I've never hit the rev limiter on my Fat Bob yet and I'm supprised because I do sort of run it at a higher rpm. I used to hit it all the time on my V-Rod, that engine gets up there quick.

This past weekend we were coming back from the coast and got stuck behind some other riders cruising right at 55 mpg. 6th gear seems a little to high for that constant speed so I spent about 15 miles in 5th.

 

When I'm accelerating I do it pretty much like AdrianVall. But if I'm, say, in a residential area cruising at 30mph and I want to quiet the bike down I'll dropped it in to 3rd at this speed.

I'll usually only do this when I know I don't need to accelerate quickly, if it's typically flat terrain (i.e., I don't want to put a heavy load while slightly lugging the engine), and if I know I'll be at this speed for a descent distance.

 

Here are the RPM vs Gear specs.

RPM to Speed on Stock Geared '07 Wide-Glide. Speed verified by multiple GPS Runs.


1st @ 5500 = 44 mph
2nd @ 5500 = 63 mph
3rd @ 5500 = 84 mph
4th @ 5500 = 103 mph
5th @ 5500 = 128 mph
6th @ 5500 = 146 mph


1st @ 4000 = 32 mph
2nd@ 4000 = 45 mph
3rd @ 4000 = 61 mph
4th @ 4000 = 75 mph
5th @ 4000 = 95 mph
6th @ 4000 = 108 mph



1st @ 3000 = 24 mph
2nd @ 3000 = 34 mph
3rd @ 3000 = 46 mph
4th @ 3000 = 56 mph
5th @ 3000 = 71 mph
6th @ 3000 = 81 mph

 

28-34 (ish ) is the most annoying speed for me. It just seems to be a bit high for 2nd and lugging the motor in 3rd.

Just doesn't feel right, fortunately the cops around here kinda turn the other way to Harleys and a little speeding.

 

I go throught town in second crusin about 25-35 mph. The tach is about 3000-3100. IF the bike feels like it's runs smooth and responding, then you're ok.

 

Yup, me too.

 

I have a tach but I still ride 'seat of the pants'......either you feel the bike or you dont...when you 'feel' her,you dont need no stinking tach to tell you when to change gears....last thing you need to be looking at @ 70mph is the tach...JMPO.......:>)

 

Here are some very unscientific numbers that i go by on my 09 SB. 3rd-35mph/4th-45mph/5th-55mph.
Going by the sound and the feel of the torque this is where mine likes to be when cruising. Of course there are plenty of variables when considering speed/gear combinations. Again those numbers are very general but they have worked good as a guide for me. Mike

 

I have always done that as well....I was taught way back when to match the gear to the first digit of the speed on the way up.

Now, sometimes I stretch her out a little...LOL

 

I wanna say there is a blurb about that in the SM but can't be sure. I'll double check it and get back to you.