For sure sound and feel.

 

Having now read the section in question (Page 87 in the 2014 owners manual for those interested ), I will say that their suggestions are dubious at best. Especially if the motors don't like to be lugged. Someone a long time ago told me that running motors at higher RPM's actually kept the engine cleaner. Don't know if there is any truth to that but again, I like the advice on going by sound with the RPM's as a better gage than speed (which is how the manual reads)

 

You will know without looking in a couple rides. Don't spend too much time looking down at your gauges.

 

I've heard of and seen this done but I'm too worried about it not working right and tearing something up.

 

I also shift by sound, I just let the motor tell me when it is time.

 

These are high torque lower rpm engines so they don't love high rpm shifting, or high rpm's in general. And as much as I hear about "lugging" the engine I really don't think that has much to do with anything. Harley's are like the tractors of motorcycles.

If you also have a six speed, I'll use that at 55 to 60mph minimum and that's the minimum.

I could prolly reach 55 in 2nd but never tried and don't want to. You can rev these bikes but that's not where the HP and torque is. Their powerband is lower rpm with fairly quick shift points.

Id love to hear from a mechanic on question of lugging. If it is so extreme it's jerking the drivetrain I'd think it's prolly not good. But otherwise???

 

These are high torque lower rpm engines so they don't love high rpm shifting, or high rpm's in general. And as much as I hear about "lugging" the engine I really don't think that has much to do with anything. Harley's are like the tractors of motorcycles.

If you also have a six speed, I'll use that at 55 to 60mph minimum and that's the minimum.

I could prolly reach 55 in 2nd but never tried and don't want to. You can rev these bikes but that's not where the HP and torque is. Their powerband is lower rpm with fairly quick shift points.

Id love to hear from a mechanic on question of lugging. If it is so extreme it's jerking the drivetrain I'd think it's prolly not good. But otherwise???

 

Try about 70 at the redline of about 6000 rpm. High rpm operation is safe. That's why they put a "rev-limiter" on there to protect the engine from over-revving. Here is a list of speeds attainable at 5000 rpm:

The math for 2010 FXSTC at 5000 rpm:

1st = 41.6
2nd = 60.1
3rd = 80.9
4th = 99.9
5th = 117.3
6th = 139.0

Don't be afraid to rev-er-up if you are after maximum acceleration. You'll hear that power falls off after a certain rpm and you should upshift early, but those individuals are forgetting to take into account the torque multiplication advantage that staying in a lower gear gives you. Just ask anyone who is serious about drag-racing their bike.

There is a website that can teach you all about gearing. It's http://www.gearingcommander.com/ . It's free. They have gearing info for lots of bikes. The HDs are pretty limited, but you can just use the 08-09 Dyna SuperGlide to get a rough estimate of your bikes.

 

good post

 

Good post!! I still question the power band curve over 3500 rpm. Wrapping it out is dif from driving it as designed.