shifting speeds for 6 speed
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 3
From: Columbus GA / Phenix City AL
RE: shifting speeds for 6 speed
I generally don't even pay attention to speeds (just go by engine sound) until I hit fifth gear. Then I watch my speedo and don't shift into 6th until I'm above 65mph, usually. It doesn't do much good before then. I ride two-up a lot, and I have to wind the gears out into a little higher rpm range with less speed, as compared to what I do when riding alone. Just listen to your motor.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: shifting speeds for 6 speed
Haven't got my Ultra yet, so still only have experience with my Dyna, but engine sound as about as good of an indicator as you can get. Also keep in mind, it doesn't hurt, and is actually good for the engine to bump up against the rev-limiter once in awhile. My wife gets a kick out of my on-ramp exceleration once in awhile, especially when there isn't much of a curve in the ramp I'll nail it through the first 3 gears and be at or above interstate speed by the time I hit the end of the ramp....makes merging into Wyoming traffic real easy (you know, 1 car a mile ahead and another 2 miles back)
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 976
Likes: 1
From:
RE: shifting speeds for 6 speed
I go into 6th gear around 60 mph and it doesn't lug the engine on a flat slab.. saves gas. Oh I know most will say the 6th gear is like overdrive but it's there and I will use it just as long as I'm not lugging the engine. 5th gear is alright past 60 I'm sure but seems to wind up the engine rpm too much for a quiet ride.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From:
RE: shifting speeds for 6 speed
Ya I try to listen by engine noise too, but unfortunately between the IED blasts and the shootingon my last tour my hearing is pretty much shot to begin with and after I throw in my earplugs or headphones I can't hear jack anyway. [sm=rant.gif]27 yrs oldand I need hearing aids uhgggg! oh well I know italways b worse. AnywayIt just makes it a struggle to tell the right ranges
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 93
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From:
RE: shifting speeds for 6 speed
I usually shift by sound and speed. When riding 1-up, this usually means shifting up to 6th at around 65. I'll usually leave it there until I drop down to 60 as I agree with London in that the bike begins to lug as it nears 2000rpm and below.
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