Triumphrat

tba-golfer

As I continue to look forward to my first full season as a rider (I only put on about 800 miles last summer/fall) I have some questions about "proper" speed for particular gears. I've read many threads espousing or commenting on, what seems to me, quite high speeds (50 MPH in 2nd, as an example) relative to gear. During my break-in period, I road conservatively, to be sure; but did try to vary my speed/gear ratios. From the threads I have read it seems that the consensus is that our bikes "perform" better and certainly accommodate high mph levels in lower gears. Is this the case? Is there a range of rule of thumb guidelines? Is it a noise or "pushing it" issue? Here's what I was doing prior to putting my TBA to bed last fall: 1st gear- 0 to 20, 2nd gear- 20 to 30, 3rd gear- 30 to 45, 4th gear- 45- 55, 5th gear- 55 and up (not much experience here.) Am I way off base here, doing any damage?
Thanks all.

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What's the most amazing thing you've ever found?
Impossible to say. You see there's something amazing every two or three weeks.

Local Hero (1983)

Bhakti-rider

Given that these engines have rev limiters, you're unlikely to do any damage just due to high rpms; but a crucial point to keep in mind is to never accelerate at wide open throttle, or push into the upper rpm range, when the engine is not yet up to operating temperature. And, especially then, don't "lug" it too much, i.e., don't put a heavy load on it at very low rpms.

If you keep these points in mind, you can just shift as pleases you. Some like to wind it to the limiter regularly; some prefer to be more conservative. Find your own style...

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James Dean drove fast. Albert Camus drove fast. Mario Andretti didn't drive fast enough.

Binnsy

My Speedy seems to like to change at around 4000-5000 RPM.

That doesn't mean that it has to but thats where it feels the best.

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Scientists say too much alcohol damages your memory, I forget why...

tba-golfer

Bins- Thanks for the response, especially given that you must have had a festive Oz day. A large pile of tinnies around the barbie?
Cheers!

__________________
What's the most amazing thing you've ever found?
Impossible to say. You see there's something amazing every two or three weeks.

Local Hero (1983)

Binnsy

Actually I was out of line yesterday, went for a ride and afterwards I was drinking Bulleit Bourbon on ice, good Kentucky booze.

Have a good one.......... :-D

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Scientists say too much alcohol damages your memory, I forget why...

dardoonk

tba, as a newer rider also, this question made me think about my own riding & shifting. I usually find my self shifting a little earlier in the 1-2 shift @ around 4500rpm than I do in my 2-3 & 3-4 shifts, which I generally run to around 6000rpm. My shift into 5th is generally whenever I settle into cruise mode, so it kind of varies. Depending on the road & traffic, sometimes I get a little zealous and wind her a bit more, just to hear that sweet song!!!! :-D

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Silverado57

Great post TBA!
Being a new rider I've been wondering the same thing.

I don't think I've revved my Speedmaster over 5,000 yet in any gear! I've been babying it since it's new too.

So far I've let my ears and feel of the bike tell me when it want to shift either up or down. I've been in some situatuations in too high a gear and felt some engine lug but you learn to downshift to accelerate pretty soon. lol

Maybe after the 500 mile service I'll goose it some more.

:chug:

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Kevin
Luceo Non Uro
NJ USA

mag10

Winding it out some is half the fun!

I don't usually shift into 5th until 60mph or so and then just settle in for cruising.
On the low end of things, it seems like the bike will go pretty slow in 3rd gear with out lugging down. Good for in town riding.

I have had to the limiter in all but 5th. Fun!

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see my wicked black speedmaster

dazco

You don't really need to worry about it. As has been said theres a rev limiter so you wan't be able to do damge if you try. The only concern i would have is not to lug it, but thats pretty easy to do by feel alone. these engines DO love high RPM's so simply ride and shift where you feel best. But if i were you i'd surely get a tach just so you know where you are. It's just a mental thing really, but i'd hate to be w/o a tach.

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2005 Speedmaster, Neon Blue, Thunderbike pipes, snorkel removed, UNI filter, drilled airbox, 130 mains, TBS needles.(2 shims) And speaking of Speedmasters, HERE'S MINE

jstark47

And remember, in cold weather it can take these bikes a good 10 minutes of running (not idling) to get to operating temperature.