Hey Guys, in 2009 HD changed the final gearing to go along wqith the new fram

 

"My question really was "why do I so frequently read that 6th is useless below 70 (and some have stated that 75+ is more like it)?" I was wondering if they geared up for better mileage, or if they had cams that moved the torque curve substantially to the right, or perhaps some other factor that I was unaware of. I readily admit that I know little about these wonderful machines, and in fact that is why I do read the manuals. Nevertheless, I have also discovered that there is a wealth of "real world" information available on this site that goes well beyond what the manual says.

Just asking..."


You have to ask what is their motivation to go counter to the manual.

They weigh close to 400 lbs.

They want to keep rpms up to keep the pipe noise up.

They are to lazy to down shift.

They want to snap the throttle and get rapid acceleration without down shifting.

They don't care about mpg.

They don't care about cutting back engine rpms reducing engine wear.

They don't care about reducing emissions.

Just saying, take your pick, add to the list.

 

If I am going to be maintaining over 60mph I try to be in 6th

 

Same here.

 

Any experienced rider should be able to tell when you are lugging. You can get away with shifting into 6th at 55 if the road is level or a down grade, even then you should go easy on that throttle 'til you get your speed up.

 

The owner's manual's recommended shift points are as follows:

First to Second 15
Second to Third 25
Third to Fourth 35
Fourth to Fifth 45
Fifth to Sixth 55

That is what the corporate lawyers suggested. It can be done that way, but until I put a 30 tooth sprocket up front 60 was defiantly for 5th gear.just my .02

 

Just keep in mind that lugging the engine is the worst thing that can be done to the six speed tranny. But it's yours. Do what you want.

 

My 09 Dyna I like to ride it were the bike is comfortable running, or the bike just feels smooth. So I hardly ever use 6th unless running 70 or over. If I am on the interstate an drop down to 65 I still use 6th. But if I drop down to 60 I use 5th then.

 

I drove trucks for most of my life...if you can jack the throttle down on a bike, truck or anything else for that matter and you increase speed right away...your not lugging the engine. It doesnt matter if your in 13th gear....

 

On the 103, 130MPH or more is usually good.