Getting fed up with the surging
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 357
Likes: 2
From: NC
At 35, I'm just shifting into 3rd. if cruising at 35, I'd still be in 2nd. It's not about the sound as much as it is the "feel". Just remember, your sitting on the engine, things are going to sound different compared to your car.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
chapter 2. gearing is all that matters when it comes to figuring what speed you are going to be doing at a certain rpm. motor size or components do not play a factor in that equation.
Last edited by IRON1250; Jun 29, 2012 at 01:48 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
that is where i like to cruise at then wind it right up to 4500-6000 or so and grab the next gear!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse
Yup what i said! mine never comes out of first until at least 30 mph. never! and like i said that is still under 5000rpm which is where you should be shifting. I'd bet most of those dealers have never ridden a sportster and probably don't even own a harley. if they were made to be ran at such low rpm the red line would be 3000rpm not 6200rpm.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse
You bring up a good point, but what about a sprocket change? Since sooner or later in going to take the cover off anyways, What size drive gear would give me more out of the bike? SE2 Slipons, SE Stage1 air no ham can. Baffs wont come out because of either a factory dent in the back Muffler under the shock mount, or the Prev owner bottomed it out so hard it dented the muffler.(That pisses me off i wanted to drill some rows of holes) Grrr
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Southern New Jersey
Heres what i told them first time, I told them about the lugging, studdering, sergung. Told them there was NO WAY they gave me a full tank of gas when i bought it because at the 96mi mark i had to put 3.5 galons in it. I told them i was riding the bike like this, 1st 20-25, 2nd 30-40ish, 3rd 40-50, 4th 50-60 5th 60+. They told me riding like that was why i got under 30mpg. I called that bullshit to their face. But, Once in 3rd im around 35-40 and then 4th ill be at 50-60, I did get the milage i thought the bike should get, and thats right about 50mpg. So i dont know if these guys ripped me off on a tank of gas and pulled an Obamatax on me or what.(you know, say its not one thing when you know it is) I still think the bastards ripped me off atleast a Gal and a half. I HATE my local HD shop.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Southern New Jersey
I find that each gear has a sweet spot for shifting and the bike will tell you by feel and sound. 4th gear just hums along at 60. I don't even shift to fifth until minimum 65+. Get about 50+ mpg cruising at 60 all day.