5 speed tranny how fast or slow in each gear

[calautti1]

I just purchased a used 2004 FLSTC. I have no tach and sometimes I am wondering if I am pushing the bike to fast of possibly lugging it. In general I wanted to know approximately how fast the stock bike should be going in each gear. Example 3rd gear 30-55mph 4th 55-90mph Thanks Pat

 

[Mad Dog Jim]

I'm sure someone can quote the owner's manual speeds, but in my opinion they are too low. I would suggest coming out of 1st at about 25, then about 10 mph gaps from there. One exception being 5th gear. If you are on a 60 MPH road, you don't have to ride in 4th gear all day... My figures are for going through the gears, not crusing (if that makes sense...)

 

[NEWHD74FAN]

Welcome to the HDTimeline forum, Calautti1 and your first post...! As Bull Dog said, many who are new to their H-D are amazed at the torque of the V-Twin, and have a tendancy to lug the motor (upshift too soon starting out). Here is a thread on the subject I found using the Search tab above and typing in keywords. The Self Help section I think has look up tables and gearing if you are so inclined.

http://www.hdtimeline.com/general_harley_davidson_topic/30771-suggested_shifting_speeds.html

 

[BUBBIE]

I just purchased a used 2004 FLSTC. I have no tach and sometimes I am wondering if I am pushing the bike to fast of possibly lugging it. In general I wanted to know approximately how fast the stock bike should be going in each gear. Example 3rd gear 30-55mph 4th 55-90mph Thanks Pat

I have always felt 1 and 2 gear can Usually take care off their selves.

I usually (going up EASY) use these approximate speeds to shift at..
1 to 2 =20/30 plus
2 to 3 =30/40 plus
3 to 4 =40/50 plus
4 to 5 =50/55 plus .......
5/6 = not under 65

If your bike is stock 5 speed and TC motor, keep it out of 5th while Pulling until about 65 then shift to 5.
I have found that 55 was the better cruise speed MIN. on my TC 5 speed bikes.

When ever I need to getty-up, I always shift Down one for sure or maybe two gears and Use the higher RPMs, even though I have a lot of torque to pull the bike ahead it is a lot EASIER on the motor to shift down and Quicker...

I'm shifting up hitting the next gear at at least 3600/4000 RPM Shift Points when on it....

Lugging the motor on any bike EVEN with a lot of Torque is Hard on things..

I stay away from ANY running under 2400 RPM no matter on which bike I am riding... The 09 FLHR and 1200 R sport 06...

Just my way

signed....BUBBIE

 

[drbillk]

Here's what I've noticed with my 2004 Ultra, which has a 5 speed.

At 2,000 RPM, each gear matches by about 10x the gear... not sure about 1st; however...

2nd 2,000 RPM = 20mph
3rd 2,000 RPM = 30mph, etc.

Also, at 3,000 RPM in 5th gear I'm sitting around 75mph. I've had the bike up to 110 in 5th, and it wasn't at redline yet. Of course, I would never recommend going over the posted speed limit. Fortunately, the speed limit was 115... I swear officer.

 

[BUBBIE]

I have always felt 1 and 2 gear can Usually take care off their selves.

I usually (going up EASY) use these approximate speeds to shift at..
1 to 2 =20/30 plus
2 to 3 =30/40 plus
3 to 4 =40/50 plus
4 to 5 =50/55 plus .......
5/6 = not under 65

If your bike is stock 6 speed and TC motor, keep it in 5th while Pulling until about 65 then shift to ""6"". (changed to right # of gear, 5 to a 6)
I have found that 55 was the better cruise speed MIN. on my TC 5 speed bikes.

When ever I need to getty-up, I always shift Down one for sure or maybe two gears and Use the higher RPMs, even though I have a lot of torque to pull the bike ahead it is a lot EASIER on the motor to shift down and Quicker...

I'm shifting up hitting the next gear at at least 3600/4000 RPM Shift Points when on it....

Lugging the motor on any bike EVEN with a lot of Torque is Hard on things..

I stay away from ANY running under 2400 RPM no matter on which bike I am riding... The 09 FLHR and 1200 R sport 06...

Just my way

signed....BUBBIE

Just changed to RIGHT gear Number in RED above..

signed....BUBBIE