What RPM for gearchanges? - SV650.org

11-09-13, 04:52 PM

Hi I'm new to big bikes so forgive me if this is a stupid question what rpm do you change gear at ? I use a roads mainly at 60 mph find around 7000 rpm the bike is a lot better , should I be changing gears a lot sooner ? Or does it just depends on conditions etc ? Thanks for any input

Tomor · 11-09-13, 04:54 PM

Change at the redline

For me it depends on the road condition, things around me, what i'm feeling like, if i'm trying to catch/get away from someone. I don't have a fixed RPM I change gear at.

Biker Biggles · 11-09-13, 05:00 PM

What bike?
An SV 650 is quite happy at 3500 while an IL4 would need rather more to be smooth and would deliver loads of power right up to the red line.An SV delivers a bit more power up at the top end but 7000 is plenty in the real world for rapid riding.

Bibio · 11-09-13, 05:11 PM

what ever the bike wants to be at.

11-09-13, 05:24 PM

OK thanks for that , didn't know if I would be thrashing the engine in that rev range in low gears or not , would ridding at high revs cause more petrol use ?

Fallout · 11-09-13, 05:38 PM

When cruising, I change up very early. 6k on the gixxer, which revs to 16k I think, and maybe 4k on the Tiger which revs to 10k. It's just easy on the engine and better for fuel economy. But never leave yourself short on power in dangerous situations. If there's lot of traffic about, multilane roads etc. you really want to be in the power band in case you need to nip out of harms way.

11-09-13, 06:05 PM

Makes a lot of sense , thanks, by the way I have a tt600 , 2003

ChrisCurvyS · 11-09-13, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fallout

When cruising, I change up very early. 6k on the gixxer, which revs to 16k I think, and maybe 4k on the Tiger which revs to 10k. It's just easy on the engine and better for fuel economy. But never leave yourself short on power in dangerous situations. If there's lot of traffic about, multilane roads etc. you really want to be in the power band in case you need to nip out of harms way.

This. You want acceleration immediately available in case you suddenly need to get away from someone swerving into you.

As regards economy, the basic rule of thumb is whichever amount of revs requires the least amount of throttle.

11-09-13, 09:40 PM

Pin the throttle, dump the clutch, make sure you keep all your weight to the front of the bike and change up when you hit the red line.

11-09-13, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig dow

would ridding at high revs cause more petrol use ?

You can't be serious

11-09-13, 04:52 PM	#1
craig dow Guest Posts: n/a	What RPM for gearchanges? Hi I'm new to big bikes so forgive me if this is a stupid question what rpm do you change gear at ? I use a roads mainly at 60 mph find around 7000 rpm the bike is a lot better , should I be changing gears a lot sooner ? Or does it just depends on conditions etc ? Thanks for any input

11-09-13, 04:54 PM	#2
Tomor Member Mega Poster Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Yateley, Hants Posts: 2,306	Re: rpm Change at the redline For me it depends on the road condition, things around me, what i'm feeling like, if i'm trying to catch/get away from someone. I don't have a fixed RPM I change gear at. __________________ Yam XT125R - Sold SV650 -Sold DL 650 K6 - Sold 2012 Street Triple R - For Sale - Linky here

11-09-13, 05:00 PM	#3
Biker Biggles Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnet Herts Posts: 5,071	Re: rpm What bike? An SV 650 is quite happy at 3500 while an IL4 would need rather more to be smooth and would deliver loads of power right up to the red line.An SV delivers a bit more power up at the top end but 7000 is plenty in the real world for rapid riding. __________________ On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.

11-09-13, 05:11 PM	#4
Bibio Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: here as devil's advocate Posts: 11,569	Re: rpm what ever the bike wants to be at.

11-09-13, 05:24 PM	#5
craig dow Guest Posts: n/a	Re: rpm OK thanks for that , didn't know if I would be thrashing the engine in that rev range in low gears or not , would ridding at high revs cause more petrol use ? Last edited by craig dow; 11-09-13 at 05:26 PM.

11-09-13, 05:38 PM	#6
Fallout Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Basingstoke Posts: 2,983	Re: rpm When cruising, I change up very early. 6k on the gixxer, which revs to 16k I think, and maybe 4k on the Tiger which revs to 10k. It's just easy on the engine and better for fuel economy. But never leave yourself short on power in dangerous situations. If there's lot of traffic about, multilane roads etc. you really want to be in the power band in case you need to nip out of harms way. __________________ MotoGoLoco - You knows it The Shed - Suzuki GSX-R 750 K1 \| Triumph Tiger 1050 K6 Fallout Bikes (VLogs, Tutorials, Bike Vids) Fallout Breakbeat (My Music)

11-09-13, 06:05 PM	#7
craig dow Guest Posts: n/a	Re: rpm Makes a lot of sense , thanks, by the way I have a tt600 , 2003

11-09-13, 09:40 PM	#9
Matt-EUC Guest Posts: n/a	What RPM for gearchanges? Pin the throttle, dump the clutch, make sure you keep all your weight to the front of the bike and change up when you hit the red line.