6th gear speed/rpms?
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Agree with everybody else that said things like speedometer indicated speed must be 75 - 80 MPH before shifting to 6th gear. It's technically not legal to drive anywhere I usually go because the speed limit is less than 75.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Forget all about shifting "by ear" or RPM readings on a tach.
Shift by "feel" of how the machine is taking throttle input. A basic rule of thumb is to use whichever gear requires less throttle (or throttle manipulation) to maintain speed or accelerate.
Shift by "feel" of how the machine is taking throttle input. A basic rule of thumb is to use whichever gear requires less throttle (or throttle manipulation) to maintain speed or accelerate.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: Denver, CO
I shift to 6th gear on the flats approaching 65mph. Running lower than this, for any length of time, the 2011 RKC 103 likes 5th.
The sweet spot for 6th for my bike is 70-72+ mph.
I could easily cruise all day long at 70-72 mph... assuming the highway speed limit is 70/75.
YMMV.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Sorry, beg to differ with the factory. 55mph is WAY TOO LOW for 6th gear! Maybe they want the rider to save money on fuel. To me, this is lugging the engine!
I shift to 6th gear on the flats approaching 65mph. Running lower than this, for any length of time, the 2011 RKC 103 likes 5th.
The sweet spot for 6th for my bike is 70-72+ mph.
I could easily cruise all day long at 70-72 mph... assuming the highway speed limit is 70/75.
YMMV.
I shift to 6th gear on the flats approaching 65mph. Running lower than this, for any length of time, the 2011 RKC 103 likes 5th.
The sweet spot for 6th for my bike is 70-72+ mph.
I could easily cruise all day long at 70-72 mph... assuming the highway speed limit is 70/75.
YMMV.
On a 2011, 55mph in 6th gear is a smidge over 2000 RPM. That is NOT lugging the motor on level ground, unless you have a bad tune... or running really bad gas.
65 in 6th is 2500 RPM which is where I spend a lot of time.
The sweet spot, has nothing to do with when you can shift into 6th safely.
If your bike is lugging at 55..... it may be the sign of a bad tune. Or a tune that does not match where you are riding. (example would be high altitude on a sea level tune).... or bad gas, or ethanol and low octane gas.
Or....... I weigh 180 lbs. At 55 in 6th my engine is running smooth. If your motor lugs at 55 in 6th...... it might be time to go here......http://www.jennycraig.com/
Just sayin
EDIT:
Just for grins, I ran at 60 MPH in 5th gear, when I went to lunch a little while ago. I went about 5 miles that way....... Sorry it was uncomfortable. It had the same high frequency buzz as an 88b motor.
I'll trust the manual.
Last edited by shooter5074; Sep 22, 2011 at 02:08 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
I don't like to run my motor less than 2500 in any gear except 1st or 2nd.Less than that may not be lugging,but those cheap bearings will take a hammering. Of course the manual says to shift a lower speeds,they don't want your motor to last.I will hopefully install a Baker DD7in ealy november,that's my cure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
I guess the weight is a big factor. I almost always ride solo at 200 pounds or so geared up on the Fatboy, which is 100-200 pounds less than some tourers.
Hitting the throttle at 60 in 6th feels like an afterburner kicked in. Bone stock 96" except for Big Sucker intake and 2 into 1 pipes without cats.
Hitting the throttle at 60 in 6th feels like an afterburner kicked in. Bone stock 96" except for Big Sucker intake and 2 into 1 pipes without cats.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 2
From: Palmyra Missouri
I keep my motor between 2000 and 3000 rpm 6th gear not under 2500 rpm unless it is long and straight the not less than 2000 rpm, And don't try the how it feels , cuz lots of bikes and noise can throw the feel off, you do not want to lug the motor so why would you wait till you feel it lugging before down shifting. If you have a tach use it if not go by speed...
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: Denver, CO
BTW, my posted beta was riding a factory stock bike! It was tuned by the factory and riding here at altitude.
Have since did a Stage One and I still shift the same.
You can ride your bike at 55 in sixth all day long. Here in Colorado, that'll be LUGGING as far as I'm concerned.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 106
From: Colorado Front Range
Load, Tune, Altitude, Terrain...all have an effect.
Generally, I am in 6th at around 65 if mellow cruising and flat and 70+ otherwise. Up in the mountains, the revs will be much higher as I keep er in lower gears for responsiveness.
I agree that the "best" is just to feel your throttle response...you'll know if you're in the power curve properly when you give 'er the fuel.
Just do NOT lug and you'll be fine as you figure it out. Sounds to me like you are doing just fine.
Generally, I am in 6th at around 65 if mellow cruising and flat and 70+ otherwise. Up in the mountains, the revs will be much higher as I keep er in lower gears for responsiveness.
I agree that the "best" is just to feel your throttle response...you'll know if you're in the power curve properly when you give 'er the fuel.
Just do NOT lug and you'll be fine as you figure it out. Sounds to me like you are doing just fine.