Hi,
I'm used to riding cruisers so this is a whole new world to me. At what RPM should I be shifitng when just out taking a regular ride (in other words, not trying to race or go fast)? I have been shifting around 4 or 5k. Also, the bike idles at 1,500 RPM. Is that normal?

Thanks,
Barry

 

idle is between 1200 and 1500rpm.

shifting between 4k and 5.5k is fine. i shift by ear, so i end up between 5k and 6k.

 

i try to shift around 5500, typically right before it would reach the powerband. you will get the best fuel mileage from this as well. my old engine had horrible mid-range and i was force to shift at around 9K just to keep it responsive.

 

Thanks. This is really helpful. On my cruiser I shift between 3-3.5K, so this is a lot different. It sounds to me like the motor is about to blow at such high RPMS, but I know that it won't.

Hey, how far do you have to run it up to pop a wheelie?

On another subject, justbought some cool grips:

 

depending on riding style agressive 7-9 easy 5-7 no matter what i have a good power band. even in 6th at around 4-5k i can make the front end feel light

 

deathgrip... oh, the irony...

 

Welcome to the massive difference between cruisers and sport bikes!I hopeyou'll get out there and give it heaps as you becomemoreat easeonyour CBR.Even these old bikes can be huge fun on a track-day (some say that the biggest improvement in handling in bikes of the last 20 years has been the rubber - so if your bike's in good nick, with more modern tyres your bike's handling isn't that far behind modern street machinery and the brakes are stillgood enough to lift the rear wheel under hard braking from 100+ mph).If you haven't had lessons on safety/braking/cornering etcwith a sports oriented bike, I'd recommend it.I don't mean to preach, but if you've got an thought at the back of your head to get quicker ('else why would you have bought the bike?), then go for it, keeping the self-preservation instinct there too somewhere.