When to shift 850 Eldo

[JC85]

Just thought I'd get some input from the people around here about a question I've pondered on and off for a while, now. My 74 Eldo, being a police model, doesn't have a tech, so I have to rely on sound and feel to know when to shift. I generally shift up at certain mph points, but I cant help but wonder if I should be shifting earlier or later to improve performance and efficiency. Typically, my shift pattern goes like this:

Second gear at about 20mph
Third gear between 30 and 35 mph
Fourth between 45 and 50 mph
Fifth between 55 and 60 mph

So for all of you who own these old beauties, how does this sound to you? What cues do you rely on for knowing when the best time to shift is?

[Guzzistajohn]

My old machines are '80 and '83 models, so it's a LITTLE different?? And I'm not the most analytical "exact science" kinda dude like some are around here. But It's my thought this kind of reasoning is pretty much splitting hairs. I've been flogging the $@&* out of my CX100 for 30 years now, and I ain't killed her yet. I'll bet a basket of calf nuts you're doing just fine!   

[nick949]

When it feels right. I see a lot of BS about not lugging but Loops have monster flywheels. They can rev, but they dont have to!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

When it feels right. I see a lot of BS about not lugging but Loops have monster flywheels. They can rev, but they dont have to!

This ^^^. 13 lbs. of flywheel (+ heavier ring gear than later models) means Loops will lug without doing any long-term harm to the engine.

[Tom H]

Second gear at about 20mph
Third gear between 30 and 35 mph
Fourth between 45 and 50 mph
Fifth between 55 and 60 mph

If your just out for a cruise, that is just fine. But...I think I take third to 40-45ish, fourth to 55-60ish and then into fifth to roll along at 70.

If you want to get on it a bit. Run 1st to 25, 2nd to 45ish, 3rd to 55ish, 4th to 70ish and then 5th till it tops out at about 110ish mph.
 
To get up to freeway speed, I would normally run 4th to about 60.

This is with a '72 Eldo.

Tom

[bigbikerrick]

I think what Tom H states above is correct. My 73 eldo civilian has a tach, and the speeds and gears Tom mentions should keep your bike at 3000 rpms or above, which is what I try to shoot for. 3500-4500 seems to be the sweet spot for my motor.

Rick.

[JC85]

Thanks for all of the replies! It's good to know I wont be hurting the motor by shifting a bit early, when I'm just putting around town. Also, I noticed on a recent 100 mile ride that I seemed to get a lot better performance going higher in rpms, before shifting, so I'm glad to hear the input from that side of things.

[Tom H]

I wanted to add this.

If I'm on a street that I can do 50mph, I will run 4th. A street that will do 55mph, probably 5th. If it's a 40mph street, then 3rd maybe 4th, depends on my mood. This is not a shift point, but a ride all day point.

Quick EDIT: What I said was for a cruise, it your a racer then run the lower gear.

Tom