Hi Everyone,

I am still getting "acquainted" with my newly acquired 2004 Crossfire NA automatic and really am loving the driving experience. It has replaced my 2001 HD Roadking in the "adrenaline dept" so I am in the process of figuring out how to best drive the Crossfire.

And by "drive", how to really push it in turns, twisties, etc. Basically transferring all of my routes and rides over to the XF.

The first few drives I didn't mess with the Autostick. Just kept it in D and was really impressed with the punch the XF had in addition to the handing. Very motorcycle-like!

I was surprised how low the powerband was. Tach was reading at around 2400 or so. Still plenty of giddy up mind you, but that got me thinking of finding different power bands.

Well, Friday I went out on one of my routes and worked with the Autostick and basically kept it in 3rd gear while out on the county highways. I was running it at 4000-4500 rpm's which put me in the 55-75 mph range. This really made the car reach a new level of fun for me. The car seemed to love the higher rpm powerband and I love how it could snap your head back at anytime! Plus I had more control decelling into corners and really hammering the gas on the exit of the turn.

Is it OK to push it at the higher rpm's like this? I'm hoping so since I'm nowhere near the redline on the tach. I would love to hear how others are driving/pushing their automatics.

How are you using the Autostick for curves, twisties, elevation changes, etc...

I have the dates blocked off for the Fall Dragon Run and I can't wait to see other Crossfires driven aggressively. I'm sure it will be an eye opening experience and one that will help improve my driving.

Thanks for reading!
Craig