Riding ain't all about tables or charts or anything as objective as that. It ain't a thinkin' thing. Your bike will tell you when it's unhappy. Listen to it! It won't lie to you.


Keep in mind that the modern twinkies can't be lugged like the old pans, shovels, or even the Evo...I've never ridden a knuck, couldn't comment on those. Get out and ride that sucker...a lot...and trust me, you'll suss it out!

 

For mine, they feel pretty simple, assuming no hill or passing:
1 to 2 - 20+
2 to 3 - 30+
3 to 4 - 40+
4 to 5 - 50+
5 to 6 - 60++

 

Try to keep you engine above 2000 RPM or more, on the highway at or around 3000 RPM in 6th.

John

 

Back in the dark ages, when my dad taught me to drive a manual he didn't say look at the tach. Heck, that ol truck didn't even have a tach. It's all about listening to the engine and feeling how the vehicle is reacting. The only time i look at the tach is when something feels off or I'm just curious.

 

Use the shift points in your Owner's Manual. I attached the Excel spreadsheet I used to calculate this so you can download and use as necessary.

 

Here is advice from someone who's ridden more miles than probably 99% of the riders here. When the engine is under a load, accelerating, going up a steep grade etc, don't let your rpm's drop under 2000. If cruising at highway speeds on a level road, you can go below a bit (1800 rpm maybe) but if you need to accelerate suddenly, you will lug the engine or have to downshift. Don't drop it to 1500 rpm period unless you are starting from a complete stop or gliding to a complete stop.
On the high end, unless I'm hauling ***, 3500 to 4000 rpm are a good shift point. If I'm going full out, i'll just about red line the bike before upshifiting. Everyone has their riding style, your Harley has lots of low midrange torque but runs out of gas at higher rpm ranges so its doesn't really pay to wind it up like a high performance 4 cyl or vtwin bike.

 

Seems a lot of people want you to run your HD like a crotchrocket. I ran my 2007 at 60 in 6 sixth gear all day long . Long as it was not pulling up hill or heavy wind
The 07's were geared a touch higher that year I agree 2200 to 2500 cruising is not an issue.
My 07 spent most of it's life between 2100 and 3000. gave me 75,000 great miles before it was traded.
Because of the slightly higher gearing if you want to roll on fast a gear drop was needed some times.