Hello all. Can anyone tell us what the properr shifting RPM is for our new RTs SE5. Sppeed anf shift rpm.... I got two different answers from our dealer within three weeks and they are 1000 rpm apart. LOL What is the correct shifting from first to second, second to thrid, third to fourth and fourth to fifth? Speed should be a factro here too.... Under normal driving and not racing it or over eving it. There has to be a correct RPM shift at each level of speed!!! HELP...no one out :dontknow:here knows...LOL I would rather ask you guys as you seem to know more than the guys that sell them. Thanks again
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PROPER SHIFTING RPM FOR RTS SE5
- Thread starter Eagle Eye
- Start date
Rider Steve
New member
Sometimes you just have to figure things out for yourself. It's your ride. Just don't dog it to death (to low RPM).
SpyderFun
New member
Shifting is more of a "feel" for the specific situation/condition. If you have ever ridden a bike or driven a manual shift car you know that the worse thing is shifting too early. Also, constant shifting at the higher RPM limit produces more wear and tear (higher RPMS = excessive wear on engine components due to additional RPMS).
My bike likes (feels right) shifting between 4-5.5k (but this changes when pulling the trailer and it is different if its empty versus full). The SE5 will let you know if you are shifting correctly by the performance of the bike in the power band and the shift itself via sound (a constant "humming" versus "whining" due to too high RPM or "chugging" due to too low RPM).
The only advice I would impart is do not shift too early. If the bike feels like it is "chugging along" then you are probably 1 to 2 gears too high. So in a single word, EXPERIMENT and see what works for you!
Good Luck and Enjoy!
My bike likes (feels right) shifting between 4-5.5k (but this changes when pulling the trailer and it is different if its empty versus full). The SE5 will let you know if you are shifting correctly by the performance of the bike in the power band and the shift itself via sound (a constant "humming" versus "whining" due to too high RPM or "chugging" due to too low RPM).
The only advice I would impart is do not shift too early. If the bike feels like it is "chugging along" then you are probably 1 to 2 gears too high. So in a single word, EXPERIMENT and see what works for you!
Good Luck and Enjoy!
B
BillGargan
Guest
If you read this and other Spyder forums you will hear opinions all over the place. THERE ARE NO RULES!
I must emphasize the word OPINION.
Some say always shift at very high RPMs and even they are wide in spectrum. You will hear that you MUST use higher RPMs because that is with the Spyder likes. I don't know how these folks divine this knowledge -- but, it sure ain't science . . .
Do not let the engine lug on the low end and don't go past the red line.
You will find your ear and the performance -- as you perceive it -- to be your best guide.
If you like a quiet ride you will find shifting at 3,500 to 4,500 just fine on the flats and a bit higher on the hills.
If you don't mind the noise, shift at higher and higher points until you find where YOU like it.
The Spyder can handle (likes!) either end of the spectrum.
I must emphasize the word OPINION.
Some say always shift at very high RPMs and even they are wide in spectrum. You will hear that you MUST use higher RPMs because that is with the Spyder likes. I don't know how these folks divine this knowledge -- but, it sure ain't science . . .
Do not let the engine lug on the low end and don't go past the red line.
You will find your ear and the performance -- as you perceive it -- to be your best guide.
If you like a quiet ride you will find shifting at 3,500 to 4,500 just fine on the flats and a bit higher on the hills.
If you don't mind the noise, shift at higher and higher points until you find where YOU like it.
The Spyder can handle (likes!) either end of the spectrum.
Thanks Everyone
hanks Everyone. Good advice. I am just a real precise person and wanted to drive this thing right on the numbers for when regular cruising. High speed shifting is anther story I know. Note: I also want to note that when shifitng its important to keep up the speed for the higher gear. Some I have seen shift correctly but then drop their speed after they shift and therefore getting the chugging or gurggling sound and should down shift and start all over. This may be due to shifting habits on previous bike as when you shift you depress the clutch let off the gas and engage the gear and pick up the throttle. Old habits and just need to adjust to the RTS SE5. Keeping the bike in its best humming mode if you will is what I am after! Thanks:2thumbs:
hanks Everyone. Good advice. I am just a real precise person and wanted to drive this thing right on the numbers for when regular cruising. High speed shifting is anther story I know. Note: I also want to note that when shifitng its important to keep up the speed for the higher gear. Some I have seen shift correctly but then drop their speed after they shift and therefore getting the chugging or gurggling sound and should down shift and start all over. This may be due to shifting habits on previous bike as when you shift you depress the clutch let off the gas and engage the gear and pick up the throttle. Old habits and just need to adjust to the RTS SE5. Keeping the bike in its best humming mode if you will is what I am after! Thanks:2thumbs:
B
BillGargan
Guest
Just for the record, I never let off on the throttle as I shift up through the gears. If you listen and get the feel of the Spyder you will see that that type of shifting is not jerky -- it can be very smooth without giving up moderately aggressive acceleration.
