I just got back from a nice ride upstate NY(visited a friend) I was cruising along at around 70/75 and popped it into 6th gear, the bike doesn't even hit 3000rpm's at that speed. when do you guys use 6th gear? it can't be good to lug the bike, but I figure it also can't be good to run at higher rpm's for a long time............

 

I use 6th above 65mph. The RPM is about 2600. And it's only lugging if you twist it hard at that rpm. Otherwise, it's just cruising.

David

 

It really depends on the bike and motor. 6th gear on my 2010 96" EGC was worthless. 6th gear on my 11 Limited was very useable around 60 or so. 6th gear on my 11 RKC with the 103 is very useable and doesn't lug above 55. My bike is 100 lbs. lighter than an Ultra and probably 75 lbs or so lighter than a SG, weight makes a difference bike wise and rider weight.

 

I usually kick it into 6th around 60-65 MPH. The RPM's are, actually I haven't got the faintest idea. My bike doesn't have a tach. I can tell you that the bike isn't lugging and can EASILY accelerate to higher speeds, as long as it is a gradual acceleration. If I wanted to zip past a quick obstacle I could always throw it into 5th for a moment.

 

I run 6th gear at 70 and up on flats but down shift for long steep inclines at speed lower then 75. right or wrong I don't know?

 

I think of 6th gear like an overdrive for cruising at speeds over 65.

 

I pop mine in 6th around 65-70. RPMs around 2300.

 

Riding solo I hit 6th gear about 60-65. Two up it's 65+. No lugging and plenty of power.

 

If you have an owners manual (and can find it) the shift points are in there. The shift points vary from year to year because of changes in gearing. For example my 2011 manual has the shift point to 6th gear at 55 MPH. That is assuming level roads, no headwind, and I don't have a fat chick on the back. The RPM in 6th gear on my 2011 is just a tiny bit lower than 5th gear on my 2005. By that I mean about 100 RPM or so.

If you and your baggage exceed the gvwr of the bike, then you have to modify the values in the manual. Same applies if you are on mountainous roads.

You are going to get a lot of differing opinions on this subject........ most are dead wrong. Just because you read it on the internet doesn't make it true.

In other words

 

Most of the reply's here are what I am already doing so it seems like its all good. I go into 6th at around 65 or 70.......... bike fly's in 6th from 75 to 95...... love it, I never had a 6th gear........