 4th sounds like lugging to me. I cruise around 53 mph in 4th, and I catch myself at 60 in 4th all the time. The bike loves it. Actually it takes you there.
I find that between 30-40 mph is where my bike hates to be.

I shift when the motor tells me to shift. I pre-load my foot some on the shifter, and when time just pull in the clutch. A quick, smooth shift. Generally without even a clunk. Just a click.

Try to rev your motor more. Fourth gear @ 35 sounds like death for a motor to me. Maybe the Softies are different than the Dyna Glides?