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.
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Optimum Operating RPM
- Thread starter merlindss
- Start date
Magdave
New member
Yes & Yes . I have only used 5th at 70 or above.
:thumbup:
captblack
New member
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.
spydercatjohn
New member
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
New member
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
New member
Here's what I do..!!
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:
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
New member
5000+ (in the power band)
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.
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.
chris56
Active member
th engine is much "stronger" on higher RPMs .. look here: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/media.php?do=details&mid=276
Bob Denman
New member
I'm still the "laggard..."
4,000 rpm and up; 5th gear gets pulled at 55 mph.
4,000 rpm and up; 5th gear gets pulled at 55 mph.
Illinois Boy
New member
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!
Bob Denman
New member
:agree: Running over 70 mph... less than 30 mpg
Keeping it at about 4500 rpm for long distance cruising... 34 mpg. :thumbup:
Keeping it at about 4500 rpm for long distance cruising... 34 mpg. :thumbup:
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
Motorbike Professor
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
New member
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!
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