Since I have a 2009 Ultra, with a tach, i shift by rpms and feel of the bike. I go into 6th around 2500 which is near 65 on my bike. I downshift when the tach gets near 2000. Have always used the tach for shifting when my Harley had a tach. A couple havent and then I just used the feel of the vibration to shift. Each his own as far as shifting but always felt lugging was very hard on a bike and avoid it at all costs..

 

So you think it is easier, with less wear on the engine at 2000-2200 rpm than running at 2500-2700 rpm? Ought to ask this question of your crank shaft.

Bwana

 

If im going to just cruise & hold speed then I'll drop into 6th at around 50mph. But if I have to accelerate I'll drop to 5th.

 

shouldn't put so much faith into manuals with such things as shifting LOL

 

I never put it in 6th till 60 mph. It just dont like it till then, the engine lugs.

 

If you have a manual, I would be looking in the transmission section, and checking the ratios.

 

Huh?

Lugging is bad for the engine but it's certainly not "the worst thing that can be done to a six speed tranny", or any tranny for that matter. Makes no difference to the transmission. Just saying.

 

With any manual transmission you have to select the right gear for the conditions your driving in. if your pulling a steep grade at 60 and your loaded to the max running 6th gear probably isn't a good idea. In totally flat terrain or running down hill with no load on engine you can get away cruising 50 mph in 6th. learn to listen to your freaking engine

 

07 RKC with tach. Shift up at 65 and cruise all day long. 60 is gettin down around 2200 RPM starts luggin below 2000.

 

Mileage??? My scoot gets the best MPG in 5th gear running 62-65 mph which is about 27-2800 rpm.