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shifting

poppajim

New member
When shifting on the automatics do most go by sound or use rpm,s. Just bought a 2014 STS for my wife and its her first bike ever. I myself go by sound when I test rode it but was just curious.
 
Start out by shifting by rpm. Then as you get used to it you will change to how it sounds. Upshift at about 5,000 or higher. Never cruize in 5th gear below 4200. It will downshift for you if you are busy or lazy. But if you don't come to a stop. Downshift manually before twisting the grip. Hold the throttle in a steady position during shifts. The computer will handle the rpm thing.
 
Starting with a 59 Rambler and up thru today, regardless of car or bike, I have always shifted by sound.

AJ
When shifting on the automatics do most go by sound or use rpm,s. Just bought a 2014 STS for my wife and its her first bike ever. I myself go by sound when I test rode it but was just curious.
 
Billybovine
:agree: also remember not to ease off the gas when shifting. Stay on the gas and hit the paddle....:thumbup:
 
I have heard a lot of people saying to hold it steady while shifting but I find that shifting while accelerating is much smoother. I still shift at higher rpm's (5,500 +/-), but do so while accelerating. IDK... I could be doing this shifting thing all wrong but let me tell ya, it shifts like butter :thumbup:
 
RE Shifting:

The two cylinders like to be shifted in the 5500 rpm range. The engine "comes alive" at that point.

The three cylinders like to be shifted in the 3500 rpm range.

I know the sound for each of mine and usually shift by ear.

I leave the downshifts to the :ani29: unless I feel the need to punch it for more power.

Your :spyder2: should be in the "ballpark" but you need to find your "sweet" spot.

And regardless of engine--no need to "roll off" when putting it into a higher gear.
 
Starting with a 59 Rambler and up thru today, regardless of car or bike, I have always shifted by sound.

AJ

AJ, it is a good thing that you have a 1330 because if you were shifting a 998 by sound you’d be lugging it and making costly clutch repairs.
 
Some have suggested beginners keep it in trailer mode for better shifting points:dontknow: I know it took me some time to get use to the higher RPMS :lecturef_smilie:
 
The 1330s are so un-fussy, that it doesn't matter when you shift them. As long as the computer will allow the shift to occur: go for it! :thumbup:
(I shifted by sound)
 
I have heard a lot of people saying to hold it steady while shifting but I find that shifting while accelerating is much smoother. I still shift at higher rpm's (5,500 +/-), but do so while accelerating. IDK... I could be doing this shifting thing all wrong but let me tell ya, it shifts like butter :thumbup:


:agree:

Joe
 
I try to shift by sound but sometimes I have trouble hearing the engine so I'll peek at the tach. I shift between 5500 and 6000. I usually downshift manually to 2nd but then let the computer do the 2 - 1 downshift.
 
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Start out by shifting by rpm. Then as you get used to it you will change to how it sounds. Upshift at about 5,000 or higher. Never cruize in 5th gear below 4200. It will downshift for you if you are busy or lazy. But if you don't come to a stop. Downshift manually before twisting the grip. Hold the throttle in a steady position during shifts. The computer will handle the rpm thing.

Billy, I usually run in the 3000-3500 range, regardless of gear. Why do you recommend the highlighted above?
 
998 motor

Hi Ray,

I think the person you quoted was referring to the 998 V-twin motor.

I downshift more for the situation. I want to be in a gear that will allow "brisk" acceleration with out down shifting. Old motorcycle habits die hard.

Lew L
 
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The 2014 998 twin really likes the high RPM's. Dont be shy and keep it high! The Power band is much better up above 5G's
 
If Billy meant the 998...…..I have the 1330 engine.

He did; that advice is best applied to the 998s. It'll keep you from toasting the engagement clutch on those models.

SE-equipped V-Twins have a centrifugally-engaged clutch
The triples have one that is hydraulically engaged.
 
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:agree:

Joe

Yes about 5K to 6K, throttle steady. I read here somewhere you never want to be below 4K RPM? Something about the clutch is fully engaged around 3800 or so? It does take some getting used to between the 1330 and the 998! We have both and it freaks the wife out on the 998 revving so high.
 
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