Hey Jon, yeah I came from an 1100 Vstar also big diff huhh? The manual says you can shift to 6th after 55 so that gives you lots of discretion. Just like the 1100 you've got a rev limiter so don't worry about over-reving the motor just have fun. That 6 speed gives you lots of discretionary shift options.....relax and enjoy.

 

... a lot of which is wrong.

How about just Reading The F'ing Manual? You know, RTFM? The saying that has been around forever?

For one example, my 2008 Road King manual says the following:

1st. to 2nd. 15mph
2nd. to 3rd. 25mph
3rd. to 4th. 35mph
4th. to 5th. 45mph
5th. to 6th. 55mph

Those shift points on flat ground work just fine thank you. Amazing how the Harley engineers stumbled onto that, eh?

The alternative is to listen to all the internet experts.

Tom

 

Didn't have a tach last 4 years on my 07 until this year. I like the way the bike runs at 3000 rpm. Depending on the speed limit and road, I will shift to the gear that puts it at 3k on the tach. On the interstate 3k is 80 in 6th gear.

 

1st to 2nd 0 - 20,25
2n-3rd depending on trafic 25-40
3rd to 4th 40-60
4th - 5th 60 -75-80
5th to 6th 80 -100

I love to rev the bike but once at speed I will adjust

 

Jon,

Go with your instincts.

You said it sounded like the engine was lugging at the recommended shift points written in the manual. That's because if you're shifting your bagger at those recommended points, you're driving your Harley like my grandmother would…and she's been dead for 40 years.

Cruising around in 6th gear at 55 or 60mph is ludicrous. I don't even know what the rpms would be going that slow in 6th, but I imagine it would be somewhere not too far above idle. Your gut instinct of at least 70mph is a good starting point for 6th gear. Personally, I like at least 75, but prefer to cruise at 80mph in 6th gear. That way, I'm humming around right on the cam, and can cobb on the power and pull like a freight train at that speed and gear.

Bottom line…it's going to be your call when you're comfortable shifting into overdrive. My advise: ride that thing, and don't be afraid to use those rpms!!!

 

My 09 Ultra is right at 2000 rpms in 6th gear at 55 mph. On nice level ground, riding "easy," it'll handle it just fine. Lugging an engine is a function of speed, gearing, and "load!" If the ground is level and I'm gentle enough with the throttle, I can bring it down to 55 mph and accelerate away with no undue protest from the engine. The pre-09's are geared a little higher so it may not work for them but it can be done with my 09.

Having said all that, it is "not" something I make a habit of. Bottom line is, ride the bike in whatever way "feels" best to you. Everyone is different in their techniques, habits, and the country they ride in. I live on the Texas Gulf Coast. Can we say, "Flat!!" I can get away with things that someone in Colorado probably wouldn't. The bike will let you know if it's unhappy. Listen to it!

and.....

Ride Safe,
Steve R.

 

I personnaly never use 6th until I hit 75 and am going to be at that speed a while. The motor seems happiest at about 3000 or so. Seems to run cooler, get as good or better fuel mileage and is certainly more responsive there.

 

Have 2010 UC 96" as well and it has never had a problem in 6th gear at 55. Guess all bikes are different.

 

You're not going to hurt that motor riding 60mph in 4th gear. You're a long way from the red line.

Just curious. How did you know when to shift on your Yamaha.

 

same bike and same findings +1