Change in RPM Range

[2Gunns]

My RPG range has now changed for the 3rd time since picking up the RT. I've tried to always shift between 5500-6000 RPM. the first step change happened after my 600 mile service. Where I had been around 5300 in 4th running 55mph, I was now at 4800 in 4th at 55mph. Well now, after reaching 3000 miles, I'm running 55mph in 3rd gear at 5000rpm.

Has anyone else expierenced this...or should I be concerned?

 

[docdoru]

 

[NancysToy]

That sounds a bit odd. With the clutch hooked up solidly, speed is a direct function of the rpm, drive ratio, and tire size. The Spyder typically shows about a 1,000 rpm change between gears and highway speeds. That means if you are running 4,000 rpm in fifth, you would be running about 5,000 rpm in fourth and 6,000 rpm in third, at the same speed. There is no good reason for the rpm at a given speed to change in the same gear, although if you engine is not running right, you could have to shift down a gear or two (and raise the rpm) in order to have enough power to get you down the road.

 

[2Gunns]

OK, I decided to focus on RPM only....

5500 RPM was my target:

3rd gear @ 5500rpm = 55 mph
4th gear @ 5500rpm = 65 mph

 

[NancysToy]

OK, I decided to focus on RPM only....

5500 RPM was my target:

3rd gear @ 5500rpm = 55 mph
4th gear @ 5500rpm = 65 mph

That sound better! That's about normal. I just came back from a ride and I was doing 75 (indicated) at 5500 rpm in fifth.

 

[2Gunns]

That sound better! That's about normal. I just came back from a ride and I was doing 75 (indicated) at 5500 rpm in fifth.

so what would be the correct/effiecient ryding mode:

* maintain 5500 rpm whn 55 (3rd gear)
or
* 4th gear at 55mph (lower rpm)

 

[NancysToy]

so what would be the correct/effiecient ryding mode:

* maintain 5500 rpm whn 55 (3rd gear)
or
* 4th gear at 55mph (lower rpm)

There is no correct answer. It depends on your riding habits, and the terrain, as well as traffic and any need to accelerate more quickly. It will cruise at 55 at about 4,500 rpm in fourth nicely, or even in fifth, but that's a stretch. I usually use fourth on a flat rural highway. If there is a lot of traffic or towns with reduced speed limits, steep hills, or my Spyder isn't running well, I drop to 3rd. Do whatever fits your needs and feels right to you. If it runs rough or seems to miss upon acceleration, go down a gear.

 

[2Gunns]

Thanks Scotty.... I feel better now. I guess reading post sometimes puts me in "fear" mode. I'm always scared something is going wrong on the RT. When in fact, other than the initial "orange screen" it has been a FANTASTIC Machine. Definately it has been Miles of Smiles :2thumbs: