Normal RPM range for VFR

My 07 VFR RWB is now broken in. I have been riding with my son who has a CBR600. Obviously his optimum RPM is higher than the VFR. He says I am possibly lugging the engine at 4000. When we ride on the winding canyon roads of Northern Cal I am running between 4000-7000 in general. Typically
2nd and 3rd gear suffice. What is the opinion of other VFR owners on this. Should I be pushing the revs into a higher range.

 

4-7k is a workable range for easy riding. I wouldn't try to climb a hill at 4 grand, but I wouldn't call it lugging. On his 600, 4k is lugging for sure.

Fun stuff, I'm usually between 4-10 grand.

 

Yes! If your running between 4k-7k, your wasting a lot of the VFR's powerband and not letting the VFR show you it's full potential, don't worry about running the rpm's into double digits, I run my VFR between 6k-11k when I'm on a spirited pace through the twistys...

 

You'll know if your lugging it too much. It will be very rough and seem like it's going to die out. The V-4 is a very good engine for lower RPM operation. On the other hand, with the V-tech motor, you have a lot more power waiting for you just a little higher on the tach!

 

Off idle to redline is just fine. Seems to like it in the 5-9 area really well too. it's all good, really it is.. you can putts in 4th or 5th at 3k or less and or scream in 3rd at 9-10+ depending on what you're up to. talk about a vary versatile engine. Now where's that 1000cc version at?

 

While 4000rpm isn't lugging it is what I'd use as the lowest RPM on my VFR...

With my previous Gen 6 and when out for fun in a Mountain range would sit between 7K > 10.5K.

 

Amen. The VTEC makes a huge difference. My uncle has an 07 and it is a very noticeable power gain over my 98! DONT BE SCARED TO RIDE IT! thats what the bike is made for bro! :first:

 

Most of the comments above are from gen 5 riders. Mostly I agree but with the VTEC I would suggest the following:

Around town anything above about 4000 seems to be OK. I mostly stay in 2nd. Much easier to accelerate out of trouble if there is lots of power available at the twist of the wrist.
On the highway for general use I think you need to keep it above 5000. I hardly ever use 6th and in any kind of traffic 4th is common.
For spirited riding I try to stay above 7000. In your case 6500 should be fine.

One thing to remember. For optimum oil flow in the engine the revs should be above 33% and preferable closer to 50% of red line so you really don't want to be running at under 4000. More oil flow = better cooling and lubrication and therefore longer life for the engine.

 

Ditto.

They like to rev - Rev it!
Bikes run better when rev'd hard - better to run high rpm's than low.

Don't worry about revving too high - they're made to take it, and the rev-limiter will prevent damage if you should get too enthusiastic!

Actually an observation I had been reflecting about -
On Saturday I went on a spirited group ride, and had to rev it hard all day to stay with the literbikes; MUCH time spent upwards of 10k rpm playing race-bike.
The very next day, I did a leisurely tour of a scenic island, and kept it very mellow.
Rarely above 5k rpm playing Goldwing.

These bikes will DO IT ALL!

 

Thanks for all of the input on this. The consensus is more revs are good but also does well just tooling around at 4-5m rpm. This is the reason I purchased this bike, the versatility.

 

Hey - i just noticed you're from Citrus Heights.
I used to live in Sacramento, Downtown and all around for about 10 years.
("Excremento" - actually, I loved and miss Sacratomato!).

When I was a G.I., stationed at Mather AFB, we used to refer to it as "Syphilis Heights", cuz all us GI's would cruise the malls and bang the little "Barracks Rats" girls from around there.

Ahhh, fond memories...!

 

For reference, I run The Gap at 8 to 9000 rpm in third gear and get my best times at those revs. I've run it enough to know before the Nazi's shut it down.

4000 rpm's is not adequate for open road riding unless you're just putzing along in 6th gear in a straight line with no need to accelerate, IMHO. In twisties, I'm never out of VTEC. My 5th gen. bike likes to rev more, so I give it more. I'm convinced it breaths better at all rpm's....duh....:wink:

 

Slausmann, Did you get the bike at Roseville cycle?? I noticed when I was in there a few weeks ago the VFR was gone.. Sweet bike!!
Give me a shout if you need a riding buddy..

 

Yes I did purchase it at Roseville Cycle about a month and a half ago. I have 1500 miles on it already. How is your experience so far with yours? I would be interested in getting together for a ride. I have been riding the area around Chili Bar up to Georgetown back around to Cool up to Auburn back on Auburn Folsum. My friend who has a BMW took me up above Georgetown thru Oxbow to Foresthill. I wouldn't do this ride now until it warms up. Quite technical. My skills are being nurtured due to my recent reentry into motorcycles after a 15 year layoff. Anyway, let me know when you might want to get together for a ride.

 

I'm amazed at how versatile that V4 engine is. At light throttle mine seems happy to be as low as 2500 RPM, but it feels a bit unhappy with heavier loads unless I'm at 3500-4000 or more. The feel and sound of that engine tells you a lot. If you're lugging it, you'll know about it.

Also, even if it isn't entirely practical, the surge of power from VTEC is really fun

 

I live about 5 minutes from chili bar.. That ride is fun.
Man, I love the bike.. I've added Heli-bars, and an aftermarket seat to make it more comfortable.
I'll send you some contact info.
Tom

 

For normal cruisy riding, I keep mine between 3500 and 6000. However when i want to give it some stick, its usually between 4000 and 8000, and there is still plenty left.

If I am cruising down an extremely straight boring road, thats flat, with no load on the bike, i will keep it at 3500.

 

Im with the high RPM folks. In twisties, my bike lives between 7-11K, on highway, at about 7K, and on town roads between 5-6K. This way power is never far from your reach and if trouble comes quick, you can leave quick.

I ride with a few buddies who have 600s, if you keep the VFR way up in Vtech, you can run with those guys for sure. Enjoy! I am already missing my bike (she is winterized hiding out in a buddies basement!)