Electra glide question
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Electra glide question
Hello everyone, Im new to the forum.
i have a 2008 HD Electra glide with a 96 cu stage 1 engine that I just got a few days ago (my first Harley) i was trying to put it in the garage today and almost dropped it because I was trying to keep it slow so I didnt run into the wall and when I hit the concrete I wasnt going fast enough and it got me off balance. Which leads to my question. When I **** Into first gear and take off she reallyyyy wants to go, Im running almost 30 before I shift into 2nd gear. If I shift into 6th at 60mph shes barely turning over 2,000 rpms. Is this normal? Ive road my brothers 2019 sportster and it doesnt seem to be that way in first Gear if i remember right, and Ive road my grandfathers 2013 softail and it doesnt run that way in first or 6th gear either. My last two bikes a Yamaha and a Suzuki barely went anywhere in first. I understand those are two entirely different models, and two different makes, but it got me curious.
Thanks all.
i have a 2008 HD Electra glide with a 96 cu stage 1 engine that I just got a few days ago (my first Harley) i was trying to put it in the garage today and almost dropped it because I was trying to keep it slow so I didnt run into the wall and when I hit the concrete I wasnt going fast enough and it got me off balance. Which leads to my question. When I **** Into first gear and take off she reallyyyy wants to go, Im running almost 30 before I shift into 2nd gear. If I shift into 6th at 60mph shes barely turning over 2,000 rpms. Is this normal? Ive road my brothers 2019 sportster and it doesnt seem to be that way in first Gear if i remember right, and Ive road my grandfathers 2013 softail and it doesnt run that way in first or 6th gear either. My last two bikes a Yamaha and a Suzuki barely went anywhere in first. I understand those are two entirely different models, and two different makes, but it got me curious.
Thanks all.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 419
Likes: 60
From: Central IL
Never owned an 08 personally but they were still trying to work out the ideal gearing for the 6 speed transmission. I would say that what you experience is normal for that year. Later years are geared more reasonably. Buddy of mine has an 08EG and has told me that he doesn't click it into 6th until 65mph or so.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 194
I have a stock 09 Road King 96. When accelerating I shift at 30, 45, 60. When motoring along I shift into 5th at about 65 or so. I don't hit 6th gear until around 75 or so. I have 95000 miles on motor with no major repairs so it seems happy with that pattern.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4,125
Likes: 2,116
From: W. MI.
I don't think I would get into traffic with those issues. Better go to a vacant parking lot and practice! Oh, and welcome.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 543
Likes: 92
From: clinton CT
first of all you were shiting not shifting.....but as others have said sounds like you need to be more familiar with the bike before maneuvering in tight spaces.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
you just need to get used to finding the friction zone of the clutch...don't let it out all the way, just enough to get you into the garage an as soon as the rear wheel is in pull it all the way in. Go find an empty parking lot an play with the friction zone with the clutch an practice a few U turns. once you get the feel down these big bikes are actually fairly nimble.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
The ratio for 6th gear (2k at 60MPHish) is normal and hopefully has noting to do with pulling in to the garage.
Agree with the others, clutch control is important..
One quirk with the 2008 has to do with the throttle by wire and idle speed. If you twist the throttle as you hit the kill switch it will set the idle higher than normal. To reset it just cycle the ignition switch a few times without touching the throttle.
Agree with the others, clutch control is important..
One quirk with the 2008 has to do with the throttle by wire and idle speed. If you twist the throttle as you hit the kill switch it will set the idle higher than normal. To reset it just cycle the ignition switch a few times without touching the throttle.