Searching for sixth gear
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Searching for sixth gear
Maybe it’s just me but I always seem to be looking for a sixth gear when cruising. Cursing @ 65 mph @ 3100 rpm’s just seems the bike could use a sixth gear. Does anyone else feel the same way?
Also, I posted some pictures of my new KURYAKYN PREMIUM ISO-GRIPS, they are great and I like them a lot.
Two notable items:
1st The grips are made for big hands
2nd You need to be absolutely sure when you install the left hand grip that you have the grip in the position you want because you don’t get a second chance after applying the glue and sliding the grip onto the bar the bold is immediate.
Also, I posted some pictures of my new KURYAKYN PREMIUM ISO-GRIPS, they are great and I like them a lot.
Two notable items:
1st The grips are made for big hands
2nd You need to be absolutely sure when you install the left hand grip that you have the grip in the position you want because you don’t get a second chance after applying the glue and sliding the grip onto the bar the bold is immediate.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Searching for sixth gear
At 3,100 RPM you are just starting to get into the 'peak horsepower and torque' range with both the 883 and 1200 engines.
Harley V-Twin engines love to run in the 3,000 - 3500+ RPM range, non-stop for thousands of miles/hours if needed.
Harley V-Twin engines love to run in the 3,000 - 3500+ RPM range, non-stop for thousands of miles/hours if needed.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
RE: Searching for sixth gear
Yes, I also still find myself attempting another upshift just to make sure I'm in 5th.
As far as the grips go, I just installed the same set on my bike. At first I didn't like where the throttle boss ended up even with adjusting it using the screws on the end. I rotated it all the way down, which wasn't quite far enough. Then I tried removing the screws to rotate the slots on the screws like the instructions said, but that put it too low. I ended up adjusting the throttle cables to get the grip rotated down where I wanted the throttle boss to be. I think they should have mentioned that in the instructions as a way to get the boss into that "in between" area.
As far as the grips go, I just installed the same set on my bike. At first I didn't like where the throttle boss ended up even with adjusting it using the screws on the end. I rotated it all the way down, which wasn't quite far enough. Then I tried removing the screws to rotate the slots on the screws like the instructions said, but that put it too low. I ended up adjusting the throttle cables to get the grip rotated down where I wanted the throttle boss to be. I think they should have mentioned that in the instructions as a way to get the boss into that "in between" area.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Searching for sixth gear
I used to have that problem with a metric (VT 1100) but I don't have it with my Sportster. I thought after I bought my 1200 C that I would want to be adding a tach like I did on the VT but for me it's not necessary.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Searching for sixth gear
I've done the 'false shift into 6th' from time to time....
Makes 'ya feel like a complete idiot. (Well, I feel that way anyhow)... LoL... [8D]
Makes 'ya feel like a complete idiot. (Well, I feel that way anyhow)... LoL... [8D]
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
RE: Searching for sixth gear
Good news for me is that the wind buffeting is so bad when I get above 65 that I really don't need that 6th gear anyway. 
I'm still torn on the windshield thing. I know it helps a lot, but I just don't like the look of it. This is the ultimate contest of form over function.
I tried kicking it up to 75 the other day, though, and really the engine felt happy. I was the problem there since it was just downright uncomfortable having to spend more time trying to keep my hands on the grips than enjoying the ride.
I'm still torn on the windshield thing. I know it helps a lot, but I just don't like the look of it. This is the ultimate contest of form over function.
I tried kicking it up to 75 the other day, though, and really the engine felt happy. I was the problem there since it was just downright uncomfortable having to spend more time trying to keep my hands on the grips than enjoying the ride.
