Hi, I've been looking for a VFR site. I have never ridden a sport bike before. I have always been a "Harley gal". After selling my Road King, I felt a change coming. So here I am. I do have a few question about VFR's. If anyone can give me some info on the shifting. I have put 1200 miles so far. Traveling to Gettysburg Pa, and Maryland. I know I'm not shifting a HD, but do I have to shift 1 to 2 at 12-15 mph?? Any help would be great. Thanks
Hi Diane and welcome! Hopefully you're enjoying your change of pace. There's no need t change to 2 at 12-15. You're dealing with a much higher revving machine than you're accustom. First gear will drive the bike up to nearly 60 mph before redline Mind you, a good bit of power comes on and the short gear makes for a lofty front wheel. In the range you describe, you're not even getting into the VTEC power. So grab your throttle, give it a twist and listen to the engine wind up. It's OK...it's good for ya!
Hi Diane and welcome. It's good to have another lady join the ranks of viffer riders. :smile: No, shifting at 12 - 15 mph into 2nd gear is not necessary and like lootyman said it will rev much farther than that. For me I usually shift between 3000 and 4000 rpm, tho I dont know what the mph is right off hand. I am sure yuou will enjoy the VFR more and more every time you ride it.
I don't think I ever shift into 2nd unless I'm doing at least 45, but you can run it a lot further than that. I shift more on the RPM than the speed. You should feel it. The engine will start revving, and you know it's time. If you're trying to go fast, you'll let it rev more, slower rev less before you shift. I never get past 3rd in town, but usually I stay in 2nd. One thing to watch, though, when you are running it in town in the lower gears is that the throttle will be pretty sensitive. It takes a little getting used to coming off a harley. I have also noticed that if I'm driving the speed limit, I usually don't make it to top gear. Look at your tach and you'll see you have a lot of room before you redline it.
Thanks for the replies. I went out today after work, and found that I am not revving up enough. Hmmm. Definately different....But I like it. Thanks again
you're welcome. also after reading your post, I paid more attention while shifting and noticed that if I'm just cruising really slow in town sometimes, I do shift into second at like 25 mph, as I said earlier, I hardly ever get out of 2nd in town. I have had bike die on me from upshifting too soon back when I first started riding...
