5Th gear - I get - finally
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
5Th gear - I get - finally
I have 18K on my 10 Ultra. Over time I have read posts that some don't use 6 th until 70 or 80 even. I did not understand. I do tour loaded but not two up.
I felt that 6 th gave less fuel consumption and lower piston feet per mile for less wear.
On the way to Sturgis a couple of weeks ago, I was headed to International Falls to cross over into Canada ( for some reason I never head directly to where I am going
) I pulled onto I-35 after refueling and there was a really slow car on the on ramp. My son was ahead and already booking down the road. After finally getting on the north bound lane, I dropped a couple gears and blew by Mr Pokey. For the first time ever I didn't realize that I was still in 5th and had not shifted into 6th.
I was going 70 and had caught my son as he had slowed down until I caught him. I put the cruise on. After a while I thought how smooth the ride is the motor seemed to be in a sweet spot. I thought there must be a tail wind. Then I looked at the tach. It was 3,100 rpm and my little green 6 was not on. I shifted into 6th and the tach dropped about 500 rpms. I could feel the motor power pulses again and the ride was just not as sweet.
So, I finally get why many use fifth for two up riding at less than 80 mph.
I felt that 6 th gave less fuel consumption and lower piston feet per mile for less wear.
On the way to Sturgis a couple of weeks ago, I was headed to International Falls to cross over into Canada ( for some reason I never head directly to where I am going
) I pulled onto I-35 after refueling and there was a really slow car on the on ramp. My son was ahead and already booking down the road. After finally getting on the north bound lane, I dropped a couple gears and blew by Mr Pokey. For the first time ever I didn't realize that I was still in 5th and had not shifted into 6th. I was going 70 and had caught my son as he had slowed down until I caught him. I put the cruise on. After a while I thought how smooth the ride is the motor seemed to be in a sweet spot. I thought there must be a tail wind. Then I looked at the tach. It was 3,100 rpm and my little green 6 was not on. I shifted into 6th and the tach dropped about 500 rpms. I could feel the motor power pulses again and the ride was just not as sweet.
So, I finally get why many use fifth for two up riding at less than 80 mph.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
I've done the same thing - put the cruise on in 5th gear and not realize till some time later. That 6 speed tranny is flexible. Of course, one might say I ought to pay more attention!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
I have 18K on my 10 Ultra. Over time I have read posts that some don't use 6 th until 70 or 80 even. I did not understand. I do tour loaded but not two up.
I felt that 6 th gave less fuel consumption and lower piston feet per mile for less wear.
On the way to Sturgis a couple of weeks ago, I was headed to International Falls to cross over into Canada ( for some reason I never head directly to where I am going) I pulled onto I-35 after refueling and there was a really slow car on the on ramp. My son was ahead and already booking down the road. After finally getting on the north bound lane, I dropped a couple gears and blew by Mr Pokey. For the first time ever I didn't realize that I was still in 5th and had not shifted into 6th.
I was going 70 and had caught my son as he had slowed down until I caught him. I put the cruise on. After a while I thought how smooth the ride is the motor seemed to be in a sweet spot. I thought there must be a tail wind. Then I looked at the tach. It was 3,100 rpm and my little green 6 was not on. I shifted into 6th and the tach dropped about 500 rpms. I could feel the motor power pulses again and the ride was just not as sweet.
So, I finally get why many use fifth for two up riding at less than 80 mph.
I felt that 6 th gave less fuel consumption and lower piston feet per mile for less wear.
On the way to Sturgis a couple of weeks ago, I was headed to International Falls to cross over into Canada ( for some reason I never head directly to where I am going
) I pulled onto I-35 after refueling and there was a really slow car on the on ramp. My son was ahead and already booking down the road. After finally getting on the north bound lane, I dropped a couple gears and blew by Mr Pokey. For the first time ever I didn't realize that I was still in 5th and had not shifted into 6th. I was going 70 and had caught my son as he had slowed down until I caught him. I put the cruise on. After a while I thought how smooth the ride is the motor seemed to be in a sweet spot. I thought there must be a tail wind. Then I looked at the tach. It was 3,100 rpm and my little green 6 was not on. I shifted into 6th and the tach dropped about 500 rpms. I could feel the motor power pulses again and the ride was just not as sweet.
So, I finally get why many use fifth for two up riding at less than 80 mph.
My '03 FLHTCUI runs 3200 at 75 mph, so I don't really feel the need for 6th speed at all. Maybe I would feel different out west, where limits are higher than my neck of the woods.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
I have given up on speeds over 80mph out here in Cal, the moment your stopped for speeding its a "lets inspect your bike for any non-epa-crap" So yup even out here 6th gear really isn't high on my list.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,175
From: Oxford, Nc
Running under the ideal rpm wastes gas. ( I've never been a fan of the 6 speed, it encourages luggung which is the worst thing for these 07 and later engines.)
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I'm the same with my 5 speed. When riding on a road with a posted 55 and a lot of LEOs watching the road, I keep the gear in 4th. It rides at 60 at 3000. Very smooth, the gas milage is the same as if I was running in 5th. Plus I have higher HP at those revs so it is there when I want it, no need to down shift. I don't go to the highest gear until I'm riding on a posted 65 mph limit.
Last edited by StreetGlider57; Aug 20, 2011 at 07:26 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 22
From: South of Indy
Interesting info here. I usually go to 6th when I get above 55. Seems like it just purrs along and is quieter in 6th gear.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 5
From: In the north
Doing some upgrades in the power department can help this but only if you don't go abusing the added power.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,977
Likes: 85
From: Nevada
It has to do with throttle position. Our bikes don't make much power in high gears at low rpms. Therefore in 6th we're often opening the throttle more to maintain speed than we would in 5th.