shifting Venture Vs V Star 1100 Classic?

[DblTrbl]

I know that Venture love the high revs and we don't need to be in 5th gear unless at highway speeds. I'm still trying to get use to not going into 5th gear for the other 99% of the time I'm riding.

 

My question is for those of you who have owned a V Star 1100. At what speed range to you use 5th gear. I have noticed at night when I come to work on the freeway that it love running around 55-60 in 4th gear. It runs very smooth and quiet. If I go over that in 4th it tends to rap a little and the same if I go to 5th gear without increasing speed. I think the "rap" sound is just the sound of the exhaust. The bike has a hypercharger and Hard Chrome exhaust which I think has a "tin" sound anyways.

[gibvel]

In my experience, 60 to 65 is where I like to shift into 5th. It definitely lugs in 5th when you get below 60.

 

However, if I want to get up and move, even at 65, I'll drop it down to 4th and hammer it. You are a long way from the rev limiter in 4th even going 65.

Edited June 4, 2016 by gibvel