shifting into 6th

Jeffburke · Jul 4th, 2009, 10:28 AM

I know this issue has prob. been covered many times, but I would like some assurance. I ride a 09 dyna street bob, and without a tach, 5th gear at 60-65 mph seems like the motor is screaming. My brother shifts his fatbob into 6th at around 70-75. He claims any less and his motor lugs. Our trans. gear ratios are exact same. Diff. tire size though. Both cruising down interstate in 6th gear at 75-80mph. his purrs along, while mine screams as if its turning 5k. Would tire size make that big of difference? Or should I not even worry about it and just ride it how I want to? If it was an issue you would think tachometers would be standard equip. on every Harley sold.

glider · Jul 4th, 2009, 10:30 AM

Generally speaking shifting into 6th should be at about 70MPH.

Your engine will tell you when to shift.

Hobbit · Jul 4th, 2009, 10:44 AM

screamin narhh not a chance, if im on the beans im coming out of 2nd at that speed regardless of the engine in mine the gear ratios still count and ok a few extra revs but not that much more and i dont hit the limiter (well its does at the mo grrrrr).
find a nice road and stretch its legs a stage 1 96" should run the clock without hiccup which is how i know mine is sick as it will when well run 105 in 3rd
check this vid

and no its not me

Spade5 · Jul 4th, 2009, 11:00 AM

I have no problem going to 65th at 55-60. This is running one up in realtively flat terrain. I also have no problem delaying the shift to 65-70. I would imagine this might be different riding two up or with a heavier touring model. I normally will downshift to 5th if I need any type of acceleration or certainly if I encounter a grade under 70.

I don't know about the tire size difference but here is something you can try that is cheap and simple. Get a piece of chalk and make a mark on the side of your tire at the bottom and another mark on the pavement. Roll the bike straight ahead until the mark comes back around to the bottom then mark the pavement. Measure the the distance between the two marks then do the same with your brother's bike. This will give you a down a dirty not exact number as to which bike goes farther per wheel revolution. Tire pressure and temperature can affect this at speed but you can get an idea.

Another thing is have you tried switching bikes? This could be a perception issue and how each of you sense the engine speed. I wish I had a tach but even so, I would go by how it feels rather than the rpm the tach shows. I don't get anywhere near redline so it would be a curiosity thing and another distraction that I don't need.

I don't remember if your bikes are stock but different pipes and tuning could also make them behave different. Lugging is a very bad thing to be avoided at all times so it might be safer to "err" on the high side by delaying the shift until a higher speed.

HarleyHarry · Jul 4th, 2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spade5

I don't know about the tire size difference but here is something you can try that is cheap and simple. Get a piece of chalk and make a mark on the side of your tire at the bottom and another mark on the pavement. Roll the bike straight ahead until the mark comes back around to the bottom then mark the pavement. Measure the the distance between the two marks then do the same with your brother's bike. This will give you a down a dirty not exact number as to which bike goes farther per wheel revolution. Tire pressure and temperature can affect this at speed but you can get an idea.

Or have a look on the sidewall of the tire. It should state the size there, or am I wrong?

walleye · Jul 4th, 2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyHarry

Or have a look on the sidewall of the tire. It should state the size there, or am I wrong?

Yeah, that would be the easiest way.........

The Tank · Jul 4th, 2009, 02:59 PM

If I can maintain 60 mph or above on a flat road surface I will shift to 6th. RPMs will be at 2200 when doing 60 mph in 6th gear. That is not lugging the engine.

BigTom · Jul 4th, 2009, 03:49 PM

For me on mostly flat roads:

30-39mph = 3rd gear
40-49mph = 4th gear
50-59mph = 5th gear
60+mph = 6th gear

Makes it easy for this old brain to remember.

glider · Jul 4th, 2009, 06:22 PM

RPM's vs Speed 5 6 Speeds - Harley Davidson Community

Bud White · Jul 4th, 2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Tank

If I can maintain 60 mph or above on a flat road surface I will shift to 6th. RPMs will be at 2200 when doing 60 mph in 6th gear. That is not lugging the engine.

thats what i do

Jul 4th, 2009, 10:28 AM	#1
Jeffburke Start The Engine Ride: '09 Dyna Streetbob FXDB Join Date: Feb 22nd, 2009 Location: Heart of Dixie Posts: 21 My Mood:	shifting into 6th I know this issue has prob. been covered many times, but I would like some assurance. I ride a 09 dyna street bob, and without a tach, 5th gear at 60-65 mph seems like the motor is screaming. My brother shifts his fatbob into 6th at around 70-75. He claims any less and his motor lugs. Our trans. gear ratios are exact same. Diff. tire size though. Both cruising down interstate in 6th gear at 75-80mph. his purrs along, while mine screams as if its turning 5k. Would tire size make that big of difference? Or should I not even worry about it and just ride it how I want to? If it was an issue you would think tachometers would be standard equip. on every Harley sold.

