6th gear indicator?
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 657
From: Eastpointe, MI
6th gear indicator?
I'm getting used to my new to me 2008 Electra Glide Ultra Classic.
Always had Hondas before, this is my first Harley.
I love it.
There are several striking differences I am now comfortable with - the forward (as I see it) shifter and brake, the right turn signal on the right handlebar and the jiffy stand (which I first thought was loose and broken).
Even after realizing that's the way it's suppose to be to lock into place with a notch I still don't trust it.
But I really miss a gear position indicator.
I just noticed a very tiny green 6 when in 6th gear - but none of the other gears? Other than the even smaller little green light for neutral is this all there is?
It doesn't make sense to me, if you're on the freeway and you're not sure you're in 6th, just try to shift it up again. No harm.
What I want to know is when I'm in second going around a corners after downshifting from a higher gear.
I've ended up in first gear a few times and lurched forward - or in 3rd and bogged down.
Please excuse this newbie question and the fact that I may be a sissy for even wanting a gear indicator.
Do I have to remember and do math every time?
Or are my 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 lights burned out?
Always had Hondas before, this is my first Harley.
I love it.
There are several striking differences I am now comfortable with - the forward (as I see it) shifter and brake, the right turn signal on the right handlebar and the jiffy stand (which I first thought was loose and broken).
Even after realizing that's the way it's suppose to be to lock into place with a notch I still don't trust it.
But I really miss a gear position indicator.
I just noticed a very tiny green 6 when in 6th gear - but none of the other gears? Other than the even smaller little green light for neutral is this all there is?
It doesn't make sense to me, if you're on the freeway and you're not sure you're in 6th, just try to shift it up again. No harm.
What I want to know is when I'm in second going around a corners after downshifting from a higher gear.
I've ended up in first gear a few times and lurched forward - or in 3rd and bogged down.
Please excuse this newbie question and the fact that I may be a sissy for even wanting a gear indicator.
Do I have to remember and do math every time?
Or are my 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 lights burned out?
Last edited by Robertbc3141; May 26, 2025 at 08:45 PM. Reason: Spelin n gramer
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 1,208
From: AZ
😂🤣 Yes coming from all Suzukis I was wondering what in the world is up with this jiffy stand but they are extremely strong & you'll learn to trust it.
Only 6th gear indicator & it will come on sometimes in other gears because of the rpm/load on the engine or something but don't worry about that.
Only 6th gear indicator & it will come on sometimes in other gears because of the rpm/load on the engine or something but don't worry about that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,000
Likes: 5,266
Called a false neutral, basically when you just manage to miss both gears, usually a result of not clutching / Rev matching properly or not putting in enough determination with your shift foot. When in top gear nothing happens if you try to shift up on almost every motorcycle.
Doesn't usually harm the bike (much), but can cause the transmission to take excessive damage if you're unlucky.
Doesn't usually harm the bike (much), but can cause the transmission to take excessive damage if you're unlucky.
https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles..._in_56th_gear/
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 407
From: Outer Banks, NC
You can see in my signature I own a 1975 Suzuki GT750. Believe it or not it has a digital (those red LEDs!) gear indicator. Pretty slick, when it's working!
The switch that sends that info to the indicator is mounted in a horrible location, right behind the front chain sprocket. It gets covered in chain oil and dirt. Then you have to remove the covers and clean it with WD40 and a toothbrush! But pretty slick for it's time!
The switch that sends that info to the indicator is mounted in a horrible location, right behind the front chain sprocket. It gets covered in chain oil and dirt. Then you have to remove the covers and clean it with WD40 and a toothbrush! But pretty slick for it's time!
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 657
From: Eastpointe, MI
Called a false neutral, basically when you just manage to miss both gears, usually a result of not clutching / Rev matching properly or not putting in enough determination with your shift foot. When in top gear nothing happens if you try to shift up on almost every motorcycle.
Doesn't usually harm the bike (much), but can cause the transmission to take excessive damage if you're unlucky.
Doesn't usually harm the bike (much), but can cause the transmission to take excessive damage if you're unlucky.
I was saying I don't understand having just a 6th gear indicator - if you're not sure you're in 6th just try to shift up - how does that harm the bike?
Damage my transmission??
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 657
From: Eastpointe, MI
Oh, I'm getting me one of those.
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this won't work for your ultra. That speedo is on a different model.
Just ride it. You'll quickly get the hang of which gear your in
Just ride it. You'll quickly get the hang of which gear your in
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,889
Likes: 3,546
From: backwoods
My 2015 tells you the gears, not sure when it came out it's nice but not that big of deal.
Rode with out for 30 years. I kinda if think this newbie problem where you get some more experience. Maybe you are experienced and rely on technology.
Clutch has to be out. So I don't find it all that useful. More of niceity
Rode with out for 30 years. I kinda if think this newbie problem where you get some more experience. Maybe you are experienced and rely on technology.
Clutch has to be out. So I don't find it all that useful. More of niceity