I have an '08 1200 Custom with everything stock except the cycle shack slip-ons.

In my area I do a lot of in town riding around 30mph.

At this speed 2nd gear feels comfortable but the revs are just a tad bit higher for comfort.

I'd like to be able to go 30mph in 3rd - but the engine is right on the verge of ******* a little.

I remember on my 2000 883 custom I could do 30 in 3rd no problem.

Would new a/c and ecm reprogram (aka a tad more power) help this situation.
Or are the 1200's just not capable of 30mph in 3rd with the slight engine *******.

Thanks.
Ryan.

 

I don't think it's a problem of needing more power as to having too much power for that speed and be able to not dog in 3rd. What's wrong with keeping it in second? I run 3rd at 35 no problem but shift down below that unless I am going down a steep hill.

 

I also don't have any problems doing 35 in 3rd. 2nd is the place to be at 30. IMO

 

I have an 08 1200 low and the bike runs the same way with yours. I tend to run 25-30 in 2nd and upshift to 3rd around 32-35. I think it's just the way the bike runs, you'll get used to the higher revs in 2nd.

 

Seems like you guys are experiencing exactly what I am talking about.
35mph in 3rd is fine - no problem there.
And I am getting used to doing 30mph in 2nd - I guess I'll get used to the revs.

It's just there are a lot of 25mph signs where I ride... and I don't know how much longer the smile on my face with last if I keep doing 35mph in 3rd.

Lot's of Bacon in the area... hehe!! :-)

Thanks again for the input!

Ryan.

 

Hi, Seems I run 2nd gear at 30mph alot also. Higher RPM's but runs and handles fine...WVleo

 

your rpms are way too low, its a SPORTSTER, rev it out! 30 in second gear is 3k rpm. which if your gear ratios are the same as mine, means when you shift to third, its now doing 2k, which is extremely low, and thats why it doesnt want to run smooth.

run second gear out to 35 or 40 mph before you shift. at least on my bike 2nd gear to 3rd is a HUGE rpm drop.

 

Just remember that 'lugging' an engine is probably the worse thing you can do, especially if you want the engine to last 75,000+ miles.

Always better to run a little higher RPM than needed in a specific gear than to be running too low in the RPM range.

 

883 and 1200 are geared slightly diffrent that may be why you noticed the diffrence...

 

As speaking of 'gears and gear ratios', some might find the below interesting..

I've posted it before, and shows the difference between the "world" and "USA" 883 and 1200 (2004+ Models);

Number Of Teeth;

883 (US Model)

Primary - Engine - 34
Primary - Clutch - 57
Final - Transmission - 28
Final - Rear Wheel - 68

883 (World Series)

Primary - Engine - 38
Primary - Clutch - 57
Final - Transmission - 28
Final - Rear Wheel - 68

1200 (US Models)

Primary - Engine - 38
Primary - Clutch - 57
Final - Transmission - 29
Final - Rear Wheel - 68

1200 (World Models)

Primary - Engine - 38
Primary - Clutch - 57
Final - Transmission - 30
Final - Rear Wheel - 68

Overall Gear Ratios;

883 (US Models)

1st - 10.994
2nd - 7.524
3rd - 5.834
4th - 4.806
5th - 4.071

883 (World Models)

1st - 9.792
2nd - 6.732
3rd - 5.220
4th - 4.301
5th - 3.643

1200 (US Models)

1st - 9.454
2nd - 6.500
3rd - 5.040
4th - 4.152
5th - 3.517

1200 (World Models)

1st - 9.139
2nd - 6.283
3rd - 4.872
4th - 4.014
5th - 3.400