6th gear
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 893
Likes: 1
From: Southeast Va.
6th gear
When do you guys use 6th gear? The book says between 55/60. Sometimes I want to shift all the way up because 5th is so whinny. I have been reading that a lot of people only use 6th after 65/70mph some even say they hardly use it at all. What about 4th to 5th gear? How fast should you be going? This is my first bike that I have owned that was not an auto tranny.
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Mason City, Iowa
I wish I had a tach on my bike. It would make is easier and make me more comforable in what I was doing. I usually hit 6th at 65+ too, but last year going to Sturgis, I pulled a trailer and I was using 5th up to 70 at times. Sounded ok, just had to get used to the higher pitch. That's when I wish I had the tach
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 3
From: Sturgis, KY
HD changed the Gear Ratio on the 2009 models. I had an 2008 Ultra before I got my Tri Glide. On the 2008 models you did not shift to 6th till you hit about 65, but now I shift to 6th at about 58 to 60 on my Tri Glide.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 142
From: Sioux Center, Iowa
If your riding without a tach, alot of it will be "seat of the pants". If you roll on the throttle and she takes off your OK. If it doesn't respond or comes up slow, you might be lugging it. Mine, the power range starts about 2700 RPM so I'll run it up to 73-75 MPH before dropping it in 6th. A lot depends on the road, the load, and the wind. Some trips I might not leave 5th gear but when the wind is at our back and the conditions right, we'll put 'er in 6th, and let 'er roll.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,792
Likes: 6
From: North East Ohio
If your riding without a tach, alot of it will be "seat of the pants". If you roll on the throttle and she takes off your OK. If it doesn't respond or comes up slow, you might be lugging it. Mine, the power range starts about 2700 RPM so I'll run it up to 73-75 MPH before dropping it in 6th. A lot depends on the road, the load, and the wind. Some trips I might not leave 5th gear but when the wind is at our back and the conditions right, we'll put 'er in 6th, and let 'er roll.
Trending Topics
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,431
Likes: 38
From: Caldwell, Idaho
Was going to ask about 6th gear also....coming home from the dealer Sunday (15 miles) and turned off at my exit, didn't see a green '6' on my speedo......I was in 5th gear all the way. Since I'm still in break-in period of not going over 55, guess I didn't hurt anything.
Anyone else not being used to 6 gears?
Anyone else not being used to 6 gears?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 893
Likes: 1
From: Southeast Va.
Barbara, sounds like you felt comfortable in 5th gear. If you were running the rpm's too high I think you would be looking for the 6th. I do think I go to 6th around 55 mph, just because it does smooth out the ride. I would like to wait until at least 60 to shift up though and am going to be more conscience of it. I am really fearful of lugging my engine, even though I did it a lot in the beginning when it was a big NO NO before break in period. I found it funny though that my hubby lugged it more then I did. Drove me crazy!!! He's been shifting bikes for over 45 yrs. for pete's sake! He lugs his 06 Ultra all the time. Like he gets lazy shifting.
