sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 2
From: Just north of Philly!
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
Even if I had a 6th gear,I would seldom need to use it.Of course I've tried to go up a gear more than once.If I'm on the highway,my sweet spot is about 70 mph.Most of the time,I'll go with the flow of the right lane and pass when I need to.The engine sure ain't lugging at 70 and above!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
Like everyone else, I have tried shifting to 6th many times. Most of my riding is done in the 45-55 mph range and I'm used to a certain sound from the engine. When I get to 65-70, I try to shift to 6th to get that "normal" sound back - LOL!
Actually, a 6th gear meansfaster acceleration only,unless the final drive ratio changes. Harley has designed these bikes with a certain final drive ratio based on the different engine sizes for a reason. Putting a 6th, or "overdrive" gear (from an engineering standpoint) on any bike willstressthe engine'sdesign limits beyond what was intended. If you want a slower turning engine at 70 mph it's best to get a big twin, or an old British Panther.
Actually, a 6th gear meansfaster acceleration only,unless the final drive ratio changes. Harley has designed these bikes with a certain final drive ratio based on the different engine sizes for a reason. Putting a 6th, or "overdrive" gear (from an engineering standpoint) on any bike willstressthe engine'sdesign limits beyond what was intended. If you want a slower turning engine at 70 mph it's best to get a big twin, or an old British Panther.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
ORIGINAL: jc_denton
LOL you're lugging the bike like CRAZY. You don't even need to shift to 5th gear until 50-55mph, let alone even think about a 6th gear. You need to shift later than you are...
Oh, and if you do the 1200 conversion and get the same gearing as the 1200 done, you'll have yourself a 1200 sportster -- which don't need 6th gears.
ORIGINAL: shortsport
after i hit 50-55mph, is when it seems like i could go to next gear, and there isn't any more. can't afford to buy a new dyna right now. thanks.
after i hit 50-55mph, is when it seems like i could go to next gear, and there isn't any more. can't afford to buy a new dyna right now. thanks.
Oh, and if you do the 1200 conversion and get the same gearing as the 1200 done, you'll have yourself a 1200 sportster -- which don't need 6th gears.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Fl
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
ORIGINAL: x2lee
OK, I dont have a tach. Maybe OFG will throwus some facts toprove/disprove my theory.But Im guessing at 75 mph in 5th the sportster is pulling 3400 rpms? I dont think I am far off. So 105 would be like maybe 4700? thats close to where you would feel the need for 6th gear imo... methinks yall shift too soon. Or drive too damned fast
OK, I dont have a tach. Maybe OFG will throwus some facts toprove/disprove my theory.But Im guessing at 75 mph in 5th the sportster is pulling 3400 rpms? I dont think I am far off. So 105 would be like maybe 4700? thats close to where you would feel the need for 6th gear imo... methinks yall shift too soon. Or drive too damned fast
. I normally cruise around 80 and the engine doesn't sound strained at all and stays sub 4000 rpm's. I was always trying to get 6th on my Honda, but as mentioned, most of those bikes rev high and like it that way.-Andy
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 0
From: Gahanna, OH
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
ORIGINAL: carmencip
So I think I would be happy with 5 on the Dyna also IMO
So I think I would be happy with 5 on the Dyna also IMO
I can see the desire for the 883 riders for a lower rpm at hwy cruising. I think the 1200 stays smooth until 75+ - would be nice to click up a gear then, but that gives me a reason to keep looking at that Wideglide :-)
Banned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 2
From: Appling GA
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
Nah, 105 is where it would help. shifting into 6th at 75 would lug the motor, its only turning about 3300 rpms at 75 mph, way to early to shift.....[quote]ORIGINAL: hogsport
ORIGINAL: carmencip
I think the 1200 stays smooth until 75+ - would be nice to click up a gear then, but that gives me a reason to keep looking at that Wideglide :-)
I think the 1200 stays smooth until 75+ - would be nice to click up a gear then, but that gives me a reason to keep looking at that Wideglide :-)
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 614
Likes: 2
From: Indiana, USA
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
ORIGINAL: SportyPig
Factory recommend shift point into 5th gear for an 883 is 45 mph. So, he isn't necessiarly lugging the engine. I don't usually shift that early, but that is the listed shift point in the Owners Manual.
Factory recommend shift point into 5th gear for an 883 is 45 mph. So, he isn't necessiarly lugging the engine. I don't usually shift that early, but that is the listed shift point in the Owners Manual.
You're right, though, I forgot the original poster is riding an 883.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 614
Likes: 2
From: Indiana, USA
RE: sporster seems like it needs a 6th gear
ORIGINAL: towboattrash34
heck with my dyna i have 6th and sometimes i look for 7th.....hehehehehe....i think i just need bigger cams for mid to top end power...
heck with my dyna i have 6th and sometimes i look for 7th.....hehehehehe....i think i just need bigger cams for mid to top end power...