So, since my 08 Nightster didnt come with a tach, ive been going by feel and sound for WHEN to shift. the manual lists when to shift in mph, but I lug quite a bit and get some knocking if I follow the recommended times to shift. ie the manual recommends shifting 2nd-3rd at 30mph, but I can still do 35mph easiy in 1st! I'm not sure if Im getting close to overrevving. Is there a limiter installed to keep me from blowin the engine? Been thinking about a mini tach, any suggestions?

thanks

 

I shift from 2nd-3rd around 35-40, 3rd-4th around 45-50, otherwise i get quite a bit of lugging.

 

and you don't want to lug during your break-in time... but i agree with papa on the shift speeds.&nbsp\\; you will know when you are revving too high by the major vibration increase- it just doesn't feel right.&nbsp\\; if there is a revlimiter, i've never hit it and i get on it all the time.&nbsp\\;
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p.s. don't get a tach, those are for girls

 

I shift into 3rd about 25-30, into 4th at 40. This is an 883, so a 1200 might be different.

 

You do have a rev limiter. Stock units hit at 6000 rpms ask me how I know[sm=burnout.gif] My "girls Bike" came with a tach, if I'm pushing 60-70 mph in 2nd or 3rd I will probably hit the limiter. From what I'm hearing you say you still have plenty of room to rev.

 

I have been 70 in 2nd on my 08 Nightster and still no problem
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In second gear the mph is approximately equal to the rpms/100.&nbsp\\; That is 20mph is about 2000 rpm.&nbsp\\; run it up to 35mph in second and listen\\; that will be you shift point in normal driving.

 

I just listen to the engin speed mainly around 30-35, 40-45

 

I don't know about sportsters really, but i've been driving manuals since I was 7 (autos, atv's, tractors...)&nbsp\\;and they're all pretty much the same.&nbsp\\; They'll let you know when you're reaching the limits.
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Sound, vibration, torque curve (not in any specific order).

 

I've always shifted by sound and feel (bikes and cars).&nbsp\\; Don't have a tach now and haven't always had one in the past so you gotta know when to do it all on your own with no help from gauges.&nbsp\\; Besides if you're looking at your tach or speedo wondering when you should shift that means you ain't watching the road (or the girls if you're cruising by the beach).
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