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Stuck at 45 mph

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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:14 PM
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Default Stuck at 45 mph

When between gears, such as traveling at 45 mph, is better to drive in 4th or shift to 5th? I never want to lug an engine, but at the same time I don't want to stay in 4th past the shifting guideline. Which would provide the best gas mileage?
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:18 PM
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I don't shift to 5th until I hit 60-65mph
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:23 PM
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I go into 5th around 55mph.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:33 PM
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i hit 5th at 50-55. no way would I shift into 5th at 45. 45's a good cruising speed in 4th.

rob
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 06:58 PM
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With out a doubt at 45 you should be in 4th gear, around 50-55 5th gear, when you get past 60-65 6th gear, smooth as silk on my FATBOY 08!, hope this helps!.....Ivan
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:14 PM
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Am I missing something? I have 5 gears only, where is my overdrive?
06 Fatboy
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:15 PM
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I forgot to mention that I had a 5-speed tranny. I am pretty sure the gearing is the same up to 5th gear with the new 6-speeds. Anyway, thanks for the replies. I will start shifting to 5th gear at 50-55. That might even improve my gas mileage, huh? I have been shifting religiously at 15, 25 35, and 45.
 

Last edited by 06ClassicRider; Aug 12, 2008 at 07:18 PM.
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:28 PM
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The 96ci 6 speed gear ratio is totally different.

I have been shifting religiously at 15, 25 35, and 45.
Just don't read the manual, if you do it the way they ask, you are likely lugging the motor.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:32 PM
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My wife says her 08 6 speed Heritage is totally different than my 06 Roadking in shifting. She says she hates to get behind me when I am doing about 50. She doesn't pay any attention to the manual shift guides. She uses the sound of the motor.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2008 | 07:39 PM
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Hmmm ... I shift my '06 Night Train (5-spd) into 5th no earlier than 60-65 mph. Always feel like it's bogging the motor if I shift earlier than that. And I've never paid attention to the manual's suggested shift points. I know when to shift by the sound of the motor.

~ Z
 
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