when to shift???

[Kev12012]

I know that this has probably been answered a thousand times but I am going to ask it again anyways???? can anybody out there that has a tach on their bike tell me about what rpm's to shift???? and about what rpm's you should be on the highway at about 70???? I am sort of new to the whole harley thing.... after riding high rpm jap bikes it is a big difference to me.... by the way I have an 883-1200 with the 883 front sprocket still in...

[Y2K]

Shift when it feels good lol.Harleys pull well from about 2500rpm til around 4500rpm in stock form.That's the beauty of the H/D motors wonderfull linear torque curve.Just don't lug it down till it jerks or wind it out past where it's still pulling well.
Y2K

[Shu]

You can go to http://people.montana.com/~bowman/Sportster/SpeedCalc.htm for a rpm calculator for early and late (pre '04) 883's, 1200's and more.

When to shift depends on how your 883/1200 conversion was built and how you like to ride. I'm assuming you mean at what rpm to shift when racing??? IF so, then we would need more information on what has been done to your engine to determine a close estimate. OR a dyno sheet.

If you have an '04 or up bike, then you can use this rpm calculator http://www.geocities.com/z_design_studio/transmission_z28_6.html and just plug in the correct information. In your case it would be a 150/80/16 tire, set transmission ratio's to 1:1, and set rear gear ratio to 4.071:1 and that will give you 5th gear rpms at any speed.

[thereisnospoon]

just cruising I'll shift at 1800 to 2200 depending on gear... probably short shifting compared to a lot of people. any lower and it sounds like the rod bearings are being beaten flat.

[cantolina]

OK, this threads been beaten to death....lol


When you should you shift? When it sounds like somethings gonna break apart if you don't!

lol

[Chuck]

Most probably shift in the high twos to low threes. Nice flat stretches if you want to knock down the vibes, noise and go easy on gas you can cruies in the twos.

[TechRep]

I know that this has probably been answered a thousand times but I am going to ask it again anyways???? can anybody out there that has a tach on their bike tell me about what rpm's to shift???? and about what rpm's you should be on the highway at about 70???? I am sort of new to the whole harley thing.... after riding high rpm jap bikes it is a big difference to me.... by the way I have an 883-1200 with the 883 front sprocket still in...

You should be at about 3500 RPM at 65 MPH.

[Chuck]

"and about what rpm's you should be on the highway at about 70????"

Well at 70 it doesn't really matter. It's whatever it is in 5th gear, that is if your not racing. I can't remember what mine is cruising at 70 but someone will let you know. Do a search too, there is plenty here and online.