Low speed and engine control
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 763
Likes: 6
From: New Hampshire
Low speed and engine control
As I am new to this bike - first Harley - and still breaking it in I am having some issues in trying to match engine speed to road speed
Seems like I am downshifting too early and causing the motor to lug too much or not having enough revs
This occurs in rush hour when merging at very low speed or coming to lights
I think it's just getting used to it but any insight would be great - thanks
Seems like I am downshifting too early and causing the motor to lug too much or not having enough revs
This occurs in rush hour when merging at very low speed or coming to lights
I think it's just getting used to it but any insight would be great - thanks
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 335
Likes: 21
From: Nassau County, NY
It is always better to run at a higher rpm than to lug it. What did you ride before? Once you get used to the sound of the motor in each gear and what you can get out of it you will figure it out.
At very low speeds (less than 20mph?) You dhould be in 2nd gear at the most. I rode a GSXR previous tomgroeing up and riding an HD. I still ride it the same as that.
At very low speeds (less than 20mph?) You dhould be in 2nd gear at the most. I rode a GSXR previous tomgroeing up and riding an HD. I still ride it the same as that.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 38,428
Likes: 896
Use "The Force" Luke!!!
Listen to the bike and feel it....it will tell you when it wants to be shifted.
Seriously though....few more miles on the new bike and a little more time in the saddle and you'll get it.
Listen to the bike and feel it....it will tell you when it wants to be shifted.
Seriously though....few more miles on the new bike and a little more time in the saddle and you'll get it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Don't know if the 14's have changed. Here's from the 11 manual for reference:
Note this is suggested from the manual that nobody reads anyway, and assumes you are on level road, you don't weigh a ton, your passenger and your combined weight don't sag the shocks until the rear fender rubs, and you're not running it through the gears trying to look like a badass. It is a touring bike after all
UPSHIFTING (acceleration)
First to second 15 mph
Second to third 25 mph
Third to fourth 35 mph
Fourth to fifth 45 mph
Fifth to sixth 55 mph
Downshifting (deceleration)
Sixth to fifth 50 mph
Fifth to fourth 40 mph
Fourth to third 30 mph
Third to second 20 mph
Second to first 10 mph
If you're in traffic, and in 1st gear.......... use your clutch once in a while.
Note this is suggested from the manual that nobody reads anyway, and assumes you are on level road, you don't weigh a ton, your passenger and your combined weight don't sag the shocks until the rear fender rubs, and you're not running it through the gears trying to look like a badass. It is a touring bike after all
UPSHIFTING (acceleration)
First to second 15 mph
Second to third 25 mph
Third to fourth 35 mph
Fourth to fifth 45 mph
Fifth to sixth 55 mph
Downshifting (deceleration)
Sixth to fifth 50 mph
Fifth to fourth 40 mph
Fourth to third 30 mph
Third to second 20 mph
Second to first 10 mph
If you're in traffic, and in 1st gear.......... use your clutch once in a while.
Last edited by shooter5074; Oct 14, 2013 at 03:21 PM. Reason: Nom Nom Nom
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 763
Likes: 6
From: New Hampshire
Thanks for the comments
Yes trying to get the feel for it and in reviewing the operators manual - did read it by the way - it has similar numbers
So I will pay closer attention to that and use the clutch more
Yes trying to get the feel for it and in reviewing the operators manual - did read it by the way - it has similar numbers
So I will pay closer attention to that and use the clutch more
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