Optimum Operating RPM

[merlindss]

I have been a Spyder Rider for a short period but discovered on this forum that the best operating range for the Spyder RTS Limited 2013 is 4500-5500 when cruising. I find that my Spyder runs in those ranges at 45 in 3rd and 57 in 4th and 67 in 5th. My question for all you veteran riders is do you run two lane state and US highways in 4th gear most of the time? If so, can you set the cruise control in 3rd or 4th gear? I have found that running it at the higher RPMs allows the engine to stay a lot cooler and I haven't noticed the heating problem as much when I run it the way I have described. I just don't know if the transmission will last running in 3rd or 4th gear for extended periods of time.

[Magdave]

I have been a Spyder Rider for a short period but discovered on this forum that the best operating range for the Spyder RTS Limited 2013 is 4500-5500 when cruising. I find that my Spyder runs in those ranges at 45 in 3rd and 57 in 4th and 67 in 5th. My question for all you veteran riders is do you run two lane state and US highways in 4th gear most of the time? If so, can you set the cruise control in 3rd or 4th gear? I have found that running it at the higher RPMs allows the engine to stay a lot cooler and I haven't noticed the heating problem as much when I run it the way I have described. I just don't know if the transmission will last running in 3rd or 4th gear for extended periods of time.
Yes & Yes . I have only used 5th at 70 or above.
:thumbup:

[KEBIE]

Good question. .I was thinking the same thing.

[captblack]

Can't help you much - I have an SM and use 5th gear anywhere above 45. No problems at all and plenty of power for the way I ride. I know the SE needs higher RPM but I don't think you need to worry about a specific RPM but more that you don't lug the engine or hurt the clutch.

[willey]

I try to keep the rpm over 5000.Yes you can use cruise in 4th never tried it in 3rd

[spydercatjohn]

On two lane highways always in fourth gear. Fifth over 65 to 70 mph. I like to cruise around 5500 to 6500 rpm. As long as the transmission is fully engaged I don't think rpm matters.

[Magdave]

I try to keep the rpm over 5000.Yes you can use cruise in 4th never tried it in 3rd
It works in second. I use it in school zones @26mph (yeah I am speeding but my wife who has followed me says my speedo is high by 2-3mph.) It will work at any speed above 25mph just like a car.:thumbup:

[Chupaca]

as mentioned I seldom use 5th gear under 70 usually 72. Will cruise close to 6,000 rpm's which in 5th is about 83 mph. These engines like high rpm's but you have to adjust to it. Most twins are lower rpm engines. If you run the semi automatic your clutch is not fully engaged till your over 3,000 rpms. Under that and you may incur premature clutch wear. Remember these engines don't know mph..just rpm, Gear ratio, fuel/air mixture and load. Now the police do know mph...:roflblack:

[KeithInAurora]

I'm sure every Spyder owner has a different opinion, but I wouldn't call 4500-5500 RPM optimum by any means. For my 2010 RT, I don't reach the power band until 5000, so I tend to ride more in the 5500 - 6500 RPM range. I live in suburban Chicago and most of my riding is between 40mph - 55mph, so I am in 2nd gear until 45mph, 3rd gear until 60mph and 4th gear above that. The only time I use 5th gear is if I am cruising on the highway at 70mph or better. I have used my cruise control in both 3rd and 4th gear if the road conditions warrant it.

[rabtech]

Yep I'm a 6000 rpm or higher kinda guy. Mostly 7000 and better.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

[chris56]

th engine is much "stronger" on higher RPMs .. look here: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/media.php?do=details&mid=276

[SNOOPY]

I guess this takes some getting use to. I've been trying the higher RPMs I've read on this forum and it seems he bike is screaming most of the time. :D

[Bob Denman]

I'm still the "laggard..."
4,000 rpm and up; 5th gear gets pulled at 55 mph.

[xinu]

For nice leisurely acceleration I shift between 4-5K RPM and always cruise above 4K.

[Illinois Boy]

I have been a Spyder Rider for a short period but discovered on this forum that the best operating range for the Spyder RTS Limited 2013 is 4500-5500 when cruising. I find that my Spyder runs in those ranges at 45 in 3rd and 57 in 4th and 67 in 5th. My question for all you veteran riders is do you run two lane state and US highways in 4th gear most of the time?

