for my 07 SG the manual reads to shift
1 to 2 @ 15 MPH
2 to 3 @ 25 MPH
3 to 4 @ 35 MPH
4 to 5 @ 45 MPH
5 to 6 @ 55 MPH

However I maintain the RPM's between 2000 and 2500

 

For some reason, alot of riders seem to think that the 6 speed is a transmission with overdrive, It's not, it's just a regular transmission with an extra gear, the ratio's are just spread out a little better. Just drive it normal. I shift into 6th when the motor sounds right, on level ground it ends up being about 55MPH.
Jonnierock

 

i just like to keep the motor running at 2,000 rpm's or higher. in the pre 09's this translates to 60-65 mph. as long as you're not lugging, i feel it's fine.

 

johnnierock if you believe that the six speed isn't an overdrive transmission, then compare the final drive ratio on the five speed vs the six speed. it's basic math, and that's what our planet runs on. ride a five speed roadking and a six speed roadking. you'll see a considerable drop in rpm's at the same speed. so you are wrong that the six speed isn't an overdrive trans. sorry to bust your bubble, but the numbers and rpm's vs mph don't lie.

 

Just to keep the debate going, I believe that the HD cush drive 6 speed has a 1:1 ratio in 6th gear which is not a true overdrive. The HD SE 6 speed has a 89:1 ratio in 6th gear which does make it true overdrive.

Just what I have read....right or wrong?

 

you obviously don't understand what overdrive means. stock harley 6th gears are not an overdrive, they are direct drive.

 

If you cannot tell when to shift, up or down, by the feel and the sound of the engine I do not think an instruction manual will help you anyway.

 

into 6 around 65, very happy engine. don't think 70 + is a big deal though either, if I wanted to shift then.

 

I shift to 6th between 3000 and 3500 RPM's. That's about 70-75 on my bike. Any lower I'm in 5th, because my bike cruises great right at 3000 RPM's.

 

I now have a 2010 RK which doesnt have a tach. It doesn't bother me any because I've always listened to my motor. Back in the Dyna WG days with a 5 spd, I always felt like I needed another gear. Behold, the MoCo listened to owners. We got 6 speed Tranny's now. I really think it's up to the rider when they want to change gears. after all, they are the ones paying the bills. It is not a 5 speed with overdrive, It's a 6 speed Transmission. Do you see anywhere on Harley Davidson's website where they say 5 speed with overdrive? WTF did that come from anyway? LOL