[Mad German]

I'm curious to see what speeds and RPMs that everyone shifts from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd.... The owner's manual for my bike (2001 R1) has me shifting from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, etc. at speeds that seem very slow. Usually I just go by sound. Most of the time it's around 4000 or 4500 rpm for most shifts. I understand that the manufacturers want you to shift at lower speeds for maximum engine longevity, but the gearbox seems rather clunky at the lower rpms. Once I started shifting around 4000-4500 rpm, it seemed to shift smoother.

So.....at which speeds does everyone shift through the gears, AND why do you shift at the point you do?

Scott

 

[mercurial]

4-4.5? You do know that at that range, your bike is putting out about as much HP as a buell blast, so you could've saved about 7 Gs lol!!

but seriously, theres no real way to answer this. on my commute down a big long freeway I might shift at around 5k. If I'm hammering twisties, well I don't really keep a "shift-point" in mind. I just try and keep it above 6-7k RPMs, and probably shift at around 9-9.5K, 10+ if I am really wringing the piss out of it. theres no real rule here, do what you feel comfortable with.

 

[KneeDragger77]

Yea I'm the same way. Most around town commutes or highway rides, shift from 4 to 5k. In the twisties and riding really hard, definitely keep it above 9k and I try to wring it up to 11,500 to get the most out of it if possible. In a long sweeping turn I'll usually enter at about 6k to 7k and work my way up to about 10 at the exit.

Sometimes I go by sound too, like you said. You can usually "feel" where the bike is at by sound and throttle response. Dont always have time to look at the tach

 

[.1394]

thas right 4-5 on tha street, 6-8 on the freeway, above 9 in the twisties

 

[JAYSTENSEC4CYL]

Shifting the R1

I just hold it wide open, and shift when ever I hear tat-tat-tat-tat......lmfao

 

[DaFirst]

Shift VS Speed

I shiftt when it hits 7k rpm The reason for this if i open the throttle hard the bike will go wheelie:thumbup

 

[1longR1]

on several dyno runs the r1 will actually make more power in the 10500 to 11000 range. shifting way to the limiter is okay but peak hp is not that high in the range. shifting a little lower will also put the rpm level in the next gear right in the middle of the torque range. tried it several times at the racetrack and times are faster when shifting @10500. but your mays be different. put it on a dyno and see!!

 

[JAYSTENSEC4CYL]

JOKING...

I was only joking about hitting the limiter before I shift...


I have a full system on my R1 so my peak HP is a littler higher in the rpm range.

I have tried various shifting points as well at the drag strip.

00 R1 best pass so far a 10.24 @ 138, 1.80 60ft. Akra and IVAN's, 1 tooth smaller, stock ride height. Ran a 10.26 with my slip-on. It was over 100 degrees when I ran the 10.24 so I know there is still a bit left to be had.