RPMs, Speed, Shifting
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Dayum...tachs are nice no doubt. I never had the need for one after second/third scoot. It's a natural thing with me knowin the rpm sound range. I imagine quite a few in here like that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,525
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
Some people say ride it like you stole it. However I am like you. Lots of people do say these Harley v-twins will repeatly take the rev limiter rpm with no problem. However I am like you. I shift at 2200 or so. What fills good. Do keep the rpm's above 1900 or so since it's smooth and rarely run above 3300 in any grear since if I want to be in a hurry I take the truck. I also firmly believe if something did happen at 6000 rpm or so I do not want it happen between my legs and therefor let it happen to those that say it will not? Ha. I do use my tac but mainily for a speedometer. My full face helmet blocks my downward view of the speeodmeter and the tac is straight ahead on the bars. However I run the engine on what fillis good to my bottom. I plan on keep this face as pretty as possible as long as possible. Think I am doing a good job?
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:24 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
Damn, I think the bike would explode if I pushed it to 4500!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: park county colorado
MIne are pretty much the same as most here shifting anywhere between 2200 and 2600 Ive yet had to crank it to 3000 and then shift there hasnt been a need to. BUt I do feel that when out on the moutntain highways doing anything over 65 it feels like it could use another gear. Anybody else????
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: kingston ontario
Some people say ride it like you stole it. However I am like you. Lots of people do say these Harley v-twins will repeatly take the rev limiter rpm with no problem. However I am like you. I shift at 2200 or so. What fills good. Do keep the rpm's above 1900 or so since it's smooth and rarely run above 3300 in any grear since if I want to be in a hurry I take the truck. I also firmly believe if something did happen at 6000 rpm or so I do not want it happen between my legs and therefor let it happen to those that say it will not? Ha. I do use my tac but mainily for a speedometer. My full face helmet blocks my downward view of the speeodmeter and the tac is straight ahead on the bars. However I run the engine on what fillis good to my bottom. I plan on keep this face as pretty as possible as long as possible. Think I am dong a good job?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: New York
Okay ... I'm ready to get blasted with the rude "learn to ride" stuff but maybe a few will reply with some real info ...
I came from a long list of metrics, all kinds, and my last bike was a Triumph.
My first Harley is a 2004 Heritage ... I love it. I know it has a different feel, and a different powerband than I've been riding my whole life. 25+ years.
I read some threads about guys pushing the rpm's and getting the rev's up there, freaks me out. In first gear I start hearing and feeling the "shift me" before 25 mph ... no idea of the actual rpm. 2nd gear ... a little over 30 mph. and so on ... pretty much 0-20 (1st) 20-30 (2nd) 30-40 (3rd) 40-55 (4th) I hit 5th around 55 mph. Feels good.
If I try and get on it and let the rpm's go higher than that it starts to sound and feel like a vibration that it doesn't like. It would seriously freak me out to go beyond that, but I read it's "safe" to do that? what do you say?
I came from a long list of metrics, all kinds, and my last bike was a Triumph.
My first Harley is a 2004 Heritage ... I love it. I know it has a different feel, and a different powerband than I've been riding my whole life. 25+ years.
I read some threads about guys pushing the rpm's and getting the rev's up there, freaks me out. In first gear I start hearing and feeling the "shift me" before 25 mph ... no idea of the actual rpm. 2nd gear ... a little over 30 mph. and so on ... pretty much 0-20 (1st) 20-30 (2nd) 30-40 (3rd) 40-55 (4th) I hit 5th around 55 mph. Feels good.
If I try and get on it and let the rpm's go higher than that it starts to sound and feel like a vibration that it doesn't like. It would seriously freak me out to go beyond that, but I read it's "safe" to do that? what do you say?
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
I rarely run below 2500 rpm
Just regular riding, I shift into 2nd at 20 mph. Shift into 3rd around 30 mph.
I never EVER run below 55 in 5th. 50-60 is very comfortable in 4th.
No tach, but I can tell by ear. Plus using rpm calculators like from Baker & Big Boyz
websites just confirmed what I knew.
2200 rpm is too low. Espec in higher gears. It's not a diesel.
Just regular riding, I shift into 2nd at 20 mph. Shift into 3rd around 30 mph.
I never EVER run below 55 in 5th. 50-60 is very comfortable in 4th.
No tach, but I can tell by ear. Plus using rpm calculators like from Baker & Big Boyz
websites just confirmed what I knew.
2200 rpm is too low. Espec in higher gears. It's not a diesel.
Last edited by byersmtrco; Sep 13, 2022 at 11:14 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 472
From: Phoenix Arizona
Another interesting example of everyone has an opinion. There is some common middle ground in all of this. Don't lug the engine...You'll know if your lugging the engine cuz when you twist the throttle and it clunks, jerks and sputters. On the other end, why run the engine at 3500 if you are in traffic at a steady speed. 1st gear shift is kinda early at 2300, 2-3-4-5 all at 2800 and a quick shift to not let the RPM's fall down below 2300. Shift and roll on the throttle and that's when the powerband really takes off. Alot depends on my mood and traffic. Open roads no traffic and get up to speed a bit faster. My bike loves to cruise at 3000 RPM and 78MPH. Only if posted speed limit is 65 or above.
And now I await the comments.
And now I await the comments.