At what point is everyone shifting?

[chewy4x4]

Can y'all tell me what your shift points are? I have been questioning myself since I started riding this bike about when I am shifting.

[Bob_Roller]

I do it completely by sound, couldn't even guess what rpm range I shift in !!!

[steven m]

Well, as Carroll Shelby put it, horsepower sells cars, torque wins races.  When I have a CLEAR ROAD I shift at about 6500, the torque peak, from second to third and up to fourth, and in fourth I usually wind it up a little higher for fun and to minimize the drop into fifth.  I short shift from first to second and let the engine pull.

The engine is so smooth at 6000 I want to leave it there all day.

Steve  

[wilcom]

Around town and  level terrain I shift at 3000-3400. If on a grade or head wind I shift at 4000. Most times this is a seat of the pants gear change, but when I have looked that's where I'm shifting. I cruise on the open road between 5-6K

This is just no hurry to get there riding, pack'n double or the saddle bags full of heavy stuff will elevate the shift points. Rider weight will effect your style. I'm 235 lbs, if you are a trim 150 YMMV.

[Barry]

It varies of course depending on traffic conditions. To ride moderately briskly I need to change up at 4000 - 5000 which keeps me above 3500 or 80% max. torque in the next gear. An R45 has a fairly flat torque curve peaking at 5500.

[k_enn]

All done by sound and feel here.   Also depends on what I am trying to do at the moment -- e.g., when I am trying to accelerate from a dead start faster than I usually do, I shift at a higher rpm.

[darrylri]

If I'm just cruising out alone, I shift in the 4500 area.  But if I'm in traffic or sporting about, I keep the motor a little more on the boil and would hold off shifting until at least above 5k.  That way I can drive more with the throttle and need less use of the brakes, and I can twist the throttle and know that I'm going to be able to move out of harm's way.

[chewy4x4]

I have been shifting at 3500 from every gear. Save 1-2 as that is all by feel. Thanks yall. Anyone else?

[ambrose78]

Really depends on traffic and riding conditions.

When cruising I tend to shift between 3000-4000.

If I need to make a quick get away then I'll run her up to 7000 or so.

[montmil]

My Vapor digital instrument has a provision for setting your shift rpm points. I have the Vapor programed whereby a yellow light pops on at 4000 rpm and a red lights ignites at 6000 rpm. Much easier and safer to keep eyes on the road and pick up the lights in peripheral vision than focus on a tach. Both rev points are out of respect for the bike's vintage. Usually, I just listen to the bike. I do not abuse the red line, ever.

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

4000

[steve hawkins]

Hold on to the revs if you want to get the bike anywhere near its top speed.

Otherwise, where you feel the bike will comfortably keep accelerating.

Steve H

[GrimReaper]

4000

[JDS]

not sure I have more miles on this forum than I have put on my bike. It sat for 95% of its 29 yrs and something goes funny evertime I ride it.

[steven m]

When I'm not on a CLEAR ROAD I'm shifting like everyone else, around 4500, when it starts to vibrate, using the handy built in seat of the pants shift indicator.  Civilized progress.

Steve