Hey everyone, I've read those threads asking about shifting, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they have more to do with free acceleration. I'm asking more about cruising in traffic where you're constrainted. Shifting into the higher gear but really can't accelerate anymore.

If you're cruising in, say, 3rd gear at 2,800 RPM, will you shift into 4th or leave it in 3rd? If you're cruising in 3rd gear at 3,100 RPM, will you shift into 4th or keep it in 3rd?

I generally like keeping the bike above 2,800 RPM just because find the higher gear is (obviously) a bit sluggish and the bike doesn't really sound right. Even if I'm at 3,000 RPM, I'll sometimes hold it in gear just because.

Do you all do the same?

Another reason I do this is because I converted my Iron with 10,000 kms (6,000 miles) on it to a 1200. The HD tech showed me one 883 piston saying it looked bad for having only 10,000 kms on it and said the reason why was because I shift too early. Before the conversion, I generally shifted at 3,000 - 3,200 RPM. Now I still do, if there's traffic, but usually shift in the 3,500 - 3,800 RPM.

 

This works good for me. 1stRRRr2ndRRRRr3rdRRRRRr4thRRRRRRr5th.

 

Between 3,000 & 4,000 RPM is where the Sporty is the happiest.
Shifting up a gear when you're at 2,800 = lugging the motor.

 

Although I have a gauge, I always use feel and sound to decide when to shift.

But if you really need numbers...cHarley's numbers look about right.

 

So, will you keep it in 3rd at 3,100 or 3,600 RPM instead of going to 4th? That's kind of what I'm asking.

 

If up-shifting will result in the RPM's dropping below 2800-3000 RPM, I don't up-shift.

 

Upshift going downhill, leave it going uphill. I guess if you're in Florida, it's a toss-up.

 

I like to ride between 3-4k RPM. I typically shift at 4k RPM. If im racing or simply doing some spirited riding i shift at 7100RPM.

 

Actually on a downhill grade, staying in the lower gear helps save on over use/heating of the brakes.
(A regular rider in the NC/TN mountains)

 

Cheers guys.

I'm referring to flat road. I think it's the car mentally in me that thinks to shift around the 3,000 RPM range.