RPM's

[ddornfes]

I bought an 03 Pumpkin 2 weeks ago and already put 800 miles on the bike. I was wondering what is the best RPM range for driving in the lower gears. I seem to upshift too soon and lug the engine when I need a little acceleration. Example. If I'm going 30mph, should I be in 5th gear pulling 2500 rpm or should I go to lower gears.  In other words, what is the best RPM range for street driving.  2K, 3K, 4K or higher.  I want to balance MPG and wear on the engine verses performance.

 

[Shibumi]

In residential I'm usually in 3rd gear, 30-40 MPH. Less RPMs than 2nd and quieter so as not to alarm parents.

40-50 in 4th, 50-60 5th. Just use the 10 MPH/gear guideline for puttering around.

 

[justtight]

I stay right around 4k to 5k rpm's

 

[ericw94061]

I always use a rule of thirds:

Bottom 3rd of the rev range has no power and lugs the motor (1k-4k RPM), so stay away
Middle 3rd is for good clean fun, fuel economy, and long engine life (4k-7k RPM)
top 3rd is for kicking a$$ (7-10+k RPM).

Eric

 

[ozz]

and dont forget that sometimes its a good thing to stay up on the R's some around traffic in case ya need to use the power of the bike to find a safe place to be on the road

i like to be above 4000 usually

 

[Cblast]

I keep the throttle pinned and shift when the rev limiter cuts the power momentarily.

 

[proud dad]

I keep the throttle pinned and shift when the rev limiter cuts the power momentarily.

 

[Revolution]

i'm diggin that "3rd's" rule.

 

[stlbusarider]

4-5k works great

 

[BigBSBusa]

In residential I'm usually in 3rd gear, 30-40 MPH. Less RPMs than 2nd and quieter so as not to alarm parents.  

40-50 in 4th, 50-60 5th. Just use the 10 MPH/gear guideline for puttering around.

I do this also. On the freeway or a more open road I'm closer to the 3ds rule.

 

[DaCol.]

First 3 gears in residential or in traffic, 3,000 to 4,000. Makes everybody HAPPY  

 

 

[Luvanicebum]

I run most of the time at 3500-4000K.
Now with the new 42 tooth, I seem to be running a consistant 4K.

 

[Revolution]

i kept an eye on my tach today and i was mostly 3500-5000 rpms

 

[Commuta_Busa]

I would guess at >3k when you're loafing around... remember the busa isn't a cruiser, car, harley, tractor, or diesel truck. These engines like revs. As far as wear... I don't think it matters much. I ride mine at much higher revs and run it for land speed racing which is alot of strain and haven't seen any wear issues.

 

[Busa Jules]

I keep the throttle pinned and shift when the rev limiter cuts the power momentarily.

That's my rule of thumb too

 

[HillbillyTom]

I try to never let it drop under 3000 except for first gear. 3000-4500 for most general riding. From there up for everything else.