I am a mid range rider, and backroads, stoplights, those sorts of places, I ride city about 4-5, getting into traffic I usually go up to 7 or 8 like on an entrance ramp or something. Everyone has said it, and I will say again, it all depends on how much gas you want to suck out, and your comfort level and riding style. I like to get up and going a little quicker, especially in this state (WA) because the drivers suck *** and you need to stay as far away as you possibly can! :O)

 

hey guys, im a little confused about the shift chart, it says your supposed to shift to 6th at 36 miles an hour?? i dont quite know everything about transmissions but i find it a little hard to beliee that one gear can take me from 36 up to 110 miles an hour :-P

 

its not the gear that does it, its an engien that revs to the sky.

at 36 mpg 6th should have enough to maintain speed on a relatively flat surface but it will not be good for acceleration. i can cruise in my car in 5th at 35mph and it tops out at around 140, but don't expect me to try passing someone in 5th - i'll drop it down to 2nd or 3rd.

 

so would everyone pretty much agree that crusing around streets at around 35-40 not accelerating that aroupnd 4000 rpms is good as far as engine wear and gas mileage??

 

Yes!

 

Depends on the tune bro!

edit: Not that many 500's are modded, any engine is a compressor and rings and any other wear is dependant on the timing, rpms and load placed on it. At that rpm.

 

So what speed are you usually going when you shift from 1st to 2nd? I find it yells at me at around 10-13 mph...but i've recently tried the 4000-5000 rpm thing u guys are talkin about - it helps. but not in first? And is there a usually speed you shift out of 2nd, 3rd etc all the way up? I know you all said screw kawi's user manual. Just curious.

 

(Actually I was on the only one who said screw the owner's manual on this one. [:-])
While it's entirely admirable that you guys want to take care of your bikes, I've noticed that I'm able to shift consistently smoother if I DON'T LOOK at the speedometer or tachometer.
Just get a 'feel' for what 4000rpm sounds & feels like, then keep it below that when it's cold. Better to keep your eyes on the road and let your ears tell you when to shift.
IMO, 1000 rpm here or there isn't going to wear your bike out as quickly as the clumsy shifts resulting from your fixating on the tachometer. And probably not as quickly as the accident that could happen while your eyes were glued to that needle.
Have a great weekend and ride safely.
Peace!
-CCinC

(New tires and a manhole cover in the road, not from gawking at the tach.)

 

+1 on feeling comfy on the ride and knowing what is happening. Honestly, I cannot stay at a conservative 4k lets say to make it last 200k miles.

 

It's funny Chris, the day you posted this comment I was rear ended on a 4 lane divided highway at 40mph (down from 70 when the line of cars ahead slamed on their brakes). But I was fortunate and managed to keep the bike rubber side down. Weird coincidence.