Jul 4th, 2009, 10:30 AM	#2
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: Jun 21st, 2007 Posts: 20,479 My Mood:	Re: shifting into 6th Generally speaking shifting into 6th should be at about 70MPH. Your engine will tell you when to shift. __________________ Psssst! Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. click me!>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Jul 4th, 2009, 10:44 AM	#3
Hobbit Moderators Ride: 2009 FAST 103 Street Bob Join Date: May 18th, 2007 Location: The Shires UK Posts: 7,630 My Mood:	Re: shifting into 6th screamin narhh not a chance, if im on the beans im coming out of 2nd at that speed regardless of the engine in mine the gear ratios still count and ok a few extra revs but not that much more and i dont hit the limiter (well its does at the mo grrrrr). find a nice road and stretch its legs a stage 1 96" should run the clock without hiccup which is how i know mine is sick as it will when well run 105 in 3rd check this vid and no its not me __________________ Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Jul 4th, 2009, 11:00 AM	#4
Spade5 Warming The Wheels Ride: 07 Wide Glide Join Date: Apr 26th, 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 117	Re: shifting into 6th I have no problem going to 65th at 55-60. This is running one up in realtively flat terrain. I also have no problem delaying the shift to 65-70. I would imagine this might be different riding two up or with a heavier touring model. I normally will downshift to 5th if I need any type of acceleration or certainly if I encounter a grade under 70. I don't know about the tire size difference but here is something you can try that is cheap and simple. Get a piece of chalk and make a mark on the side of your tire at the bottom and another mark on the pavement. Roll the bike straight ahead until the mark comes back around to the bottom then mark the pavement. Measure the the distance between the two marks then do the same with your brother's bike. This will give you a down a dirty not exact number as to which bike goes farther per wheel revolution. Tire pressure and temperature can affect this at speed but you can get an idea. Another thing is have you tried switching bikes? This could be a perception issue and how each of you sense the engine speed. I wish I had a tach but even so, I would go by how it feels rather than the rpm the tach shows. I don't get anywhere near redline so it would be a curiosity thing and another distraction that I don't need. I don't remember if your bikes are stock but different pipes and tuning could also make them behave different. Lugging is a very bad thing to be avoided at all times so it might be safer to "err" on the high side by delaying the shift until a higher speed. __________________ My bike is stock - I always wear a helmet - I ride because I love it and you never know how many summers you have left.

Jul 4th, 2009, 02:59 PM	#7
The Tank Contributor$ Ride: 2008 Electra Glide Standard Join Date: Feb 21st, 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 342 My Mood:	Re: shifting into 6th If I can maintain 60 mph or above on a flat road surface I will shift to 6th. RPMs will be at 2200 when doing 60 mph in 6th gear. That is not lugging the engine. __________________ *2008 EG Standard* with...Crimson Red Sunglo paint, Detachable Tour Pak, Security System, Cruise Control, Python Slipons with V&H Fuelpak, Arlen Ness Big Sucker, Biketronics RetroRadio, Hogtunes speakers with Hog Pod Tweeters and Garmin GPS (high tech bread crumbs)

Jul 4th, 2009, 03:49 PM	#8
BigTom Contributor$ Ride: 2003 FLHTCUI Join Date: May 2nd, 2009 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 5 My Mood:	Re: shifting into 6th For me on mostly flat roads: 30-39mph = 3rd gear 40-49mph = 4th gear 50-59mph = 5th gear 60+mph = 6th gear Makes it easy for this old brain to remember.

Jul 4th, 2009, 06:22 PM	#9
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: Jun 21st, 2007 Posts: 20,479 My Mood:	Re: shifting into 6th RPM's vs Speed 5 6 Speeds - Harley Davidson Community __________________ Psssst! Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. click me!>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

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shifting into 6th

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