Hey man, daily commuter here who does own an f4i. No, you're not shifting into 6th too early at 55mph. If you can roll on and the bike accelerates, then you are at an okay cruising range. I ride 130 miles a day from San Bernardino, Ca, to Newport Beach and back. I do not personally shift into sixth at 55 mph, but I have when I'm tired after a long day, and I've got a hike in front of me. I don't remember who posted it up there, but shifting at lower rpms does seem smoother, and you do draw less attention from cops if you're not redlining. I think the person who said that do what feels most comfortable has said the most important thing, and I'm just reassuring that for you. I am a victim of letting my emotions get into riding. If I had a really bad morning or am in a rush to work, or just feeling aggressive, I'll redline all the way to work, cruising at 130. Ya, it's dangerous, and I realize how dumb i've been when my feet touch the ground the first time after getting off the freeway. I'll also cruise with the flow of traffic if I'm in a real kick-back mood. But my bike's seen all the ranges for extended amount of times, and the engine and clutch have normal wear. Just change your oil every few thousand and you'll be okay. Oh, and if you do hear a clack when shifting early, you might want to shift later, it will eventually internally adjust your lifters...or cams...or valves...or something. Some bike tech told me how he hates that. sorry if I typed too much.

 

I find this thread to be pretty interesting so I thought I'd bring it back from the dead...

I JUST got through my first 600 miles (611 to be exact) and the bike is in the shop getting her first check-up. for the first 600 miles I broke it in relatively gentile (I know there are quite a few theories on this, but I've always had my best luck with a moderate break-in with varying RPM's in cars). I would usually shift around 6k rpm, and once or twice I got her up to 10k rpm. Once I get the bike back I'm sure I will be shifting in the 10-12k range a lot more often, I love the way it felt and I love the sound. I don't care if I'm a cop magnet - I'd rather be seen and heard by the general public than worrying about being "too loud".

So where do most of you shift - there weren't that many responses to this thread before... Thanks!

 

For normal riding, I shift around 6-8k rpm, depending on what gear. But I usually just stick in 3rd, sometimes 4th for cruising around. Come to think of it, I haven't gone past 4th gear in a while. I used to shift around 3-4k rpm all the way to 5th or 6th, but now I've been accustomed to the powerband of the bike and have been shifting at higher rpms.

 

Im still a newb.. so shifting at like 5k (i think...) when normal riding. And shifting at like 9k when I want to dip out. Still havent gone passed 10k... YET

 

I remember the first time I went past 10k, or actually the first time I hit 14k....it was a sound that I've never heard before...it sounds like it would run out, but it just keeps going...

 

***** ride it like you stole it. 10-12K when I shift it, and I ride around town at 8-9k's. My Two Bros. is loud and sound great. These bikes were built for speed and power. I never get out of 3rd gear in town. And I never see 6th unless I am over 100.