Bob Denman
New member
If you've got the SE 5 tranny it simply won't let you pop it into too high of a gear... I tend to not rev things up too much in order to keep it quiet while sneaking through Town... Lots of times I've stabbbed the Thumb button and had nothing happen 'til I gave it another jab... I guess I'm just a LOW performance rider...:clap:
Since I've got that nice big speedo in front of me, I hit 4th at about 29 mph, and 5th at about 36 or 37... (But that's just me!)
Since I've got that nice big speedo in front of me, I hit 4th at about 29 mph, and 5th at about 36 or 37... (But that's just me!)
Dragonrider
New member
:yikes: I'm not comfortable in 5th until 55-60. Even then it feels like the bike is really lugging. I find 3rd is comfortable around town & 4th for 45 - 55, or 3rd/4th through the backroad twisties... anything else, and the Big "S" won't get out of it's own way.
Is that the residual of 18 months on a RS??
Is that the residual of 18 months on a RS??
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
You're lucky! The Hippo won't tolerate 4th until over 65 and 3rd is a no-go until at least 45-50. I would do anything if it would run reliably below 6,500 rpm!
B
BillGargan
Guest
That is curious . . . My 09 SE5 is perfectly happy shifting anywhere from 3500 to 5000 RPM moving up from any gear -- except when up-shifting on an uphill where it needs 500 to 1000 more RPM in the lower gears.
Dragonrider
New member
Ahhh- but that's an RS - as I now know, a very different beast from the RT.
My RT is fine at low RPMs, and pulls fine in the lower gears - however, it doesn't like anything below 3K in 4th or 5th - it WILL pull in those gears at lower RPM - it's just bog slow. Staying at or above 5K gives it a much more responsive ryde.
My RS never had that problem - Hindle, Green Filter, Juice Box, Ram Air - she would pull from 1500 in 4th, or from a stop sign in 3rd - and do it with aplomb. The RS would run all day at 2500 in 5th, while the RT feels like its going to shudder & die under those conditions.
Of the three major touring bikes (I know, some will argue there are several more - just not MAJOR players) BMW, Honda, & Hardley - all have bigger mills, most have more HP & torque, and weigh less. The exception is the Hardley, with 61 HP and roughly the same torque - which is probably the targeted competitor for the RT...
Just my $0.02
My RT is fine at low RPMs, and pulls fine in the lower gears - however, it doesn't like anything below 3K in 4th or 5th - it WILL pull in those gears at lower RPM - it's just bog slow. Staying at or above 5K gives it a much more responsive ryde.
My RS never had that problem - Hindle, Green Filter, Juice Box, Ram Air - she would pull from 1500 in 4th, or from a stop sign in 3rd - and do it with aplomb. The RS would run all day at 2500 in 5th, while the RT feels like its going to shudder & die under those conditions.
Of the three major touring bikes (I know, some will argue there are several more - just not MAJOR players) BMW, Honda, & Hardley - all have bigger mills, most have more HP & torque, and weigh less. The exception is the Hardley, with 61 HP and roughly the same torque - which is probably the targeted competitor for the RT...
Just my $0.02
pjp623
Member
:agree:
B
BillGargan
Guest
Per a point in an earlier post, I expect there might be some difference between the shift feel of my 09 RS and the RT models -- but, I do not think it would be dramatic. Tough for me to comment on that as I have yet to dryve an RT.
Dragonrider
New member
The difference from my RS to my RT is Wing to Ultra - totally different bikes. Granted, my RS was far from stock, but the weight, footprint, and motor tuning makes a huge difference.
Bob Denman
New member
The "T"'s motor has been tuned to provide more torque at a much lower RPM level than the S... Even though the bike weighs a couple of hundred pounds more, it's been designed to haul more and be able to do it with ease...
I'll keep dropping mine into 5th at less than 40, and you guys can whizz by... I'll meet up with you when we all stop for a cup of "Brown Ambition"! :shocked: :2thumbs:
I'll keep dropping mine into 5th at less than 40, and you guys can whizz by... I'll meet up with you when we all stop for a cup of "Brown Ambition"! :shocked: :2thumbs:
Eraser
New member
I drive them both,almost daily....they are entirely different.The RT needs to be driven up high for any type of performance and shifted high(I seldom see 5th,unless I'm doing 75),the RS on the other hand,performs well anywhere on the dial.(Although,best performance still seems to be up high,ergo,shifting at higher rpms.) IMO.
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Dragonrider
New member
Nicely put - :agree:
JJW SpyderRider
New member
Shifting up and nothing
I keep pushing the button looking for sixth and nothing happens. :dontknow:
I keep pushing the button looking for sixth and nothing happens. :dontknow:
