RPM question - Noobie one, I know, apologies in advance

[Toxziq]

So the 2011 RS SE5 is my first bike I've ever owned. Being new to ryding and riding, I'm trying to figure some things out...

My RS seems to run like this:

0-22ish MPH: 1st Gear
22ish to 35ish: 2nd Gear
35ish to 45ish: 3rd Gear
45ish to 60ish: 4th Gear
60ish+: 5th Gear

About 5500 to 6000 RPMs is when I shift.

In any gear, 4300 RPMs and less seems sluggish, and 4800 to 5200 seems to be prime running for smoothness and least engine noise. Does that seem right? Maybe I'm not used to red lining at 12K, but 4800 to 5200 RPMs seems a lot to be enjoying the sounds and smoothness... just wanted to check.

Again, sorry for such a weird question, but don't want to run the engine faster than it should, especially during break in, and I know this is such a different beast, thought it can't hurt to ask. I'd rather ask and be laughed at than not and end up wishing I did.

~Tox

 

[aka1004]

Spyder does not like to be under 5000 rpm.
I think I am in 1st gear till 30 unless I am in traffic and downshifting.
I come from 14000rpm side of motorcycling so it does not feel high to me.

Spyder starts come alive after 5000 rpm.

If you have stock muffler it's different story. It felt like my spyder was about to bleed thru its anus if it had one at high rpm.

My theory is you don't burn more fuel because of performance addon but you burn more fuel because it's more fun To open it up with the addon.

 

[retread]

The Spyder's engine likes to rev, the really interesting part of the power band is above 5K, so if it's broken in, don't worry about it.

john

 

[StriperKing]

For what it is worth you are still shifting sooner than I do. Let her rev. :2thumbs:

 

[freebob]

So the 2011 RS SE5 is my first bike I've ever owned. Being new to ryding and riding, I'm trying to figure some things out...

My RS seems to run like this:

0-22ish MPH: 1st Gear
22ish to 35ish: 2nd Gear
35ish to 45ish: 3rd Gear
45ish to 60ish: 4th Gear
60ish+: 5th Gear

About 5500 to 6000 RPMs is when I shift.

In any gear, 4300 RPMs and less seems sluggish, and 4800 to 5200 seems to be prime running for smoothness and least engine noise. Does that seem right? Maybe I'm not used to red lining at 12K, but 4800 to 5200 RPMs seems a lot to be enjoying the sounds and smoothness... just wanted to check.

Again, sorry for such a weird question, but don't want to run the engine faster than it should, especially during break in, and I know this is such a different beast, thought it can't hurt to ask. I'd rather ask and be laughed at than not and end up wishing I did.

~Tox

If that works for you, I don't see a problem. Different stokes for different folks...Ride On...:thumbup:


Freebob...:doorag:

 

[KipDM]

i posted something similar in another thread except i was shifting even earlier.

it's up to you, the earlier you shift the less gas you are burning to stay at that speed.

but if you REALLY wanna hear your engine purr you CAN get up to 50+ in 1st gear. my personal record in 1st is about 35, but i usually shift to 2nd at about 18-21. into 3rd in the 26-37ish range. 4th whenever i feel like and usually don't go into 5th until i am over 50 (and some have said they don't shift to 5th until 70+).

either way, love the ryde, love the feel!

 

[woodchuck]

When to shift

So the 2011 RS SE5 is my first bike I've ever owned. Being new to ryding and riding, I'm trying to figure some things out...

My RS seems to run like this:

0-22ish MPH: 1st Gear
22ish to 35ish: 2nd Gear
35ish to 45ish: 3rd Gear
45ish to 60ish: 4th Gear
60ish+: 5th Gear

About 5500 to 6000 RPMs is when I shift.

In any gear, 4300 RPMs and less seems sluggish, and 4800 to 5200 seems to be prime running for smoothness and least engine noise. Does that seem right? Maybe I'm not used to red lining at 12K, but 4800 to 5200 RPMs seems a lot to be enjoying the sounds and smoothness... just wanted to check.

Again, sorry for such a weird question, but don't want to run the engine faster than it should, especially during break in, and I know this is such a different beast, thought it can't hurt to ask. I'd rather ask and be laughed at than not and end up wishing I did.

~Tox

I don't rev the motor like everyone else.
Usually I shift to second around 20 MPH. Shift to third at 35MPH. Miss fourth gear and shift into fifth around 45 MPH. Easier on engine and I don't lug the engine.
Sometimes when I come in a small town, I will leave it in fifth gear and run the speed down to 40 or lower and the spyder pulls out no problem.
Works for me. Do whatever works for you.

 

[Bob Denman]

I don't rev the motor like everyone else.
Usually I shift to second around 20 MPH. Shift to third at 35MPH. Miss fourth gear and shift into fifth around 45 MPH. Easier on engine and I don't lug the engine.
Sometimes when I come in a small town, I will leave it in fifth gear and run the speed down to 40 or lower and the spyder pulls out no problem.
Works for me. Do whatever works for you.

I'm down in the weeds with you... :agree: The 991s will pull just fine from 3000rpm...

 

[boborgera]

Don't get too technical, Shift where you feel comfortable,
In a short time you won't even look at the Tach, You'll just shift by ear.:thumbup:

 

[fastfraser]

Don't get too technical, Shift where you feel comfortable,
In a short time you won't even look at the Tach, You'll just shift by ear.:thumbup:

:agree:+1 :spyder2: ON.

 

[Dudley]

:agree:+1 :spyder2: ON.

Where is that new white RTS Limited picture???

 

[fastfraser]

Hi Dudley and Kjen

Was hoping to meet up with you folks at Spyderfest but as we all know family comes first and as it turned out you probably would have hit some nasty weather .

I've got some pictures of the RT and will post when I have time to figure out how to post them. The wife is the computer savvy one in the family.

When are you going to hit the rest of the states ?

 

[ARtraveler]

Everyone has a slightly different technique. I have found the "sweet spot" for shifting on my RTS to be 4500 rpm's. Smooth as butter and no clunk. Also shift down at about 4000 rpm's. I don't like the clunk when it shifts down manually.

I am not a high rpm power shifter--the bike goes fast enough for me without using the potential of the engine. It is nice to know that I have plenty of power in reserve though.

I suggest you do some experimenting and find out what works best for you. I did not run my :spyder2:'s much over 5000 rpm's the first 1000 miles or so--but that is just me.

 

[Campverdefela]

Dear Tox

YES just plain yes, u got it brother...