Sixth gear in a headwind
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
You don't say what the headwind was, headwind can be a big factor in Oklahoma. But I wouldn't think 2500 rpms would be a problem for a 103 and solo rider. Still, the difference in top speed of my 2002 RK with and without the windshield was 15 mph. So, the barn door windshield could have some effect.
Beary
Beary
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
I have no set speed that I shift into or out of sixth gear. I let the motorcycle tell me what it wants to do.
But then, I also don't have a pocket protector or carry a calculator with me either...if y'all catch my drift...
But then, I also don't have a pocket protector or carry a calculator with me either...if y'all catch my drift...
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 150
Likes: 15
From: Sacramento, CA
I dont typically cruise in 6th unless I will be above 65 for a period of time. My bike would definitely be lugging at 60 and would not want to push through a headwind. It would have to be down shifted to speed up. 2015 Street glide
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 2,880
From: Oklahoma
Wind resistance is a big factor. If you are going 60 mph into a 30 mph head wind, you have the wind resistance the same as gong 90 mph in calm conditions. Wind drag increases by the square of the change in velocity.
Starting with the wind resistance at 45 mph, the resistance goes up FOUR times when you increase your speed to 90. Nothing happened to your engine, it was just overwhelmed with the higher drag. Those that "feel" what their machine needs have the right idea, trying to put fixed rules into gear selection will work most of the time, but knowing your machine through riding experience and giving it what it needs at a given time never misses.
Starting with the wind resistance at 45 mph, the resistance goes up FOUR times when you increase your speed to 90. Nothing happened to your engine, it was just overwhelmed with the higher drag. Those that "feel" what their machine needs have the right idea, trying to put fixed rules into gear selection will work most of the time, but knowing your machine through riding experience and giving it what it needs at a given time never misses.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 532
Likes: 64
From: Manitoba, Canada
Thanks for the replies. Having a sixth gear is still fairly new to me, first bike out of five bikes that has it. I know it's not rocket science and I know when to shift, but I thought 65 would be correct for a shift to 6th and just hadn't experienced a lag before. Oh, and I don't carry a pocket protector either. I may not be a 1%'er and don't desire to be, but my bikes aren't garage queens either. Hope you get my drift. Thanks again to those who replied with actual feedback.