70mph...5th gear or 6th??
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 710
Likes: 7
From: Colorado
If I'm maintaining speed at 55 or greater, then I go to 6th when I reach my desired speed. If I need to accelerate/decelerate for any reason, I go back into 5th. I only accelerate in 6th if I'm over 70, on flat roads and then only gradually.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
6th gear is there for a reason.. As long as there is nothing slowing you down, like wind, hills curves, Ect, above 65-70 drop her in 6th, and go. Do your break-in first,then some, and a couple oil changes, Then your good to go.. If you feel "lugging" pull her out of 6th and continue in 5th until it's safe to go back into 6th. Don't fear 6th it's a wonderful thing, as long as you watch your engine speed.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
On my 11 Limited I would agree with you. But the RKC is 100 pounds lighter and pulls strong in 6th at 55 mph. It's definitely not lugging and has plenty of throttle response.
Way better milage in 6th. Get there and keep it there as much as you can. (If you care about milage)
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
I'm still braking my 12 UL in, and stay between 2500 ans 3800 rpm for now, regardless of speed or gear.
Once broke in, i usually keep between 2500 to 2800 rpm.
Last bike i had ( heritage 103) 6th was just for cruising at steady speed..flat/not much head wind. Anything other then that, i had to drop to 5th.
New bike with 255,s...6th is much more usable. I will keep at above mentioned rpm's to keep noise down (louder pipes), get decent MPG and keep engine wear down. I have no need to rev at high rpm's and prefer to stay below 3000.
Each to his own....
Once broke in, i usually keep between 2500 to 2800 rpm.
Last bike i had ( heritage 103) 6th was just for cruising at steady speed..flat/not much head wind. Anything other then that, i had to drop to 5th.
New bike with 255,s...6th is much more usable. I will keep at above mentioned rpm's to keep noise down (louder pipes), get decent MPG and keep engine wear down. I have no need to rev at high rpm's and prefer to stay below 3000.
Each to his own....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Not necessarily or always true. There's more to MPG than simply engine RPM. The additional load associated with 6th gear vs. 5th gear plays a significant role.