have 08 1200XL trying to get used to tall first gear, had a Honda 750 for years, which winds out much quicker in first gear than the Harley, any advice?????

 

Just be patient and ride it often! You will soon get used to it, just as you did with your Honda. If you have any quiet back roads you can ride, take yourself off with a fresh tankful and don't go home until you need to refuel. Stop and restart often - you'll be an ace in no time and soon wonder what all the fuss is about!

 

Good advice, Thanks Tiggy!

 

Tall first gear?
I'd agree, just ride more and get use to it.

I believe an XL 1st gear redlines at 45 mph and maybe 5700 rpm.
Noting that 25 mph in first seems like a sweet spot.
The Honda, xxx and maybe 7000 (or even 10,000) rpm.
FWIW to me my 07 1200N feels like a short 1st gear; but what do I know?

 

Kinda like a new girlfriend seems like, thanks for response.....

 

Wind it out baby, wind it out!

 

I wish I had a taller first gear - and second for that matter. I've taken off in second by accident and it's no big deal, but I am thinking about changing a pulley. Riding around town, I seem to be pulling on that clutch quite a bit. I do have the stock 883 gearing though.

 

I'm having a similar challenge with my 883. Lugs like crazy trying to get going in 1st compared to the tiny bikes in the MSF course. Hopefully I'll get the hang of it soon.

 

I do a lot of around town riding, so Im not sure a "tall" first gear is best for that, just not used to it I guess.....

 

I get the "chugging" thing too