A good rule of thumb is if the bike surges forward a little when you shift it's to soon. I agree with most it is better to rev a little higher.

 

i just watch my tach LOVE THAT THING!

 

I shift into 6th around 60 mph on the highway. Sure it doesn't have the passing power but I just click down to 5th if I need the power. I guess that's why I regularly get 50mpg on the highway.

 

I get frustrated here in my little town. The main drag runs about 2 miles and the speed limit is 30 then 20 then 35. If I am in 2nd gear at 30 mph the bike is sounds like it is screaming 3rd is almost lugging.

Shawn

 

Do what feels right and until you have a feel for the bike do what the manual tells you. The guidelines in the manual are for gradual acceleration typical of the cars on the road. Under heavy acceleration shifting later, even much later, makes sense, but you shouldn't be riding a bike like that until you're use to gauging traffic and stopping that beast when you underestimate the carelessness of your fellow drivers.

 

i hit 60 and in 6th am at 2g... i cruise at 2300rpm cause at 2500 she just wants to RIP! i watch my tach more than the speedo, but typically 6th at 68 is 2500 and will cruise there all day! (with a nice sound i may add)

 

6th @ 65!

 

I shift my bike into the next gear so that if i'm going to stay at that speed... I'm at the smooth spot in the "vibration curve"

that is to say my bike runs smooth at 15 Mph.. 26mph 38mph 48mph, 59mph and aboput 67-70 mph....

soooo, when crusing..... i shift into second at about 24 mph, 3rd at about 35 mph... and so on...

When i'm on it however..... its more like.. shift into second at 35, third at 50.. forth at 65 and then gear up to 6ths when i calm down!!!!

 

My 07 Street Bob with Bassani Road Rage, SE AC w/ K&N Filter, SERT, Dyno Tune

First to second 25-30 MPH
Second to third 45-50 MPH
Third to fourth - 55-60 MPH
Fourth to fifth - 65-70 MPH
fifth to sixth - 75-80 MPH

 

...these are always such weird threads... can't you tell where you're supposed to be? And doesn't it depend on how you want to drive? If you're drag racing, and you're decent at it, with a big twin you'll finish in 4th gear around 100mph... okay... when you're not accelerating with no engine load, it would behoove you and help you gas mpg to shift it to 5th or 6th at any speed. You're only lugging your engine if you put a load on it... means downshift when you are ready to pass...