If so, can you set the cruise control in 3rd or 4th gear?

I have found that running it at the higher RPMs allows the engine to stay a lot cooler and I haven't noticed the heating problem as much when I run it the way I have described. I just don't know if the transmission will last running in 3rd or 4th gear for extended periods of time.

Yes.
Yes.
You can run all-day, everyday, for as long as you own your Spyder in any gear -- as long as you are at the correct speed/rpm for that gear. You are correct about the managing your shifts to remain within the power-band at all times -- your machine will appreciate it as much as you will. The power-band does extend much higher than you mentioned though. It reaches into the 6,000's...

Ride safe!

[OldCowboy]

I've found I get better mileage by running in the 4000-5000 range than by running in the 5000-6000 range. Basically, I upshift at 28,38,48, and 58 MPH.

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Running over 70 mph... less than 30 mpg
Keeping it at about 4500 rpm for long distance cruising... 34 mpg. :thumbup:

[merlindss]

Thanks to all of you that responded to my question. It puts my mind at ease and will make my riding much more enjoyable. Taking our first extended ride today and didn't want to have to worry about my riding approach. I notice that the engine seems to scream and my wife commented on it but we are both getting used to it. I appreciate everyone that contributed and took the time to take a look at my question. Ride safe.

[NancysToy]

Cruise works in lower gears as long as the rpm is sufficient. You can run in any gear as long as you want, within the proper rpm range, without damage or worry. I personally feel the Spyder is happier above 5,000-5,500 rpm, so that's where I cruise with mine. More power and better throttle response up there. You will have to get used to the sound, unless you came from sport bikes...then you'll wonder why the rpm is so low.

[Sny]

Running over 70 mph... less than 30 mpg
Keeping it at about 4500 rpm for long distance cruising... 34 mpg. :thumbup:

2013 STS with the touring windshield and bags loaded for a week long trip.

Cruise on at 85mph for 170 miles, 5th gear, somewhere north of 6000 rpm, put in 4.4 gallons = 38.6 mpg

Cruise on at 70mph for 100 miles, 5th gear, somewhere between 5000-5500 rpm, put in 3.1 gallons = 32.3 mpg

The solution is simple, cruise faster!

[Bob Denman]

...Different bike... Different aero package...

[Pennyrick]

:agree: Running over 70 mph... less than 30 mpg
Keeping it at about 4500 rpm for long distance cruising... 34 mpg. :thumbup:


Bob:

I think there is some research that proves Orbital Blue has much more wind resistance than any other color. Therefore the drag you would get on your:spyder2:would impact fuel use negatively.

[Magdave]

Bob:

I think there is some research that proves Orbital Blue has much more wind resistance than any other color. Therefore the drag you would get on your:spyder2:would impact fuel use negatively.

:roflblack: Here is Bob's song He sings it to his Spyder every night I bet.

http://youtu.be/mW6G3nh5S3I

[Bob Denman]

I'm not a Beatles fan at all...
My tastes run a bit...stranger!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIVe-rZBcm4

[bullant12]

Can't help you much - I have an SM and use 5th gear anywhere above 45. No problems at all and plenty of power for the way I ride. I know the SE needs higher RPM but I don't think you need to worry about a specific RPM but more that you don't lug the engine or hurt the clutch.


I would be carefull with that. I may have worn down a clutch for that reason with my 2010 sm-5.
I am usually at 3rd gear going 45mph at 4500-6000 RPM... below that you are lugging it.

[ARtraveler]

A lot of opinions--but they all kind of bunch up around certain paramaters.

:ani29:: RE: Fifth gear--I now use it on highways at 65 mph or higher. Yep--fourth gear operation happens a lot now.

:ani29:: RE: Cruise Control: it seems to work in any gear as long as the rpm's are up. I did a slow speed "test" on hilly terrain just to check it out. 2nd gear/35 mph average/hills and curves--cruise worked just fine. Not my normal way to use cruise--just testing.

My usual for cruise is on the 60+ mph highway stretches where you can maintain speed.

