I run second most of the time at these speeds, maybe go into third at forty. Have never used sixth until I hit the legal 65mph on secondary roads or 70 on fourlanes (isn't it an overdrive gear?). May be why I get only 40-50mpg. My bike seems smoothest between 6500-7000 rpm, so thats where I keep it. It is comfortable to ride and still has the umph you need for passing, or emergency manouvers.
Of course, my previous street bikes have been I-4s, so am used to riding a narrow powerband. But I love the low end torque of the SV and ride it in preference to my Honda 900 ('81), especially in town. And also in the twistys
