shifting, when to

at what rpms should one be shifting?

 

It kinda depends on what you're doing.

If I'm just pooping along, I'll be in 5th gear before getting to 40 mph. At other times shifts may be up around 6K or 7K rpm.

 

in town riding

 

2500-7500 rpm.

 

In-town, between 5 and 7. My 550 doesn't even "get on the pipe" until seven though......when I'm wailing on it, I take it right up to redline and try to keep the R's above seven....that's when she shines...and wails like a banshee! 8)

 

I've found that the power band really starts to kick in at about 4K. When in traffic I like to have it above 4K so I can get instant acceleration if I need it.

1-2 and 2-3 I usually shift at about 3-4K because the ratios are so tight. 3-4 and 4-5 usually happen at about 6K. Higher if I'm really gunnin it.

 

So, on the same kinda subject here...
What rpm is your engine running at 60 mph? I changed my 750 Seca rear rim/tire to one from a 650 Maxim (direct swap) and I'm now running 5200 rpms at 60 mph. I may have to put the Seca wheel back on to see how much difference there is in wheel size. I think the wheel from the Seca is a 18 inch and the Maxim is a 16 inch. I know it makes a big difference in fual economy so far, but has hell-fire performance with the little Maxim wheel on it! Just curious. >PD<

 

650 max stock wheel , 130 tire , at 60 mph I'm about 4800 rpm if my old brain recalls LOL (anything above 10 mph , I tend to keep my eyes on the road not on the gauges )

 

I think ny 750 is running about 4500rpm give or take at 60 mph.

My maxim has the electronic tach that I have come to not trust though. Not near as responsive as a cabled tachometer on all my other previous bikes. But she usually settles at 4500 down the highway.

 

Ya I guess the electronic tach isn't as acurate as I give it credit for that,s for sure.
I am sure it doesn't make alot of difference with the XJ engine. It seems to be comfortable in just about any rpm and with such a high redline, it's not like I ver over rev the engine. I'm so used to the low rpms of my 1100 Shadow, it's a whole different ball game with an inline four.

 

im still waiting to do a fine tune, but it seems to me that im shifting correcty. thanks for all the feed back.