Pardon the newbie questions, but here's another. I'm reading the manual and it's giving me upshift points of 15/25/35/45. Then there's a statement about how individual riders might shift differently and it might be appropriate for their riding style (? - are they offshoring their manual writing?). These shift points seem way too slow to me - but without previous Sportster experience, I don't know whether the vibes are normal, or a sign of lugging. I do have a tach - anyone know the minimum engine speed?

Oh, one tiny one more... I see the anti-vandalism Torx screws on the air cleaner cover, and so I need a new tool (not a bad thing). Anyone know the size offhand?

Thanks a bunch. I'm having a great ride to work every day (rain or not) and kicking myself for not having done this earlier.
cheers,
Mac

 

wait......wait for it........oohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmm.... oohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmm....


PFFFT!!! [:@]Damnit I just can't seem to use my psychic powers to figure out what model and year bike you have... just give mea few more hours... I should be able to figure it out......

oohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......

 

I think he has a 2007 XL1200 Roadster. I would simply say to shift at where it is comfotable for you. For me it depends on haow fast I want to get to the desired speed. I would probably shift at a higher RPM while on an on ramp and a lower RPM in the city....

 

I would say do not shift "before" those speeds if you are on a flat level road. A little earlier is o.k. if you're going down hill. I would take the speed up a little higher if going up hill. To go beyond those speeds is at anytime is o.k. For example: if you feel like you want to get on it, take it up to 40 in second and find out what a hot rod you've got. (That will still be easy on your engine. You could go alot more but I don't push my equipment.)

 

 

i just make sure the gear im in matches the first digit of my speed.

if its a 1 im in first a 2 2nd and so on. this is just for cruiseing around. i wont go for 5th unless im over 50.

 

I asked the same questions within the first week of owning my bike. I read the manual and was surprised at the low recommended shifting speeds were compared to where I shifted when riding...Based on the replies I receivedto my post, you canshift whenever you feel comfortable. I also asked about a tach and quickly learned that it is not a necessity, the bike has a rev limiter which won't allow you to wind the engine up to a level that would cause damage. I've been close to or over 50 mph in third on some occasions and have had no problems. Of course this practice will hurt your fuel mileage, but not your bike. Hope this helps.

 

during break in take it easy on the bike and dont go over 4k. but after that shift when you hit the rev limiter[sm=smiley16.gif]

 

hardcore.... but funny

 

Its all good mac. As long as it's taken in fun. Just for the record I agree with Jalopy..