Hi folks,

Definite newb question here.  The manual for my 2002 says that one should be in 6th gear by 37 MPH (~60 km/h).  This sounds awfully early to me, considering I'm only running 5000 RPM at 60 MPH (according to my speedo).

Is the manual recommending excessively early shifting, and if so, is there a reason behind it?  Assuming a nice, empty, straight road, what tach range should I be striving for for optimal gas mileage?

Quote from: cayHi folks,

Definite newb question here.  The manual for my 2002 says that one should be in 6th gear by 37 MPH (~60 km/h).  This sounds awfully early to me, considering I'm only running 5000 RPM at 60 MPH (according to my speedo).

Is the manual recommending excessively early shifting, and if so, is there a reason behind it?  Assuming a nice, empty, straight road, what tach range should I be striving for for optimal gas mileage?

The bike will pull 6th at that speed and pass the emmissions tests - but it won't perform (accelerate) very well - it is probably the optimum point to shift for milage.  However, I tend to get 55-60 mpg shifting a bit higher than that anc cruising on the highway at an indcated 80~85 (which just keeps up with the traffic in the fast lane on I-43 around here)

that's absurd.  6th gear at 37 is unreal.  you'd have no throttle control of the engine.  i would deffinately not feel safe, nor do i think it's appropriate.  as for where you should shift, well i like to accelerate hard, that's why i own a bike i suppose.  real power kicks in around 6k, so if you want to get some speed going you're going to have to get over that hurdle.  i usually shift somewhere between 6-10k depending on where i am, traffic, and any other number of factors going on around me.

Thats the MINIMUM recommended speed at which you should be in that gear. Even in 1st I probably wouldnt be red lining the engine at 37mph.

Considering 10000 RPM in first will get you to ~50 mph, 37 is mighty early to hit 6th gear.

When I'm just bimbling along on the bike, I tend to stay at 3500-4000 RPM, and just use whichever gear gives me the appropriate speed.  The main road by my house has a 40 mph limit, so I'll usually do about 4000 RPM in 4th gear, which gives right at 40 mph.

I've never seen a manual that listed "normal" shift points. I too think they list the lowest possible shift point. So, don't ever shift into sixth under 37Mph.

When I'm cruising I usually shift at 6000rpm, and that keeps me in a good performance range. I like to keep it in between 4000 and 6000rpms. But, when I like to have a little fun I'll shift around 10000rpms in every gear. Let me tell you, it might not be the fastest thing on two wheels but it gets up to 60mph pretty quick. If I'm trying to get good mileage I'll stay in 6th gear, but the slowest I'll go is 40mph, then I downshift. One time I got down to about 20 mph in 6th gear and was running like 2000rpms and I tried accelerating hard just to see what it would do. DO NOT EVER TRY THAT. It makes this hard banging sound.

Find your own shift points.  I ride a retired drag bike, and I tend to shift for my personal comfort.  Keeping that in mind, I rarely shift before 6k rpm.  If I really need to GO, I shift when the bike reduces its pull(yes, this does exceed the redline, keep in mind what I ride).  You have to find what works for you.  As far as MPG, when I'm not running between Charleston and Charlotte, I get around 50mpg....., however, on the long, solo, boring, really wana get home drive, I drop into the low 40's(100+).  Not that I necessarily condone excessive speed though..................................

Don
Shadowhawk