[QUOTE=FatBobRay;3820145]A few days ago i made mention I was shifting into 6th around 50 to 55 MPH and many members replied saying I was shifting into 6th way too soon. Most said they didn't shift into 6th until they were driving past 65 and several members said they didn't shift into 6th until they were past 75MPH.

Well let me just say I respect your opinions ... you know your bikes and the Dyna is brand new to me. But since I got varied opinions I decided to check the owner's manual.

The suggested up-shift speeds in the owners manual for the dyna 6 speed are

First to second 15 MPH
Second to third 25 MPH
Third to forth - 35 MPH
Forth to fifth - 45 MPH
fifth to sixth - 55 MPH

QUOTE]

My bike runs horribly (lugs, chugs, vibrates) when shifting at these numbers. I usually add +5 to 10mph to these numbers 'round town.

 

I considere the sixth as economic rear, then I never shift into 6th until 70/80 Mph in highway.

 

I rarely shift into 6th until I hit at least 65mph and plan on accelerating such as a pass situation. But I've also taken the bike to the limits and shifted into 6th around 80-85mph. 55 just seems way too low and for me, as I've done it, definitely lugs the bike.

 

That's not it's limits, even though 6th is not a true overdrive, unless you've modified your engine so you're making some high-end power, your going to reach max speed in 5th.
...hard to tell what the max is without a tach, huh?

 

+1.Also considere the six as economic gear.

 

If you consider it an economy gear you should use it earlier to be more economical.

 

I'm a motorcycle whisperer -- I listen to my engine speak to me. Usually I can hear it saying "SHIFT DUMMY!" around 70mph sometimes 73, 74.

Of course things such as road conditions, what's ahead, etc. can play a part, but I primarily shift based on a combination of feel & sound of the engine. I guess this comes from riding dirt bikes all my life which typically do not have speedos.

I definitely do not follow the manual when it comes to shifting points -- my engine would lug for sure!

 

Yes.

When maintaining speed on even grade, you will get more economy out of 6th at really anything over 40 without lugging the engine... that is steady, light load throttle.

If you are accelerating any time anywhere (unless you have a seriously hotrodded bike and are well over 120mph) you should not be in 6th, probably not even 5th.

 

Shift by ear and feel..................................
Never go into 6th until 70...................

 

If you shift into 6th below that, the engine just lugs, and that's never a good thing. Just my $.02