Shifting question
Shifting question
Hey guys I have a question about what speeds I should be reaching to hit my shift points.I searched the forum and though I did find some info it wasn't what I was looking for.I have a new 09 Nightster with V&H Short Shots,a high flow intake,and remapped with the SE Pro tuner.Other than that it is stock,if I go by the recomended shift speeds in the manual the bike feels like it is lugging in some gears.For example the manual says to upshift to 5th gear at 45 MPH,I know that I can't over rev it(rev limiter)but I don't want to be lugging my motor cause I have been told that this is worse than high revving the motor.Also let me say everyone says to just go by the sound but at highway speeds with a half helmet and hearing loss(playing guitar in a few bands as a teenager
)I can't always go by sound.Anyone have any suggestions?Thanks Roger
)I can't always go by sound.Anyone have any suggestions?Thanks Roger
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 933
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
The shift point speeds are listed in the owners manual. 1>2 15 mph, 2>3 25 mph, 3>4 35 mph and 4>5 45 mph. I find these to cause the engine to bog a lot so I let it run up a little higher, but not nearly as high as badger1984.
You will learn how to feel what speeds the engine is happy running at. After 2 years on my bike I can tell how fast I'm going just by the feel and sound of the motor/exhaust and what gear I'm in.
You will learn how to feel what speeds the engine is happy running at. After 2 years on my bike I can tell how fast I'm going just by the feel and sound of the motor/exhaust and what gear I'm in.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Yeah, the longer you ride your bike the more you will get a feel for when she's happy. If I went into 5th gear at 45 it would shudder like crazy, way to low for my bike. I usually shift into 5th when I'm going close to 60...not before.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 743
Likes: 0
From: Cape Town
Howzit
This certainly surprised me on first ridding the Harley coming off jap bikes,can I go so far to say 5 th on the sportster is close to an overdrive gear on a car,the jap bikes was brmm,change brmm change sit in 5th and 4th most of the ride.The Harley want's a decent top end before you reach 5th and when you slow down it's back down again,in slower traffic I'm sitting 2nd and third(And now its grumble..roar change,LOL).H
Thanks guys,I have been going about 5 to almost 10 mph above the suggested speed in my manual.What had me concerned was I felt maybe I was luggin the bike to much on the highway from 4th to 5th gear.It seems to me my bike likes to be around 58 to 60 mph before I hit 5th.I don't know if my MPGs are a little low because I am revin a little high or if it's just because I am still in my break in period with my bike.Thanks Roger
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey FL
this is it right here...this is why owning a harley IMO is so great...these bikes have different personality...likes and dislikes and they are all slightly different. ever watch someones starting procedure? I watch all my friends and ALL our bikes like to start differently, mine like choke out 2 throttle twists, my buddys is 1 throttle twist half choke out...its great having a bike with personality...then getting in tune with it and learning
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