Shifting gears

jdallen · Posted: December 16, 2008, 7:02 pm Post subject: Shifting gears

I know this doesn't really matter much.....but anyhow something I thought about one day while riding.

What's the optimum rpms for changing gears? optimum for both power and mpg.

Barbara · Posted: December 16, 2008, 7:10 pm Post subject: Re: Shifting gears

Hmmmm...good question---it seems to me that it would depend on the load and road conditions--hills, curves, etc. I'm not sure there is an "optimal" rpm, but I know that XS engines don't like to really lug like a Matchless or something. Mine likes to stay well above 2000 rpm, as befits a classic vertical twin..... Wink

BigGeorge · Full Member Joined: Apr 13, 2008 Posts: 267

JDAllen. You would really need to put your bike on a dyno to find its max HP and Torque and that is in direct relation to your state of tune, pipes, carbs, jets, gearing, sprocket sizes, etc. Every machine will give different dyno numbers even if they are set up exactly the same. Add to that rider weight and like Barbars said up hill, down hill, curves, flat land, etc. I dont think there is a correct answer to your question but I will keep an eye on this post to see if someone much smarter than me has a better answer for ya.......BG

jimmythetrucker · Full Member Joined: Mar 12, 2008 Posts: 1283

I don't think there is an optimum rpm at which to change gears. I think it's ok to shift up any time your engine is pulling easily and there's another gear available. Similarly, if the engine is pulling hard and there's a lower gear available, feel free to shift down. The bike tells you what it wants all the time, if only you will learn to listen. Ride by ear and by feel. Learn how to do that, you won't need a tach or a speedo.

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