I'm having trouble finding out which gear I'm supposed to be in while I'm cruising down the road. I'm curious, so if someone could please let me know about what gear to be in at certain speeds that would be helpful. When I drive a stick in a car it's obvious when to shift but on my bike I'm still trying to figure it all out. Also, should I be using clutch to shift or just powershift it at the higher gears? Right now I'm cruising along at about 4-7000 RPMs at any speed, but I'm not sure this is right. Each gear doesn't seem to make much difference around 30-60mph (other than changing the RPMs slightly, but the bike still feels the same).

Thanks again.

 

If you understand how to do it in a car then a bike is the same thing. The owner's manual gives recommendations but they are for supreme fuel mileage. Just shift when the tach/engine tells you too and keep it in the gear that best fits the needs of the road (low for accelerating and high for cruising). I always use the clutch but if you can powershift then go for it.

 

I dont have an owners manual. It's coming in the mail but until then I dont have one. I dont really think it's like a car because my car loses accel power once you are maxed out on a gear, I feel like my bike can give the same performance in 5th gear as it can in 2nd. This isn't normal I dont think. I need to get used to this.

 

It's really simple.

In traffic select a gear that keeps you about 6-7,000 RPM. At first it will sound like you are really rapping it out. It's a sportsbike it can take it.

If you are trying to be quieter then keep the revs about 4K or so.

If you are going for max acceleration shift right before redline. If you miss it you will know because the rev limiter will yell at you. Hit it once or twice when you mean to so you know what to expect.

Do not pull the clutch all the way in when shifting. You just "slip" it. Usually only 1/4-1/2" of lever travel.

It dosent feel like a car because a bike is designed for RPM that would destroy a production car motor. Your bike makes only slightly less power at redline then it does at peak power. Your car probably drops off quite a bit as you reach redline.