It's unique in that I run around town and when merging onto the highway slowly ... I skip 2nd and 4th gears. When I do that in town I end up in 5th around 35-40mph and it pulls just fine ... so fine in fact that I don't bother to shift again unless I slow down to stop. The funny thing is that since it pulls the same at 35 as it does at 65 ... I start looking for another gear just because. Now that I have the GiPro with the big 'ol dummy display between the gauges, I look before I leap and "the hunt" stops there.
I can't disagree with anything you've said.
I tried, but there is just nothing I can disagree with, but I can add something.
Drop down to second or third, and the pull will be much different at 35 compared to 65.
I'm no gear head, don't pretend to be, but I know my bike.
You mention pulling out in traffic. The only place I do that is getting on the interstate, a few times a month, and even then there may be no traffic.
Some exceptions I suppose, at busier interesections, might actually be a line of traffic I pull into.
Mostly I'm watching out for tractors, Amish buggies, local traffic and sightseers (and deer mornings and evenings)
When I'm doing a 35 mph (recommended speed) curve, in a 55mph zone, I want to do 55mph (plus allowances), and I prefer to do that in a gear where I have some pull, and some back pressue if need be, and that's not fifth. I'l be in third or fourth, depending on the stretch before the curve, and, if I know the road, the stretch after the curve. Lots of 'S' curves around here.
I don't think I'm riding my machine particularly 'hard', compared to the portential of the bike. Compared to other riders, yes, I'm probably an 'aggressive' rider, but not irresponsible. Compared to other Rocket riders, I consider myself about average.
I have lots of opportunity to pass a single vehicle, if I can go from 40 to 60 real fast, and fifth won't do that. Need a whole lot more room to pass in fifth.
I seldom find a use for fifth, if I'm not on an interstate.
