shifting speeds
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
shifting speeds
I have moved from a 95 sporster to a 2004 heritage softail. I am having problems figuring out at what mph speed to shift this 5 speed softail. Could someone tell me the approx. ranges in mph for shifting
from 1st to 2nd
from 2nd to 3rd
from 3rd to 4th
from 4th to 5th
from 1st to 2nd
from 2nd to 3rd
from 3rd to 4th
from 4th to 5th
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 9
From: Connecticut
Depends an how much throttle I'm giving it is when I shift. There is no specific speed to shift, I can say just cruising I shift from 4th to 5th at approx 50-55 mph, other than that I don't look. If it feels good go with it
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
A rough (very rough) rule of thumb would be to be in the gear that matches the MPH range your in.
In other words up to 20mph = 1st
20 to 30mph = 2nd
30 to 40mph = 3rd
40 to 50mph = 4th
50+mph = 5th
I say these are rough numbers because a lot depends on what your doing at the time.
For just tooling along taking your time the above numbers, plus or minus some, will be fine.
But jumping on an expressway where you need to play drag racer to catch up and move smoothly into traffic.
You might downshift into 3rd so you can wind it up to 55 or so in a hurry.
In other words up to 20mph = 1st
20 to 30mph = 2nd
30 to 40mph = 3rd
40 to 50mph = 4th
50+mph = 5th
I say these are rough numbers because a lot depends on what your doing at the time.
For just tooling along taking your time the above numbers, plus or minus some, will be fine.
But jumping on an expressway where you need to play drag racer to catch up and move smoothly into traffic.
You might downshift into 3rd so you can wind it up to 55 or so in a hurry.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,079
Likes: 21
From: Queens, NY
seen a lot of these threads lately.
the last thing i wana see out on the road is someone staring down at their speedo trying to figure out when to shift.
feel the bike, hear the bike, shift the bike.
the last thing i wana see out on the road is someone staring down at their speedo trying to figure out when to shift.
feel the bike, hear the bike, shift the bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 4
From: Kalifornia
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,327
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
Right out of the '04 softail manual.
1st 0 - 15 mph
2nd 15 - 25 mph
3rd 25 - 35 mph
4th 35 - 45 mph
5th 45 - up
Down shift into
4th @ 40 mph
3rd @ 30 mph
2nd @ 20 mph
1st @ 10 mph
1st 0 - 15 mph
2nd 15 - 25 mph
3rd 25 - 35 mph
4th 35 - 45 mph
5th 45 - up
Down shift into
4th @ 40 mph
3rd @ 30 mph
2nd @ 20 mph
1st @ 10 mph
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
I tried shifting at those speeds as my book also suggested.
Now, I have no tach but I have rode bikes and driven sports cars for years and at those rpms it is lugging big time. 5th at 45! No way.
Now, I have no tach but I have rode bikes and driven sports cars for years and at those rpms it is lugging big time. 5th at 45! No way.
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
