| Author | Message | ||
     Peanut_man |
Hi, I've just started riding motorcycle since last fall. So I honestly don't have that much experience. Initially, I was following the manual's shift-point recommendation for my XB12S. But it seems to put RPM pretty darn low. Some where in the 2k range, I believe. I find it much more comfortable to keep the RPM in the 3-4k range while cruising. Is that OK? Any suggestions for noob like me? Thanks. | ||
| Dooley |
Well I guess if your bike is already broken in that would be fine...Thats were I usually ride i like the power band when its in that range...When I first got my bike I was really cautious but now Im allways hitting that rev limiter and the bike hasn'et failed me yet (knock on wood) | ||
| M1combat |
I generally shift at about 5700-6000 when I'm having fun. When I'm just putting around I probably stay between 2100 and 4400. I try to keep the revs as low as I can and still have the performance I "need" for what I'm doing. There's no reason at all to keep the revs any higher than they need to be. It just causes wear and tear that's completely un-necesary. As far as cruising at 3-4K... If you're talking highway speeds, I think that's where you'll be (higher if you're running on an interstate that's got a posted 75 "or so"). If you're talking about putting along a 35MPH street... it'll be lower but I still recommend using fifth. In the canyons... Do whatever the heck you want. As I said, I typically shift at about 5700 or so. I've hit the rev limiter three times in over two years. With so much power down low there's really not much reason at all to rev the bike out on the street... | ||
| Spike |
Assuming the bike is fully broken in, shifting the bike anywhere under 6800rpm should be just fine. Seriously though, shift it wherever it feels best. Sometimes I short shift at 2500, sometimes I bang it off the rev limiter for the first three gears, it depends on the mood. | ||
| Midknyte |
Spend your time doing what feels right in regards to shifting. Basically, you'll know if you are in the wrong range. Too low and you'll be lugging the engine. Too high and your be hitting the limiter or spending too much time on the clutch. Somewhere in the middle you'll just fall into harmony with the bike. Pay attention to physical feedback from the bike, not the staring at the gauges. Also, use case in downshifting into a turn. Lots of torque in the lower gears. For instance, you'll never need or want to go all the way back to 1st unless you are turning from a stop or near stop. Also, at around 5000 miles, it'll start to feel sloppy - you'll be due for your service point / inspection. One of the things that will be check and adjusted is your primary chain. | ||
| Peanut_man |
If I keep my rpm around 25-2800, I seem to get a lot more vibration than if I have it around 3k an above. So it's more comfortable for me around 3-4k range. | ||
| M1combat |
Do what you like... I like to keep the revs as low as possible above about 2200 or so. It helps with engine longevity IMO. | ||
| Buellistic |
Stay on the cam, so keep it at 2500 to 3000 ... Have a 1203cc shift at 6800 RPM ... If "i" want to impress M1combat, "i" shift at 7K RPM !!! | ||
| Shea |
With the exhaust on the 1203cc Buell, I think it sounds good at 2500 RPMs. Has that nice rumble to it. Mainly do that in traffic. When I get out somewhere that I can play a little, shifting at around 3500-4000 RPMs seems to do everything I want it to do. Pulls out of corners good, engine brakes nicely, don't have to shift allot to get power etc when in the turns either. |