My overall mileage is 30-31 mpg. I check it most every fill up--the accountant in me. :roflblack:

[Magdave]

I'm not a Beatles fan at all...
My tastes run a bit...stranger!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIVe-rZBcm4

Good song I but I could see you singing I want you your so heavy :roflblack: :thumbup:

[Magdave]

Hey Bob I bet you like this then this could be your Spyder song too :thumbup: I can see you " Hangin' on"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dup6KUUWlMQ

[Bob Denman]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_2_65.gif Groovy! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_12_1.gif
Here's a track that DOES spin the tach a bit higher...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiyW2umwIUo

[Bob Ledford]

Everyone forgot to make one statement which drove me nuts the first time I ran cruise through the gears on my SE-5. Every time that you shift up you get to reset the cruise control again.... It is a great convince if your running it traffic though.

The Rotax engine is a rev happy machine.....

[otter28169]

I just cruise around at 100 mph everywhere and then I do not have to worry about the clutch:roflblack:

Just sayin'.............

[Dan_Ashley]

I just cruise around at 100 mph everywhere and then I do not have to worry about the clutch:roflblack:

Just sayin'.............

...but my wife won't let me drive it outside the living room, and there is just not enough room to get speed up more than six.

[NancysToy]

Everyone forgot to make one statement which drove me nuts the first time I ran cruise through the gears on my SE-5. Every time that you shift up you get to reset the cruise control again.... It is a great convince if your running it traffic though.

The Rotax engine is a rev happy machine.....

????? Cruise control is not meant to be some kind of alternative throttle...it is made for cruising. That means going down the road at one speed in a chosen gear. There should be no need to shift at a steady speed. :)

[KeithInAurora]

I'm not a Beatles fan at all...
My tastes run a bit...stranger!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIVe-rZBcm4

Now you're talking! My high school had a radio station and I used to play In a gadda da vita all the time (followed up by one of the many suitable songs by The Doors). Those were the days...

[Mackingangsta]

Interested to know at what speed and rpm should I shift newbie and want to treat my spyder right.thanx in advance.2013 rt sm5

[NancysToy]

Interested to know at what speed and rpm should I shift newbie and want to treat my spyder right.thanx in advance.2013 rt sm5
With an SE shift high enough (4,500 rpm or greater for upshift) to remain above about 3,500 rpm after the shift. That is to protect your clutch. The speed depends on what gear you are in.

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Drive by the tach; not the speedometer. :thumbup:

[Mackingangsta]

Ok I have an sm5 shifting up through the gears from 1-5 what speed and or rims should I be in newbie on love the bike and want to keep her healthy 2013 rt 300 hundred miles just had low oil warning light come on.gonna check level in the morning.thanx love this site

[NancysToy]

Ok I have an sm5 shifting up through the gears from 1-5 what speed and or rims should I be in newbie on love the bike and want to keep her healthy 2013 rt 300 hundred miles just had low oil warning light come on.gonna check level in the morning.thanx love this site
You have more leeway with the SM5, but remember that the Spyder engine is happiest above 5,000 rpm. I try to cruise above that, and seldom go below 4,000 under any circumstances unless on a straight, flat, residential street at 35 mph in 3rd gear.

[Pennyrick]

My wife and I just spent the day touring up to Blue Ridge, Ga and back. We traveled on a number of different roads getting there but the return trip (as always) was on Highway 60 that runs all the way from Morganton south to Gainesville GA.

The twisty part begins just outside of Morganton south through Suches and on to Dahlonega. About sixty miles of switchbacks, uphill and downhill curves and just pure fun!!

Our Spyders hung together pretty tight today and despite the 45 mph limit in most places we probably averaged a little over that. Neither of us ever hit fourth gear for the entire run and I spent a lot of time in first and second, running in the 6,000 to 7,000 rpm window. It feels good to have that power come on to pull you up and out of a curve and it also feels secure when the engine braking is very evident after you kick it down a notch.

I note that some describe the sound at those engine speeds as screaming but it sounds like music to me.

[Bob Denman]

Now you're talking! My high school had a radio station and I used to play In a gadda da vita all the time (followed up by one of the many suitable songs by The Doors). Those were the days...

Something like this????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X34JarNjoIU