I searched the posts, and came up empty, so I hope I'm not repeating anyone. Here's my question. I have a 1986 VFR750W that I just bought 4 days ago. I am used to manual transmissions in all the cars I've owned (none as performance as the bike though) and usually try and keep my RPM's between shifting fairly conservative. But this bike is a different animal! I see my redline is up around the 10000 mark, so should I still be shifting low? I have a friend with a VFR, and he recommends not shifting before 4000 at least. Now I do know if I am really trying to put it through its motions I should rev it high, but is there a basic rule to go by for normal riding? Will I hurt it by shifting lower? By shifting higher? Any help would be fantastic! -Joshua
Since you're new to motorcycles, I have to say generally they are high-revving machines. The reason is that the engines aren't as big as car engines. They have spin up higher revs to make up for lack of displacement. Case in point, I have a Nissan Sentra with a 1.6 Liter 4-Cylinder engine. And my bike has a .8 Liter V4 engine. But get this, they generate about the same horsepower. But the sentra has a 6K RPM redline while the bike has a 11.5K RPM redline. With that said, since every motorcycle is different you can't use the same RPM shift point for all motorcycles. A good way to determine the best shift point is to figure out the ideal RPM so that the engine doesn't lug when you upshift. The bike shouldn't be bucking and struggling when you upshift and if that's the case just shift at a higher RPM until you get it right. As for hurting the engine as long as you're not redlining it all the time you can play it safe by revving it up a little too high. You can cause more damage by running at too low revs.
I agree with Joey. Motorcycle engines, as a general rule, enjoy higher RPM levels. At low RPM, roughly below 4000 or so, the engine tends to lug and won't pull nearly as well. In my experience the "Ideal" RPM on virtually engine is about half the redline RPM. Most of my cars have cruised at interstate speeds at about half the redline. Same for my bikes. After a little time in the seat you'll know where that point is on your bike because you can feel it. Below a certain RPM it takes a lot of throttle to make anything happen. Above a certain RPM everything just feels like it is revving higher than it needs to. At the "Sweet Spot" everything just "Feels" right. Just ride it and experiment. Don't be afraid to use the RPM band, that's what it's there for.
Thanks guys. Its a semi-sunny afternoon in PA, and I have a nice 30-mile jaunt on lite-traffic roads planned for after work to work on my shifting. The fact that I've only put 250 miles on the bike so far, I'm sure it would come with time, but your help gives me a good place to start. The last thing I want is to start off making bad habits.
Found 5500-6000 to be my sweet spot for most gears. The wind was EVIL today after the cold front went through, but once I got into the mountains it all cleaned up. I LOVE MY BIKE.
i agree with that as well good case in point, the VFR750 is a good stong and very capable bike you should have a lot of fun on that machine good luck and stay safe bro. :thumbsup: joey for some reason i just cant see you in a sentra!? or mybe just becouse i've rode with you?
....Since you said you are new at riding a bike in the first place...... Let's start with something easier.... You are in 3rd gear going for 4th.....before you shift pressurize the clutch and shifter at the same time (which means pull the clutch in to where you feel tension, but haven't actually disengadged.....at the same time you are trying to lift the shifter with your toe without actually shifting yet)....once you have these two items pressurized.... then do a follow though with both....without using a hand full of clutch (just a short brief pull)....and you are in 4th.... Now to go from 4th to 3rd.......It's got all the same moves....except you need to give it a little throttle first.....Don't try to do a down "speed shift" till you get this part perfected ..... once you learn this they all side in without a sound.........I had two BMW's that are known for clunking....even they are quite shifting properly........Monk P.S. I went though the same thing when I started riding ........Back in 1965...LOL I went riding yesterday, and worked on trying to put the "down" shifting into words.....What I came up with is.......Pretty much the same as up shifting, except I bring the rpm up about ±500 rpm,from what ever it's on...(using the clutch and thottle) Till it "slides in"(smooth as sex).........Monk
Ha ha, yes I know it's hard to believe but the only reason for the sentra is Honda stopped making the CRX. That's what I had before and I loved that car, very nimble and zippy plus has great gas mileage. That and I was just a recent college graduate with just $3,000 left to buy a car. :frown: But still, I think I'm one of the few sentra drivers who's gotten it above 100 mph. :lol:
Something different compared to cars is that the bike uses a wet clutch, so it's not as prone to wear by slipping. Part of the smoothness you need to find lies in using the clutch FRICTION ZONE to modulate throttle power and to smooth shifting. Use of the friction zone is especially useful during lowspeed maneuvering and is necessary because you have greater control over power going to the wheel than with the throttle alone. SO...... it's OK to slip the clutch !!
It looks like everyone has covered it, but I'd like to suggest a different route. The Basic MSF. You won't be doing high speeds, but you get a good basic concept of how to use the clutch(along with many other basic controls), and in a safe environment.
