GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: hokierower on July 23, 2010, 10:53:22 AM

Poll
Question: I shift up at...
Option 1: 3k votes: 0
Option 2: 4k votes: 5
Option 3: 5k votes: 24
Option 4: 6k votes: 16
Option 5: Bike better be redlining before I'll shift votes: 7
Title: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: hokierower on July 23, 2010, 10:53:22 AM
Trying to get a general feel of where other gs500 owners shift for higher gears.  I'm used to shifting between 2-3k on my Civic but that doesn't apply on the bike. 

I've been shifting around 4k while riding and have noticed the nice power you get after I cross around 6k rpms.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: epoxy.guy on July 23, 2010, 11:38:47 AM
I find a have a smoother ride at 4k RPM but if I need torque I'm up at 8k RPM.   If I hit 10k RPM, it's time to shift up.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: pandymai on July 23, 2010, 11:39:53 AM
i would say my average is at around 5k (hence the vote there)

depends on where im riding to and how i feel. i'f im hoppin to the freeway i'll probably shift around 8 to get to speed, and then some =P. but general in-city driving i stick it around 3 to 4. im in no rush, and most cars beat me off the line.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: Elijafir on July 23, 2010, 12:01:05 PM
5k if I'm just chillin (voted.)
8-10k if I want to "go fast"
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: Twism86 on July 23, 2010, 12:02:48 PM
5-6K for general riding. 8k+ when im having fun.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: Deros514 on July 23, 2010, 02:03:42 PM
Quote from: Twism86 on July 23, 2010, 12:02:48 PM
5-6K for general riding. 8k+ when im having fun.

Same, but I voted for 5k. I don't ever go to redline. Power feels like it drops off around 9700 so 10k is the highest I ever go.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: Syzygy on July 23, 2010, 02:09:11 PM
Quote from: Deros514 on July 23, 2010, 02:03:42 PM
Quote from: Twism86 on July 23, 2010, 12:02:48 PM
5-6K for general riding. 8k+ when im having fun.

Same, but I voted for 5k. I don't ever go to redline. Power feels like it drops off around 9700 so 10k is the highest I ever go.

That's just when it starts to get good, and tunnel vision sets in!
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: Deros514 on July 23, 2010, 02:23:52 PM
When I first wound her out I was stoked with the tunnel vision effect. Sadly, once you get used to the view and power it goes away and you realize you've got a slow bike lol...not that I'm dogging on the GS cuz I love my little bike. With all its 487CCs of twin piston fury.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: mister on July 23, 2010, 03:17:26 PM
For general riding, somewhere between 5k and 6k. The Owner's Manual suggests Not to go above 5.5k for the first 600 miles (1000 km). And doing so still allows you to get onto highways fine.

Once I've changed the cruising around speed/rpms happen to be right around 4k in 4th, about 4-4.5k in 5th and 5k- 5.5k in 6th. Such is our speed limits.

If I'm really hammering - passing a B-Double Truck for example - I'll take it to 9k - 9.5k

Michael
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: noworries on July 23, 2010, 04:40:24 PM
New to be back on a bike. I'm still in the 4-5K range. Wish me luck for when I eventually explore the higher ranges.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: Syzygy on July 23, 2010, 07:11:50 PM
Quote from: noworries on July 23, 2010, 04:40:24 PM
New to be back on a bike. I'm still in the 4-5K range. Wish me luck for when I eventually explore the higher ranges.

Good luck in the higher ranges d00d.  To newbies like me they're still pretty exciting, don't listen to the jaded guys!

I'm like... omgz 100+mph... I think much faster and I'll start checking out track pricing.  Too many variables out there on the big asphalt.

Peace,
Syzygy
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: TJDukit on July 24, 2010, 03:12:18 PM
Not really sure since my tach doesn't work anymore, it quit going above 2k somewhere in the 70 miles I rode today...even before today it was pretty un-reliable since it bounced around and I was never really sure of it, it doesn't help that my speedo bounces around quite a bit as well.  If I had to guess I'd say somewhere around 4-5k for normal putting around but every now and again I like to feel the squirrels under my ass.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: johnny ro on July 24, 2010, 03:33:03 PM
When accelerating I shift so I am at 3000-3500 after the shift and pull up from there. My carbs are working right, having Budda's jet kit for stock bike, so it pulls clean down low. 

This is when just motoring along. To go faster, you let it pull harder.
Title: Re: At what RPM do you like to shift to the next gear?
Post by: epoxy.guy on July 27, 2010, 09:57:09 AM
Last year when I bought my GS500, I would generally ride in the 4-5k range.   Now that I'm more confortable riding, I'm moving the RPM's a little higher.   Once you realize where you get the more torque 7-9k, then you really feel the power band, especially if you need power fast such as passing vechiles on the highway.  I suspect I'm ready for an upgrade since I'm working the engine harder.