couple basic questions

I just have a couple basic questions:

1.) Where are the average shift points for this bike on flat land, going from 0-60 in a normal, non-agressive manner?

2.) Do I have to pull the clutch in all the way everytime I shift? I had a friend tell me I only needed to pull it in a little. I don't believe him.

3.) The dubble bubble. Does it direct air higher? A couple searches show that people like it, but I didn't see why, specifically.

thanks.

 

I know my VFR is a different gen than yours, but the shift points should be similar. If I am being gentle and smooth or "non-aggressive" in my driving, I will shift when the RPM's hit somewhere around 4000 to 5000 RPM's. That usually means I will shift out of first at around 28MPH. As far as the clutch goes, I pull mine in all the way everytime. Hope this helps you. By the way I like your avitar, do work work at a toyota dealership like I do?

 

i'd agree w/ VFR-Guy regarding the shiftpoints. 4k-5k seems about right for relaxed everyday riding.
as far as the clutch is concerned, there is no reason to pull it all the way in to shift. i'm talking about upshifts and downshifts here. just experiment a little bit with the clutch to find the engagement point. once you find that point, you'll know how far you need to pull. for example, i only pull it in about 50% of the travel to make my gear changes. i find that it makes for smoother gear changes. give it a try...

 

I have a 5th gen '99 VFR so I can answer two of your questions. With the shift point 5K is good for a relaxed pace. You generally want to keep the bike between 4K and 5K. Any lower than 4K and the bike lugs and you could do some damage to the engine if you keep lugging it.

With the clutch it's just a matter of adjusting the lever. You should see a circular knob on the clutch lever. I don't remember the top of my head what direction you turn it but I think if you turn it clockwise the lever is pulled further away from the handlebar and you don't have to pull the clutch all the way to shift.

I don't pull the clutch all the way and don't need to with necessary adjustments. As a plus you can shift faster so when you're feeling frisky you can enjoy the half second gained compared to pulling the clutch all the way.

As for the windshield I don't know the answer to that one and you probably can find the answer by doing a search for this forum.

 

Once things are warmed up, I usually shift at 6K. I pull the clutch in all the way 99% of the time. I occasionally upshift and downshift without the clutch, just because it is fun and satisfying, but not often.

With regard to the windscreen, I have not tried the D/B. I've tried a few others to keep the bugs off my face shield, but to no avail.

 

thanks for the comments. One more:

4.) Do I need to let it warm up to 110~120 degrees before I ride?

 

I remember old times when bikes had no rpm counter....Imagine that when my old guzzi or benelli craked the clutch cable i had to learn to change speed without using cutch device...
well, wrist sensibility and a good skill to hear the engine...
That's all folks !
Lamps to all vfr owners (wherever they are).

 

5.) Can I use the helmet lock and the seat cowl at the same time easily?
6.) Is there any way of adding a gear position indicator?
7.) Where can I get a cheap copy of the key made? My local hardware store didn't have a blank.

thanks again.

 

Check out this thread on using the search feature:
http://vfrworld.com/forums/introductions/14908-newbies-search-button-your-friend.html

Just about all your questions have been answered already.

 

I read a recommendation somewhere to use two fingers on the clutch. The other two fingers around the bar then act as a back stop and guide. No need to squeeze it all the way and waste shifting time, which I find is precious between first and second during spirited acceleration.

 

thank you mello dude. For $150 dollars, I will make my own, lol. I can't justify that much money for being too lazy.

 

Damage from Lugging

I commute 20 km each way at about 90 kph and wondered about this. The bike doesn't feel right in 6th gear at that speed so I drop it to 5th or sometimes 4th. But how does lugging damage the engine? It wouldn't be a happy engine and might accumulate lower volatility crud, but hadn't heard about possible damage before. :shocked:

 

Like trying to ride up a steep hill on a mountain bike, pedaling in too high a gear puts extra stress/load on your knees.

On my 500 I didn't shift until way later than you guys, bike didn't make very much power until you were near about 7-8k

 

Sorry for the thread hijack:

What does the "Lamps" mean? Bear in mind that I'm an Aussie, so might have not heard of it.