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When do you shift gears?

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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 10:50 AM
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A lot of people don't seem to realize these motors like to breathe. My 03 1200C goes into 5th at 65 MPH, rarely lower. Most of my miles are at or below 55, so I'm always cruising in 3rd or 4th gear. A motor that's spinning comfortably isn't being stressed and is getting good oil circulation.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 01:09 PM
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Somewhere between 2500rpm and 6500rpm. I don't have a tachometer so it's just a guess really.
 
Last edited by OCSpringer; Jan 29, 2025 at 01:12 PM.
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by OCSpringer
Somewhere between 2500rpm and 6500rpm. I don't have a tachometer so it's just a guess really.
So...shift when the rev limiter kicks in?
 
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 02:23 PM
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Haha. Well, the rev limiter is set to 6500. I had it at 7100 but figured that was a bit much.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by OCSpringer
Haha. Well, the rev limiter is set to 6500. I had it at 7100 but figured that was a bit much.
I have known drag racers to set the rev limiter higher than 6250. But those engines are rebuilt after every race weekend. But on a street Harley motor...I do not see it lasting long.

How many HD parts in your 7100 RPM capable motor?
 
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Goose_NC
How many HD parts in your 7100 RPM capable motor?
I don't think there are any internal HD parts anymore.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by OCSpringer
I don't think there are any internal HD parts anymore.
I figured that was the case. The only thing Harley in most "AHDRA" engines are the decals.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 03:30 PM
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The factory redlines are too conservative. I always test mine. I run the motor up until the valves float. Then mark it 200 RPM less than that, and that’s where I always shift.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2025 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by TriGeezer
I run the motor up until the valves float.
I heard that's the best way to break in a new build as well.

John
 
Last edited by John Harper; Jan 29, 2025 at 09:57 PM.
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Old Jan 31, 2025 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Carby Hamcan
A lot of people don't seem to realize these motors like to breathe. My 03 1200C goes into 5th at 65 MPH, rarely lower. Most of my miles are at or below 55, so I'm always cruising in 3rd or 4th gear. A motor that's spinning comfortably isn't being stressed and is getting good oil circulation.
Had a friend ride my sporty a while back, first time sporty rider. I was on my Fat Boy. He had never owned any Harley smaller than a touring bike or softail. He couldn't get over how he could wait til 60 or 65 to shift into fifth. He had a ball and ended up buying one.

 
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