Question about shifting speeds
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 10
From: Washington
Question about shifting speeds
It's been quite a while since I've owned a bike. And my current bike is the first Harley I've ever had.
I'm wondering about what speeds I should be going in what gears. I ask because second gear at 27 mph feels like I should be in first gear, third gear at 37 feels like I should be in second, etc. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of power in all gears, but trying to maintain 25 to 27 mph feels like it's going to bog down.
Bike is a 2012 XL1200C Custom
Thanks,
Doug
I'm wondering about what speeds I should be going in what gears. I ask because second gear at 27 mph feels like I should be in first gear, third gear at 37 feels like I should be in second, etc. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of power in all gears, but trying to maintain 25 to 27 mph feels like it's going to bog down.
Bike is a 2012 XL1200C Custom
Thanks,
Doug
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 443
From: Indianapolis
Here is what HD recommends in the owner's manual:
* The listed speeds are recommendations. Individual riding styles may determine gear change road speeds.
Most people will say that is too low.
I usually shift to second at 20 mph, third at 30 mph, fourth at 40 mph, fifth at 50 mph when riding like a grandpa
Here is a link to the 2012 Owner's manual:
2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSONŽ OWNER'S MANUAL: SPORTSTERŽ MODELS
Code:
+-----------------+-----+------+ | GEAR CHANGE | MPH | KM/H | +-----------------+-----+------+ | First to second | 15 | 25 | | Second to third | 25 | 40 | | Third to fourth | 35 | 55 | | Fourth to fifth | 45 | 70 | +-----------------+-----+------+
Most people will say that is too low.
I usually shift to second at 20 mph, third at 30 mph, fourth at 40 mph, fifth at 50 mph when riding like a grandpa
Here is a link to the 2012 Owner's manual:
2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSONŽ OWNER'S MANUAL: SPORTSTERŽ MODELS
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,271
Likes: 4,952
From: England
The 20, 30, 40 rule is very good. That is how it was when I learnt to drive.
When on a flat road shift when it feels right. If you then open the throttle does it feel like the engine can pull or does it bog? That should tell you if you shifted early or not.
When on a flat road shift when it feels right. If you then open the throttle does it feel like the engine can pull or does it bog? That should tell you if you shifted early or not.
Cover the Speedo with electrical tape and just ride the thing . Let the bike tell you what it wants to do . Free up your mind and focus on the road ahead . Let's face it , you can't afford to be distracted with Harley brakes especially on a single disc model .
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 10
From: Washington
It only feels boggy when I try to maintain slow speeds, like 27 mph. If I roll on the throttle, I have plenty of power.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 10
From: Washington
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Pennsylvania
I usually shift around 2,800 - 3,000 RPM. Of course with a hard mount engine, you get to know the vibes and when to shift without looking at the Tach. As Captain C said, you are over thinking it, just shift when you think it needs it or stay in the gear if you need power. Sportsters like higher RPMs