Hey guys, new to the forum

I just picked up a 2004 F4i today with 800 miles, and only had the chance to ride it around for 20 miles or so. I do have one main question so far. A buddy of mine told me that 5k RPM is just when the bike starts kicking and I shouldn't shift before then. Is that correct? What RPM should I usually go up to before I shift? Above 5k sounds high pitched, but then again, I am new to riding.

Thanks for any help!

 

Take it to 7 or 8, don't forget to wash your jeans. They will be a bit...creamy so to speak.

 

Ride slow. Slower than you think, but not slow enough to fall over in a turn. Take the MSF before you ride anymore. Other than that, change the fluids if they are 4 years old.

 

Congrats on the new bike, buddy. I take mine before 5k to shift.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll start changing gears after ~5k. Also, I already took the MSF course, but I haven't really ever ridden a sports bike extensively.

 

You can shift whenever you want - mine depend on what kind of driving I'm doing / how hard I accelerate. Normal street driving I probably shift around 4-5k, there's no real minimum.

 

^ +1
You can shift whenever you want, depends on the situation.
Shifting at 4-5k rpms is ok, I do it all the time riding around town.

 

I usually shift around 6-7k. If im feeling good take it up to 10 or 12kish

 

CONGRATS.` YOU GOT A GREAT BIKE ON YER HANDS. i LOVE MINE AND ESPECIALLY NOW THAT IT IS GETTING WARM AGAIN. GOOD LUCK WITH IT. POST SOME PICS WHEN U CAN

 

Shift whenever you want, dont lug the engine, and if cruising try to be above 5-6k. I believe the f4is peak stator abilies are at 5k ill check the manual when i get home