Question for those that run without windshield
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
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From: Central Cali
Question for those that run without windshield
I have a question for those that run without a windshield. I just bought a 2007 Softail Custom and I love the way it looks without a windshield. I had a shield on my sporty back in 1995 so I didn't seem to have this issue.
I do not have an rpm gauge on the bike so what do you guys do as far as shifting around 45 -60mph? I have mainly been running around town the last few daya, rarely getting out of 4 or 5th gear and when I get about 45-50, I have a hard time hearing the motor to know when to change gears. Lower gears is really no issue but above 3 or 4 the I have a hard time hearing because of the wind.
Thoughts?
I do not have an rpm gauge on the bike so what do you guys do as far as shifting around 45 -60mph? I have mainly been running around town the last few daya, rarely getting out of 4 or 5th gear and when I get about 45-50, I have a hard time hearing the motor to know when to change gears. Lower gears is really no issue but above 3 or 4 the I have a hard time hearing because of the wind.
Thoughts?
Guess you've never driven a manual car. Shifting should be by feel. With time you'll be able to feel in your feet, hands, and *** when it's time to shift. You should be able to sense a shift point even if you were deaf. Takes some practice, but shouldn't take long before its second nature.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: Sweet Home Alabama!
My unbaffled fishtails fixed that right on up! 
Seriously though, a different helmet or earplugs would help you not hear the wind so you could hear the bike better.
And I agree with the others, in time, you won't even think about it.
Seriously though, a different helmet or earplugs would help you not hear the wind so you could hear the bike better.
And I agree with the others, in time, you won't even think about it.
Last edited by 97HeritageSpringer; Jun 7, 2012 at 06:35 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,566
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From: Detroit
On my bike I go by mph for 4th and 5th and its close enough. over 52 on my bike and its in 5th which is my final gear.
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Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Guess you've never driven a manual car. Shifting should be by feel. With time you'll be able to feel in your feet, hands, and *** when it's time to shift. You should be able to sense a shift point even if you were deaf. Takes some practice, but shouldn't take long before its second nature.
Youre right, it will probably come in time as I ride the bike more. Its been a long time since Ive rode so I am not used to it. I am probably shifting fine even though I cant hear the motor. I can certainly tell when I need to downshift since the whole bike shakes. Hahah
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
I never thought about earplugs... I may try that!