MPH and RPMs for shifting into gears

[Bob Denman]

I use a 4000 rpm shift speed. That drops the bike back to about 3500 rpm in the next gear. You want to keep things spinning at least that quickly so that the clutch is fully locked-up.

[Grandpa Spyder]

I use a 4000 rpm shift speed. That drops the bike back to about 3500 rpm in the next gear. You want to keep things spinning at least that quickly so that the clutch is fully locked-up.

As far as shift points I am with Bob on this and that is just the minimum.

[rcantrell52]

I agree with the others in using RPMs vs MPH. I shift in the 4500 - 5500 RPM range. I try not to let my RPMs get below 3800.

[swuziq]

Thanks everyone! This helps me a lot for suer.. I will check out Grasshopper in Beloit, too about the seat. And Arther.. glad you got all of your modifications done and you are finally comfortable. Problem with the Spyder I want, they don't have risers for the RT models, only RS... but there will be something that will work. I hope!!! Sure wish Can-Am would put something out there to help us short people to be able to get closer to the handlebars and be able to sit up comfortably. A Spyder for smaller people would be the cat's meow.. but there isn't one out there now and I want one now..
I will definitely learn to go by the RPMs.. Sounds like the answer there..
Thanks again everyone.

[flybuddy]

Is the gearing ratios different on a manual? Those seem high to me, 4th gear seems to be winding up in the low 40s.

[Bob Denman]

They're the same...
Shifting from 3rd to 4th sat about 38 to 40 mph.
Shifting into 5th at about 48 mph...

[Illinois Boy]

Is the gearing ratios different on a manual? Those seem high to me, 4th gear seems to be winding up in the low 40s.

Not sure if there is a difference... but if so, I would assume it is not that far-off.

Also not sure what you mean by your statement of 4th gear winding-up in the 40's... but all my references are regarding an RTS-SE5 only. I cannot verify for any other model.

Clutch slippage occurs at RPM's of less than about 3500 RPM's. Anything less than that then your clutch is not seating itself all the way and is causing some slippage. Any slippage causes wear.

It should be a rare occurrence that you ever run your Spyder at anything below 4,000; and preferably anything above 4,300 RPM's. If you are, then downshift until the RPM's get back above 4,300. Most times for me... it is always running between 4900 to 5500 RPM's and runs like a top.

Give it a shot if you are not...

[A1A]

I'm very new to the RTS-SE5, but have observed a couple of things about the spyder engine. The 998cc engine makes 100 HP @ 7,500 RPM & Maximum Torque of 80 FT. LBS. @ 5000 RPM. I believe these numbers are net readings measured at the crank.
It is my opinion that the optimum shift point should be at Max. engine torque of 5,000 rpm. Which will keep the engine in the maximum power band while shifting up through the gears. I would not criuse in 5th gear below 4,500 rpm. I always downshift to 4th gear going up hill if the RPMS start dropping below 4,500 RPM. I believe at lower speeds in town using the lower gears 2nd & 3rd cruising at 3,000 to 3,500 RPM works fine.
All information is my opinion, rider only and with empty luggage.