New Here

[Zip]

First I would like to say hello. I just purchased a 2011 RTS with the touring package. I will pick it up later this week.

I have been reading the do's and don'ts and have a question.

My bike has manual shift A) do I shift at the same recommended RPM (around 5000) ?
And what about downshifting? Clutch and stop then down shift or down shift through the gears then stop? If the latter how will RPM come into play?

Thanks in advance
Jeff

[Bob Denman]

Both of mine have been "ESSIEs", so I can't answer your shifting question ...

...But LOTS of folks in here can!

[Grayfox]

I have a 2012 rts sm5. I shift up around 4000 rpm and down by what speed I am at. From 5th to 4th say around 40mph and so on. Hope this helps.

[GOZFST]

My experience with manual motorcycle transmissions is it's a lot easier to downshift as you are slowing down, rather than doing it after you have come to a stop, plus if you need to accelerate out of harms way or if the light changes you aren't in the wrong gear. Most sequential transmissions aren't happy going from top gear to first gear while stopped.

[SPYD3R]

TIME WILL TELL YOU WHEN TO SHIFT......
it's all about comfort... if you are out for a nice smooth ride, you'll find yourself shifting at low RPMs, if you get aggressive, the RPMs will fall in place at a higher level... if you try to ride the way OTHER PEOPLE tell you, it will take you far longer to get the 'knack' on how your comfort zone is....
ride safely and enjoy....
Dan P
SPYD3R

[ARtraveler]

and on your RT. The 998 engine likes to be shifted between 5000 and 5500. You will find the sweet spot on yours. For downshifts, I used to use 3500 going back from 5, 4, 3, and 2. I would use about 2500 for 2 to 1. Most of the time, braking will slow you down before the rpms. Just hold the clutch in and click the downshifts until you roll to a stop.

[Eagle1]

I had a 2010 rt standard shift and would shift at or above 4500 rpm and would down shift as I was showing down. It likes the higher rpms.

[robmorg]

and on your RT. The 998 engine likes to be shifted between 5000 and 5500. You will find the sweet spot on yours. For downshifts, I used to use 3500 going back from 5, 4, 3, and 2. I would use about 2500 for 2 to 1. Most of the time, braking will slow you down before the rpms. Just hold the clutch in and click the downshifts until you roll to a stop.

with what akspyderman just said. Those numbers are a very good place to start. But as you ride more and gain a little experience , your bike will help you know when you need to shift for different riding situations. If you've already read the "DO's and Don'ts" thread, you already know that the object is to keep the 998 engine in that 5000 rpm range - give or take.

You'll love that new bike of yours. Enjoy!

[bmccaffrey]

Have 13 sm5

5000-6000 rpm

[Ron2andia]

[Tango]

[Deanna777]

and

Deanna