Some General Questions, Gear vs Speed

[Sea Level]

I've been in sixth gear many times at 35 mph.  Nothing bad has happened. 

That would feel like swimming through pudding to me. I don't even know how you can shift that fast, unless your skipping some gears.    One of the big reasons for running at a lower RPM on most bikes - limiting the effect of torque braking when letting off the throttle quickly - doesn't even apply to this motorcycle, thanks to the slipper clutch. Rev high and enjoy!

[ZG]

I've been in sixth gear many times at 35 mph.  Nothing bad has happened. 

 
 
Really?? At 35 mph??
 
I only use 6th gear on the highway, I must be the exception... 

[Khrome]

 
 
Really?? At 35 mph??
 
I only use 6th gear on the highway, I must be the exception... 

I only use 6th on the highway, but I do use 5th a lot.

[C1xRider]

You can use 6th a lot, just be ready to drop 2 or 3 gears in one shift.  That seems to be what I do quite often when in 6th.  I tend to skip other gears a lot when shifting though too (both up and down).  With the RPM range this bike has, they could almost make it useable with a 2 speed transmission, but it wouldn't be as much fun.

Also, I have a hard time shifting out of 1st at only 35 MPH.  It's usually more like 45 to 50 MPH.

[maxtog]

 
 
Really?? At 35 mph??
 
I only use 6th gear on the highway, I must be the exception... 

You are NOT the exception.  I don't see how it is even possible to use 6th gear at 35 MPH.  The engine would be lugging horribly.  Why would anyone WANT to do that.  Even 5th would be pushing it at 35.  4th would be more appropriate, IMHO.  As I said before, and most people seem to be mirroring what I said, 6th is generally only useful for about 60+MPH.

[C1xRider]

You are NOT the exception.  I don't see how it is even possible to use 6th gear at 35 MPH.  The engine would be lugging horribly.  Why would anyone WANT to do that.  Even 5th would be pushing it at 35.  4th would be more appropriate, IMHO.  As I said before, and most people seem to be mirroring what I said, 6th is generally only useful for about 60+MPH.

Easy, coasting downhill with a tail wind!   

[martin_14]

I heard a rumor once that a guy that looked kinda like me actually hit the rev-limiter in fifth gear one time, but as I say, it's just a rumor. 

And this rumour mentioned anything about GPS speed?

[rtarp1]

6th gear at 35 MPH???!!!  have fun destroying your motor.   I keep my rpm's between 4 and 5 k for normal driving around and much higher for jetting around. 10.5 redline means at 5k your using less than half of the engines output(yes i know closer to redline ouput ratios change, this is just for illustration) .  the worst thing you can do to this motor is to lug it around at low rpms.     

[gonzosc1]

I too came off of a Vulcan 1600 classic for the C14. got an 09. I messed around for awhile looking for mileage and got around 45mpg keeping the shifts around 3k to 3.5k rpms. found it to be less jerky if you take it up to 4k+ in 1st then 3k or so for the rest.  for more street fun I run it up around 6k for the first 3 gears. dragon twisties never under 6-7k.
just cruising I have no problem hitting 6th at 50mph

[wally_games]

And this rumour mentioned anything about GPS speed?

No GPS was mentioned in this rumored event, and no side bags. Based on earlier GPS vs. speedo comparisons on my Connie (84 speedo = 80 GPS), estimated GPS speed in this rumor would have been in the 154-155 range (~5% correction factor applied).

[Barry]

I try never to run the motor below 4K on the throttle.

*EDIT*

I was out with wife 2 up yesterday and realized I mis-posted in this thread.  I was between 3K-4K crusing in 25mph and 35mph zones, barely on the pipe.  If I wanted to do more than simply maintain my speed, I tended to be at no less than 3.5K, and anything requiring any immediate increase in MPH was 4K+, and as said further below, if you want instant GO! you need be above 5K.

*EDIT*

I run 4K - 6K average, and don't worry about mph at all.

I have banged the rev limiter.  Not a big deal.  Lugging the motor just doesn't seem to suit the bike at ALL.  My guess is MPG suffers there too.

Barry

[Rawman]

Once you get used to the higher RPMs of an inline 4, this engine STARTS to come alive above 5000.  Get in second gear and wind it up and you will find the front tire climbing (although very controllable).

Once you get used to power available, you will be wanting flies out, an ECU reflash or a Power Commander, a full exaust and really enjoy what these 1352 CCs can do.

[ZG]

Once you get used to the higher RPMs of an inline 4, this engine STARTS to come alive above 5000.  Get in second gear and wind it up and you will find the front tire climbing (although very controllable).

Once you get used to power available, you will be wanting flies out, an ECU reflash or a Power Commander, a full exaust and really enjoy what these 1352 CCs can do.

    

[Khrome]

Sixth gear is a waste of time unless you're cruising the flat interstate. If I recall, at 70 mph there is only about 500 RPM difference between 5th and 6th (I'll have to check that out )

When I shifted at 60mph last night it appeared to be around 800rpm drop on my 2011.

[Kazairl]

What is this shifting? My C14 will do 55 MPH in 1st gear. Why bother going faster than that? lol. I usually don't shift into OD until I hit 65. Mostly because in 6th you have no power. I usually downshift from 6th-3rd if I'm going to pass somebody.  Top speed in 3rd is 120 MPH(All speeds indicated). Seems to be an adequate passing speed.

[maxtog]

Mostly because in 6th you have no power.

There is no power in any gear when below around 3,500 RPM (and really, not much below 4K)...

[Kazairl]

True. Mine doesn't start pulling hard until almost 6000k.