Nooby Shifting Question.
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Intermediate
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Nooby Shifting Question.
Have a 1200 Sporty. First Harley. So listening to the engine helps, but an not really sure what it should sound like at the higher RPMs.
Since I don't have a tac, and the recommended shift points in the manual seem way off, was wondering what the "upper end" on the speedo would be for various shift points?
I don't lug, but I am sure I am a way off from the rev limiter kicking in.
It seems like I could easily shift from 3-4 at around 60mph.
Thanks
Since I don't have a tac, and the recommended shift points in the manual seem way off, was wondering what the "upper end" on the speedo would be for various shift points?
I don't lug, but I am sure I am a way off from the rev limiter kicking in.
It seems like I could easily shift from 3-4 at around 60mph.
Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
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From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
It ought to be against the law to sell a bike without a tach!
OK, "...was wondering what the "upper end" on the speedo would be for various shift points?" The rev limiter will tell you.
I can't tell you by speed because I use my tach for just about everything concerning forward motion (and idle).
OK, "...was wondering what the "upper end" on the speedo would be for various shift points?" The rev limiter will tell you.
I can't tell you by speed because I use my tach for just about everything concerning forward motion (and idle).
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Intermediate
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RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
2008 bike, only a month old. Just over the 1000 mile mark.
Just got it back from it's first service.
The dealer gave me great advice " don't lug it and don't bounce it of the limiter during break in"
In my cars, one sounds like it's about to explode near red line ( the MINI), in the BMW, it is silky smooth at red line.
I want to have fun, but not break anything along the way
Just got it back from it's first service.
The dealer gave me great advice " don't lug it and don't bounce it of the limiter during break in"
In my cars, one sounds like it's about to explode near red line ( the MINI), in the BMW, it is silky smooth at red line.
I want to have fun, but not break anything along the way
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
For relaxed, laid back cruising on my 05 1200 C my shift points are simple. Into 2nd at 20, 3rd at 30,4th at 40 and 5th at 50. My owners manual actually recommends slower speeds but they're too close to lugging. Of course that's on flat and level roadways. I guess anything above that would be o.k. if you wanted to.
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RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
That is about where is shift for "relaxed riding" also.
Just wondering for those time when I feel a "little more spirited". Push the bike a bit, but not hit the rev limiter.
Just wondering for those time when I feel a "little more spirited". Push the bike a bit, but not hit the rev limiter.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 114
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From: Rochester N.Y.
RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
I shift mine into second at about 25, 3rd at about40, 4th at about 60-65 and 5th around 80. I've never hit the limiter yet. Although I suppose I should just to see where it is. It feels as though I have a ways to go before I hit it. Obiviously I don't drive like that all the time as cruisin is just as much fun. this spring I may take it to the track a few times to rip it up! I love my new bike.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 614
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From: Indiana, USA
RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
I have a tach for my 1200, and it's what I pay attention to. And the 883 I had (came with no tach) the first thing I did was install a tach. I would highly recommend it.
For aggressive riding, I guess you could shift like this:
1st to 2nd - 25mph
2nd to 3rd - 40mph
3rd to 4th - 60mph (55mph?)
4th to 5th - 70mph (65mph?)
I just watch my tach usually. Those speeds above are approximately if you shiftat about 4k - 4.5k. If you take it all the way to 5k or 6k/max you could probably do faster. I usually stay under 5k when shifting aggressively. You never really even need to breach 5k --even while on the highway.
Just try stuff out. You'll know when the engine is revving high because it will sound like it's ... well, revving high! It sounds like the engine is moving really fast relative to how it normally sounds while cruising.
For aggressive riding, I guess you could shift like this:
1st to 2nd - 25mph
2nd to 3rd - 40mph
3rd to 4th - 60mph (55mph?)
4th to 5th - 70mph (65mph?)
I just watch my tach usually. Those speeds above are approximately if you shiftat about 4k - 4.5k. If you take it all the way to 5k or 6k/max you could probably do faster. I usually stay under 5k when shifting aggressively. You never really even need to breach 5k --even while on the highway.
Just try stuff out. You'll know when the engine is revving high because it will sound like it's ... well, revving high! It sounds like the engine is moving really fast relative to how it normally sounds while cruising.
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RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
ORIGINAL: jc_denton
I have a tach for my 1200, and it's what I pay attention to. And the 883 I had (came with no tach) the first thing I did was install a tach. I would highly recommend it.
For aggressive riding, I guess you could shift like this:
1st to 2nd - 25mph
2nd to 3rd - 40mph
3rd to 4th - 60mph (55mph?)
4th to 5th - 70mph (65mph?)
I just watch my tach usually. Those speeds above are approximately if you shiftat about 4k - 4.5k. If you take it all the way to 5k or 6k/max you could probably do faster. I usually stay under 5k when shifting aggressively. You never really even need to breach 5k --even while on the highway.
Just try stuff out. You'll know when the engine is revving high because it will sound like it's ... well, revving high! It sounds like the engine is moving really fast relative to how it normally sounds while cruising.
I have a tach for my 1200, and it's what I pay attention to. And the 883 I had (came with no tach) the first thing I did was install a tach. I would highly recommend it.
For aggressive riding, I guess you could shift like this:
1st to 2nd - 25mph
2nd to 3rd - 40mph
3rd to 4th - 60mph (55mph?)
4th to 5th - 70mph (65mph?)
I just watch my tach usually. Those speeds above are approximately if you shiftat about 4k - 4.5k. If you take it all the way to 5k or 6k/max you could probably do faster. I usually stay under 5k when shifting aggressively. You never really even need to breach 5k --even while on the highway.
Just try stuff out. You'll know when the engine is revving high because it will sound like it's ... well, revving high! It sounds like the engine is moving really fast relative to how it normally sounds while cruising.
Has a great sound at those shift points too.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Nooby Shifting Question.
And after using these numbers for a while and get "the feel", you will find a tach is really not a "must have" unless your goal is to drag race your Harley.