So, i've been riding a few months now. Still a noob so bear with me, but i usually keep my bike around 3-4k rpm's. Once it hits 4k i gear up. I've been watching some vids on youtube though and i see them get up to nearly 60 mph in just first gear, nearly redlining it and then they'll shift up to second. Am i going to easy on my bike? :-P Is it capable of this kind of riding, or will it damage my engine if i try it?

 

People do a lot of stupid **** on motorcycles and post it on youtube

http://youtube.com/watch?v=BEgxxHt48Ms

One of the benefits of a higher displacement bike is that it puts out a lot of torque at the low range and does not need to be pulled to the redline for strong acceleration.My two cents is that you gain a lot of durability when you don't constantly run to the redline, but probably not doing any harm running it a little higher. Hard to say where vigorous riding becomes abuse, but I think running it to 10,000 rpms on every shift everytime they merge into traffic definitely is on the abuse side. Plus you will save a lot of tire, chain and sprocket, and clutch wear. Plus, if your are really focusing on your tach, probably dividing your attention from what is going on around you. With a 900, you probably can't shift too low to do any damage, so for casaul riding can really just shift where it feels comfortable and ride safe!

 

3-4k? You gotta be kidding me my fren. You are going way to easy with her.

I will always pull her till the red, not even in the top or fifth gear when doing in the freeway and that's what she is capable of.

Of course riding below the par will somewhat reduce all aspect of wear and tear but hey what's the fun then?

Oh yes, she is still going strong!

 

give it a twist and see what she'll do m8! i usually hivr around the 4 - 7 mark all the time. i just love looking at those 600 going backwards in the mirrors as well. mines a 94, 28,000 miles and stillpulls line a good'un. find a nice empty road and give it a go

 

Where you rev your bike will most definately affect the life of it. Why do you think a cruiser engine the redlines at 5k lives so much longer. Use it when you need it but it will not hurt it (or your gas budget) if you take is easy.