Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Gear vs speed

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 27, 2016 | 01:29 PM
  #1  
nseverett's Avatar
nseverett
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: New Brunswick, Canada
Default Gear vs speed

I did a quick search and didn't find anything on this so I thought I would ask.

What gear are you in for a given cursing speed? My 2005 Fatboy with a 5 speed and a 95 CI engine does not have a tach. i ride by feel and sound and I am comfortable doing but I was curious as to approximately what gear every body is in at specific speeds.

I seem to do as follows (Again ride by sound and feel so these are rough numbers)
Cruising Speed Gear MPH
0- 30 KM/h 5th No just kidding 1st 0- 18
25 - 40 KM/h 2nd 15-25
40- 60 KM/h 3rd 25-40
60 - 90 KM/h 4th 40-55
above 90 KM/h 5th 55+

I will sometime allow the bike to lug a little and be in a higher gear when slowing down into one of these speed ranges but when up shifting........these are about where my bike likes to run.

Thoughts?
 
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2016 | 08:43 PM
  #2  
langwilliams's Avatar
langwilliams
Elite HDF Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
Default

I'm right with you on my 99 evo fatboy with a v thunder cam....35 mph stinks...3rd seems too high an 4th is too low. one of my winter mods will be a tach so I can keep rpm up over 2200 when cruising
 
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2016 | 09:49 PM
  #3  
Wrenchy's Avatar
Wrenchy
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 13
From: Syracuse, NY
Default

Mine is happiest at about 2800 - 3000 rpm in any gear for mileage. 2009 Night train plus extras. I don't usually pay attention to the speed suggestions anyhow lol..
 
Reply
Old Jun 27, 2016 | 11:16 PM
  #4  
Next In Line's Avatar
Next In Line
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
Default

Gear vs. speed depends on where I am riding.

If I am riding in a residential area, I am going to shift sooner from a dead stop than if I am surrounded by farmland.
 
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2016 | 09:04 AM
  #5  
corliss@bakerdrivetrain.com's Avatar
corliss@bakerdrivetrain.com
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 23,850
Likes: 1,861
From: Michigan
Default

Here you go:

http://bakerdrivetrain.com/pages/cal...e-rpm-vs-speed
 
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2022 | 03:51 PM
  #6  
Ricksop's Avatar
Ricksop
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: New York
Default

Originally Posted by langwilliams
I'm right with you on my 99 evo fatboy with a v thunder cam....35 mph stinks...3rd seems too high an 4th is too low. one of my winter mods will be a tach so I can keep rpm up over 2200 when cruising
Ya my 97 fb hates 35mph. stay in 3rd, sometimes 2nd if your having fun? EVO = Bulletproof .well small arms bullet proof. I've been pounding on my scoot last year extra hard cuz I'm doing top end in winter(40k). They will take driving around town in 2nd @ 4000rpm and love it! So much power at you fingertips...
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jon0807
Touring Models
53
Sep 26, 2011 04:17 PM
Corndog
Touring Models
1
Jul 18, 2011 12:28 PM
mattHD
General Harley Davidson Chat
15
Apr 9, 2010 04:31 PM
mbjam359
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
1
Dec 27, 2007 04:23 PM
gilmour68
Sportster Models
17
Oct 24, 2006 08:30 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:31 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE