Hey everybody. I am a newbie, just got a 2004 F4i. First time riding a motorcycle. My questions is about what RPMsshould I beshifting. I use my bike to go to workat about 35 to 50 mph.Mostlyin rushhour traffic and back roads. I am used to a car, so I've been shifting around 4k rpms. Is this to low? Should I be shifting at 8k or higher? Will I hurt the engine shifting so low? Manual recommends shifting around 4k. What do you guys think?

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I shift low if I'm not in the mood or just puttering around, which is 5K or a bit lower, but it's not really a science of what RPMs you shift at.. After a while you'll just do it by nature, by the sound of the engine etc. Everyone has their own style of riding or shifting. So, just as long as you're not lugging the engine you're fine.

 

Na, your fine, I shift mine at around 5k in town from 1st to 2nd, then a little lower each time,, but the lower you keep the rpm the better gas mileage your gonna get! Also, Just me, I'd get out every once and a while and Blow her Out!

 

Damn first bike is an F4i? hope you're really careful

 

Guess its up to your skill level, respect for the bike, cars, and everything else.You have to know your capabilities first. Might not be for everyone just starting out, but it worksfor me.

 

I just read a fortune cookie that says it best...

One never knows one's capabilities until one exceeds them.

or

as Dirty Harry would say..

A man's got to know his limitations.

Oh yeah, don't lug the engine is my only rule.

 

Hey fishfryer527that was good.I like that. And you are totally right. Been there, done that.

 

F4i was my first bike as well. There's no telling what a good first bike is for someone, everyone's got different natural capabilities.

 

F4i was my first bike at 17 aswell. And i love it. I got it like 2 weeks ago, iput a couple hundred miles on it and am having a blast.

 

Same! F4i is my first bike! I dont think anybody could go wrong with an f4i unless they are completey airheaded about how good there riding skills are! You can ride anything as long as you learn to respect...my friends first bike was a busa!!!! shes repects it and dont push the limits unless safe... so she says!