I was told to shift at about 4 rpms and then by somebody else at 5-6000rpms....i was wondering if anybody can give my the right time to shift and at what speeds would be right to shift at..thanks
(i ride a 09 kaw ninja 250r)


pz

 

There is no hard and fast rule about when to shift. If I'm in no hurry and I have no need (or much clear road ahead), I shift around 3.5 - 4K on my 650R. When I'm in a hurry or am climbing a highway onramp, I let it climb to 6-7K. If I really want to play, I'll let it touch 9K. If I change gears too early just cruising around town and RPMs drop below 2500, the engine doesn't like it, so I choose gears that keep my engine in its 'happy place'.

It has everything to do with what your needs are at the time. The 250R has no problems revving and seems happiest when kept north of 3K, so just keep it out of its 'unhappy place' and you'll be fine. It's hard to make a 250 get bad gas mileage if that's what you're worrying about, and that engine was designed to run happily all day at 10K +, so ride in a manner that's most comfortable to you.

How many miles are on your bike? If you're still within the breakin threshold, start out conservatively and slowly work your way up the tach as the days and weeks go by.

 

im at 850 close to 900 miles

 

listen to your bike and feel it with your butt as said before there is no set shift point and most bikes have a "dummy" light if the revs are too high but im not shure about the 250s

 

At this point, if you've had all your 600 mile services done, drive it like you want to. The bike will tell you if you do something wrong (shift at too low rpm) and I have my doubts you're going to over-rev it. If you find yourself in the 13,000 rpm range riding around town, you're overdoing it.

 

That of course when the shifter is still in place right? lol

As mentioned, every rider and situation is going to be different. Know your bike and stay comfy with it.

 

I have an 09 250R and when I want to take off quick I tac it out to 12000 rpms and shift. Its the most fun you can have on that bike without hitting the rev limiter. 10000 rpms is pretty nice too. You can go through all the gears around 6000 , but its boring.

 

Listen to 94Ninja. I have an 09 250R, and the engine is a little high revving monster. Do what's comfortable within the parameters of not hitting that redline EVERY gear, although you can have fun from time to time..

That being said, It's a new bike. It needs to be broken in properly or else you're gonna get a bike that doesn't run to it's full potential in the end. Follow it to book. 500 miles under 4000RPM. Change the oil at 600. Then stay under 6000RPM until you hit that 1000 mile mark. Then open it up and have fun. Trust me, I know it's hard. I've been through it. But those Japanese guys who made that owners manual of yours (Which I hope you've read) Know what they're talking about. After all, it's their product.

Have fun and follow things to book.