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Ok, so I am sure this has come up and I apologize but I can't find it... What RPMs are optimal for cruising speeds: 25mph, 35mph, etc.
The chart in the manual doesn't seem to be correct. Based on the book, I should be in 3rd at 25, but when I do this and the rpm drops a bit... Lug lug - HELP
It's a 2014 with less than 100 miles and yes, it's my first bike... I am new, so be gentle please!
Last edited by HD_Sportster_48; Aug 10, 2014 at 05:43 PM.
I always shift into 2nd around 25-30 unless I'm getting on it. I just keep in mind that I can shift up when I get into the upper bracket of that set of ten mph (example: Shift to 3rd when I am above 35 mph, 4th when above 45 mph).
+1 on the drive by feel. Charts are just guides and don't know if you're driving into a 15mph head wind with a windshield, 1 up, 2 up, or driving downhill with no wind. As others have said...if you think you're lugging it you probably are...it's much better to run on the upper end of a gear than drive around lugging the engine. You'll do lots less damage. Get out on the highway away from the traffic and open her up you'll develop more of a feel for it than putting around in stop and go traffic.
Manual's not right. Their shift points are way too early.
Here's a chart that should help. The yellow is about where I ride.
Yup..the yellow is where I mainly ride. My shift points though vary depending on situation, but I don't shift to 5th until 70 mph usually
(depends on traffic).
A lot of new Sportster riders seem to shift way to low in the RPM range. I know what the manual says, but those are "recommended" and it notes that shift points vary depending on rider style.
When new Sportster riders go by "sound" they are almost always shifting way too early based on posts in the forums. As you know, if you are not riding in the yellow band (or higher), you are not taking advantage of the "Sport" in "Sportster". Might as well get a big twin than a "Sport"ster in my opinion.
Too me, if you are shifting into 5th gear at 50mph you need to try riding at a higher RPM to see what a Sportster can really do. Ride in the Yellow Band above. Give it a try, if you don't like it, go back to your style of riding.
Heck...my bike (1200cc) is absolutely smooth like glass at 60 mph in 4th.
At 70 mph it is smooth as glass again in 5th. I have found that also at 85 mph in 5th, I hit another smooth spot (3rd gear smooth spot is 50 mph).
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Lugging my 48
