gears used at different speeds

Originally Posted by Kate

Or something unexpected happens

Sure, but bumbling through a 30zone if something ‘unexpected’ happens, then it is likely to require brakes not power!!

unless one of those car carrying lorries pulls out in front of you- ramp!!

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

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

Sure, but bumbling through a 30zone if something ‘unexpected’ happens, then it is likely to require brakes not power!!

Yup, more likely but it does still happen. For instance if someone pulls out of a side turning whilst you are passing it. If you continued at the same speed then you would be hit, a quick flick of the wrist increases your speed slightly and you are safe. If you are in too higher a gear and there is a pause before acceleration then you are hit.

Originally Posted by Kate

Yup, more likely but it does still happen. For instance if someone pulls out of a side turning whilst you are passing it. If you continued at the same speed then you would be hit, a quick flick of the wrist increases your speed slightly and you are safe. If you are in too higher a gear and there is a pause before acceleration then you are hit.

I am not trying to argue with you and people can ride as they choose, but wouldn’t the case you mention still be a judgement thing? i.e. You can see someone on a sideroad, presume they will pull out (until they prove otherwise) and mibie knock down a gear or two ‘just in case’ then you flick back up again after the turning … why would you need to continually need big power on tap?! I can’t imagine that feels very relaxed?

Oh just looked at your location ... you live in 'the big smoke' ... fair enough, always ride frightened there !!

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

You can see someone on a sideroad, presume they will pull out (until they prove otherwise) and mibie knock down a gear or two ‘just in case’

Most of the geniuses that drive cars in the smoke would see any reduction in speed as you being about to let them in.

Also, if the fscker IS going to be pulling out I would rather already be in gear than in the middle of changing/just changed.

David

Not done it many times, but riding in London does need a completely different technique to riding through a village/small town 30zone etc (which is more what I do). A village thing can be pretty relaxed, almost boring, however in London you need to be ‘on the ball’ all the time, I can see you would be up and down the box so often it would be a hindrance!!

In short, if you are London/big city rider then I can see the need to have power on tap all the time fair enough!! But as a village/small town rider it seems that it would be largely unnecessary unless you weren't paying attention.

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

I am not trying to argue with you and people can ride as they choose, but wouldn’t the case you mention still be a judgement thing? i.e. You can see someone on a sideroad, presume they will pull out (until they prove otherwise) and mibie knock down a gear or two ‘just in case’ then you flick back up again after the turning … why would you need to continually need big power on tap?! I can’t imagine that feels very relaxed?

Oh just looked at your location ... you live in 'the big smoke' ... fair enough, always ride frightened there !!

Devil's whatsits, but I'd be near the white line, expecting them to pull out, putting myself as far away as I could. So long as there's not any other dangers preventing me doing that.

Then again, I live out in the sticks, so I'm not going to cast judgement on anyone's riding. Sometimes on my 50mile commute I can go without seeing a car at all, for the entire journey. No, seriously!

3rd is useful for a bit of extra umph, but I find my bike is a lot more comfortable sitting in 4th at 30mph with the 47T rear sprocket.

After everyone said things like 4th, 5th and 6th, I was curious. I had a go at this, this morning. Standard gearing on a SVS on a straight 30mph road,

4th - Not too great, though you could do a '35', 30mph if you know what I mean.
5th - Really starting to labour,
6th - just a joke - could have turned the engine over quick by hand!. Fuel saving or not, this was bad.

So for me it's still 2nd and sometimes 3rd if i'm cruising.