Proper Shifting

[captblack]

I have a 2011 RT SM5 and just went over 600n miles. Service will be next week. So far, MPG has been no worse than 31.7 but I haven't spent much time above 60 mph.

My question is about where to shift and most efficient use of gearing. I am old school and don't run the revs to much 1st - 3rd gears. I am usually in 5th around 4K and at least 40 mph. If the engine isn't bogging down, I stay in the highest gear I can.

Any recommendations on the best way to handle this with the least negative effects on the bike. Thanks for the input.

 

[Dtryke]

Shift between 4000-5000

I shift between 4000-5000 and get 32 mpg, except when I accelerate hard and approach 8000-10000 in first gear. . But 4-5k works well for me

 

[Schnauzer]

We're new to the spyder experience. 5/28/11 just rolled over 9500 mi. I still ride my Harley and the wife has the spyder. I shift 3800-4200rpms. Seems to be smooth for me. She shifts a bit less and I've rode on the back with her and feel the chug. I'm trying to get her to rev it up a bit. Running 55-60mph I'll drop it to 4th to get the acceleration and then back to 5th and move on out. It does seem to lug for a sec if downshifting isn't used. Everyone has a different style.. I'm from the old school... more speed with lower rpms... Spyders are more speed with more rpms..

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

We're new to the spyder experience. 5/28/11 just rolled over 9500 mi. I still ride my Harley and the wife has the spyder. I shift 3800-4200rpms. Seems to be smooth for me. She shifts a bit less and I've rode on the back with her and feel the chug. I'm trying to get her to rev it up a bit. Running 55-60mph I'll drop it to 4th to get the acceleration and then back to 5th and move on out. It does seem to lug for a sec if downshifting isn't used. Everyone has a different style.. I'm from the old school... more speed with lower rpms... Spyders are more speed with more rpms..

If you shift closer to 5,000 rpm you will be doing your motor a favor and have a brisk ride. Less than 4,000 rpm and you run the risk of letting carbon deposits build up on the plugs and rings. The Rotax is a pretty high revving motor and does not mind running at 6,000 rpm allmday long. I only use 5th gear above 70 mph, and ride around town in 3rd most of the time.

 

[Bob Denman]

I'm a "Low & Slow" guy here... I shift as early as possible and keep the revs low. :thumbup:
Some of you might be forgetting the differences between the powerbands of the 990 & 991 engines...
The RTs can take fewer revs much better than the RSs...

 

[NancysToy]

It may be best to look at this from the standpoint of the SE transmission operation, even if you ride a manual transmission Spyder. The SE centrifugal clutch doesn't engage until about 2,000 rpm, and disengages about 1,800 rpm. Obviously, you have to stay above that point going down the road. The SE automatically downshifts somewhere in the 3,000-3,500 rpm range, depending on a variety of factors. If you upshift at a point that would drop the rpm below 3,000-3,500 rpm in the higher gear, the SE gets confused, so you would always want to shift at high enough rpm and maintain a low enough gear that the engine rpm remains above 3,000-3,500 rpm. This is especially important when going up hills, pulling a trailer, riding two-up, or otherwise laboring the engine. Lugging the engine can damage it, and in addition you are not experiencing the power potential of the Spyder. It is happiest above 5,000 rpm. There is no magic formula for when to shift. You need to keep the engine (and SE transmission) happy, and have enough power to satisfy your needs. After you ride a while you will find the sweet spot for your style of riding. Basically, if the Spyder is not happy, you went to far and need to downshift a gear. I personally never see 5th gear except on the freeway, and at 40 I would typically be in 3rd gear. Your preferences may be different.

 

[Bob Denman]

Scotty, The transmission doesn't get "confused"... it just won't allow the shift to occur...
I'm always pushing the button too early on mine... :gaah:

 

[ARtraveler]

Here is what works for me. RTS SE5 Upshifts between 4000-4500. I shoot for quiet, seamless shifting. You will find a sweet spot where this happens. I usually do not go into 5th gear unless I am at highway speads above 60. I consider it to be an overdrive gear.

Downshifting at all gears except 2 to 1 at 4000 rpm's. 2 to 1, I usually do at 3000 or slightly less. I also go for quiet and seamless on the downshifts.

My mileage averages 30-31 on most tanks.

 

[captblack]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. As I get more time in the saddle I will be finding more and more of my comfort zone. I think as long as I am not lugging the engine down things will be smooth and the MPG will stay up there.

I'll get more info from the techs at the 600 mi check up next week.

 

[Dudley]

Comparing gas mileage of a Spyder with a 2 wheeled motorcycle is like comparing an apple to a banana. Simply put...it "ain't" the same. If anyone gets 27-31 mpg on their Spyder, be happy. If anyone has modified a Goldwing to a trike kit they will tell you that the mpg was reduced considerably. You are looking at more mass, weight and configuration that causes drag, etc. I once got 50 mpg, but I was doing a gentle cruise on the desert roads, mostly 3rd and 4th gears, 45 +/- mph.
If shifting at lower RPMs suits you, then fine. Probably no one will convince you otherwise...but you are lugging the engine and that may give you issues in the future. If you are used to riding a cruiser, you need to accept the fact that the Rotax engine is a high RPM engine and drive it like it is. After 2nd gear, any operation below 4000 RPM is lugging the engine, no matter how "cool" is feels to be in lower RPMs. Any highway speeds under 50 mph in 5th gear is lugging the engine. I know the Rorax will still operate, but not as well as it should.

 

[glynnk]

I've got almost 16, 000 miles on a 2010 RT-S and routinely get between 29-32 mpg. I've found that the smooth shifts for me occur between 4,500 and 5,000 rpms. I don't shift into 5th until the rpms approach 5,000 rpms.

Glynn

 

[exwinger]

4th gear

Glad to hear I'm not the only one that uses 5th gear as overdrive.Anything under 55 - 60 I stay in 4th and the bike seems to love it . Bike sounds a ot better too.

 

[JustWill]

Great info!

I'm still getting comfortable with my 2011 LTD, but I was definitely curious whether I was shifting up too soon during the "break-in".