I have a 2008 XL1200C that is my first Harley.&nbsp\\; All bikes I have had before have been Honda or Yahama.&nbsp\\; The Sportster seems to chug more than the other bikes.&nbsp\\; Like at 40 MPH in 5th gear when I accelerate the bike straing and chugs hard.&nbsp\\; Is this normal or is something wrong?&nbsp\\; Does it in all gears at some point in the power range.&nbsp\\; Am I doing something wrong?
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Yes you are bogging it down. 1st to 20. 2nd 20 to 30, 3rd 30 to 45. 4th 45 to 55. 5th 55 +

 

You are shifting too soon and lugging the engine.&nbsp\\; 40mph is way to slow for 5th gear.

 

So if I am cruizing around town at 40 MPH I should be in 3rd gear?&nbsp\\; And so forth?

 

I agree, I don't hit 5th gear untill 55/60

 

I hit 4th at 45 mph.

 

The Sportsters gearing is way different from the Metrics you are used to so what you are experiencing is normal. However, I cruise around between 40 and 50 all the time in 5th, you just don't want to twist the throttle hard&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;at those speeds while in 5th. Of course, I'm in the flatlands, so it's less stress on the engine. You can slowly roll on the throttle, at least I can, and not bog the engine, but it has to be with a light touch. Just depends on your style. keep in mind, when I do this, It's usually in light traffic situations. If I feel that I might need the power to escape, I will keep the RPMs up a bit and use 3rd or 4th at those speeds. Also, keep in mind that your Sportys power band is between 3500-5000 RPMs and will rev pretty good. Just for fun sometime, to get a feel for this, keep it in first at WOT&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;till you get to about 45mph. You will really be able to feel where the power is, plus, it's fun as hell &nbsp\\; Oh ya, Welcome to the forum!

 

I've owned&nbsp\\;3 metric V-twins
CX 500C
Yamaha Vision
Shadow ACE
&nbsp\\;
You just don"t get it yet [8D]

 

let it rev to 4k to 4.5k before you shift.

i have to rev my new ducati to 6.5 before i shift, so its a new learning experience for me as well

 

Haha, probably wondering "Why the hell does this thing accelerate so slow.."

These Evo motors like to be wound out a little bit, don't be afraid.&nbsp\\; Don't ride around on the rev limiter either but I think you get what I'm saying.