Shift Points/Normal RPM's
01-08-2005, 09:24 PM
#1
Junior Member
Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ocean Springs MS
Posts: 7
Shift Points/Normal RPM's
I am new to the Sport Bike World. I recently picked up a 98 Superhawk but my usual ride is a VTX 1800. My question is what are your usual shift points and what rpm range do you run in on a normal basis. I am used to the cruiser sound so the bike always sounds to me like it is going to explode. I think I am running at too low an RPM but dont want to push it too hard just in case.
Thanks for the Help
Hawk I Fan
Thanks for the Help
Hawk I Fan
01-11-2005, 01:29 PM
#4
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 318
I have gone from a cruiser to a sport bike and you are right, it feels like you are over-revving it all the time.
But sportbikes (especially 4 cyl) are designed for higher revving of the engine, so don't worry about it.
My personal riding style: relaxed and smooth. For those purposes, I shift between 4-5k rpm which gives me a nice comfy ride (which again, compared to your VTX1800 that is quite high).
In twisties, I also like to short shift and keep the rpms lower. I don't see how a choppier throttle (at higher rpms like 8k ) can make a smooth ride... especially on the hawk where the torque band is so wide.
so, find where you are comfortable with and do just that.
But sportbikes (especially 4 cyl) are designed for higher revving of the engine, so don't worry about it.
My personal riding style: relaxed and smooth. For those purposes, I shift between 4-5k rpm which gives me a nice comfy ride (which again, compared to your VTX1800 that is quite high).
In twisties, I also like to short shift and keep the rpms lower. I don't see how a choppier throttle (at higher rpms like 8k ) can make a smooth ride... especially on the hawk where the torque band is so wide.
so, find where you are comfortable with and do just that.
01-12-2005, 09:53 AM
#6
Member
Squid
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
Posts: 31
You have to control the choppyness (if that's a word) with smoother throttle control. You just don't slam the throttle closed unless you want to use the engine braking, to setup for the curves.
In twisties, I also like to short shift and keep the rpms lower. I don't see how a choppier throttle (at higher rpms like 8k ) can make a smooth ride... especially on the hawk where the torque band is so wide.
so, find where you are comfortable with and do just that.
so, find where you are comfortable with and do just that.
01-13-2005, 01:53 PM
#8
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 318
You have to control the choppyness (if that's a word) with smoother throttle control. You just don't slam the throttle closed unless you want to use the engine braking, to setup for the curves.
In twisties, I also like to short shift and keep the rpms lower. I don't see how a choppier throttle (at higher rpms like 8k ) can make a smooth ride... especially on the hawk where the torque band is so wide.
so, find where you are comfortable with and do just that.
so, find where you are comfortable with and do just that.
I guess once I start riding track I will be more open to pushing the revvs up, but for street speeds, 5k-6k rpm works fine for my relaxed riding style.
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