There should be a suggested both RPM and speed shift points there. But I still go by sound. Or at least speed and you can look at what RPM you are at.
Silly shifting question
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Palm Desert,CA
Silly shifting question
So I'm used to shifting by sound with my car, it's been a while since my last bike.
Currently on a stock (installing new air kit tomorrow) 2014 Street Bob. Any ideas on proper shifting at RPM?
Does the engine like to be run at lower RPM's or higher? I noticed earlier today that I was doing 55 in 3rd gear and only at around 3200 RPM, shifted into 4th down to the mid 2's any suggestions as to keeping my engine healthy, etc?
Sorry for the stupidity...
Currently on a stock (installing new air kit tomorrow) 2014 Street Bob. Any ideas on proper shifting at RPM?
Does the engine like to be run at lower RPM's or higher? I noticed earlier today that I was doing 55 in 3rd gear and only at around 3200 RPM, shifted into 4th down to the mid 2's any suggestions as to keeping my engine healthy, etc?
Sorry for the stupidity...
Big Kahuna HDF Member
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From: .....
You're going to get a lot of different answers on this. And it may be because different bikes are geared different...I don't know. If they are, it wouldn't surprise me.
Personally, I shift by rpm. I used to shift by speed but that meant looking down to see how fast I was going. When it winds up to where it sounds like it needs to be shifted, I shift. When I've looked, it's been mostly at 25-2700rpm.
I've seen some that have said they shift at 3500. Or they don't shift into 6th unless they're going 75mph. But you get my point.
Personally, I shift by rpm. I used to shift by speed but that meant looking down to see how fast I was going. When it winds up to where it sounds like it needs to be shifted, I shift. When I've looked, it's been mostly at 25-2700rpm.
I've seen some that have said they shift at 3500. Or they don't shift into 6th unless they're going 75mph. But you get my point.
Seasoned HDF Member
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There are no silly questions. Only silly electric bikes.
Twin Cams love revs. Just shift when it feels like it is torquing out. Important not to shift too low;not good to lug these motors.
Twin Cams love revs. Just shift when it feels like it is torquing out. Important not to shift too low;not good to lug these motors.
Last edited by dickey; Jun 18, 2014 at 04:06 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
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just by sound. as a general rule the engine is happiest between I'd say 2500-to 4000 rpm
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Surrey, BC
I try not to over-think it. I just shift when it feels right.
Too soon and it lugs. Too late and it sounds stressed.
Too soon and it lugs. Too late and it sounds stressed.
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Uhhh, did you get an owners manual with that new bike? There are a couple of pages suggest upshift speeds and down shift speeds. It also has the suggested break in procedure. It's really a fascinating book. But all the afore mentioned answers work also.
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Palm Desert,CA
Ha, fair enough! Yep I have that afore mentioned book sitting right next to me in fact. I even used it the other day to see what the "R" meant when scrolling through my trip button. good call and good advice from all. Thanks as always