In the graph below the curves are the torque available at the rear wheel vs. speed for each gear. Torque available at the rear wheel is just the torque times the overall gear ratio in that gear. These torque curves are the average of those reported by Motorcycle Consumer News, Motorcyclist, and Cycle World. You want to shift where the curves cross as this is where the advantage of a lower gear ratio is being overtaken by the drop off in torque. The straight lines passing through zero give rpm vs. speed for each gear. To determine the rpm to shift draw a line vertically from the torque curve intersection until it reaches the appropriate gear line and then draw a line horizontlally and read the rpm on the scale at the right side of the graph. The optimum shift point drops from about 9900 for 1st-2nd to 9000 5th-6th. Since the engines redline is 11500 you might be surprised that the optimum shift points are relatively low. The 650R has a big over rev capability. This can be nice as it allows you to hold a gear between turns which can save you a shift. It also means just about anybody will feel the acceleration fall off and shift before the get close to the redline.
Scootcoot
i shift at like 6-7k in most gears. is this optimum shifting for power / speed, or just for everyday driving?
Great info Scoot. Thanks.
I tend to hold on too long past the optimum shift point, at times even hitting the rev limiter. I'm currently retraining myself.
Fellas, there is no point in shifting past 10k ! After that you are just making noise!
I tend to hold on too long past the optimum shift point, at times even hitting the rev limiter. I'm currently retraining myself.
Fellas, there is no point in shifting past 10k ! After that you are just making noise!
Yeah, I cruise at about that RPM. Used to keep it in the lowest gear possible all the time, just in case I needed to keep myself out of trouble in traffic. Had a few close calls where I was crawling along at about 2.5-3k rpm in 3rd gear, and I needed get out of the way of a bus or minivan or something, and the bike just plain didn't want to go. With stock gearing, ~65mph (70mph indicated) is 6k rpm in 5th gear. Now, with my 14/48 sprockets, I find myself in fourth or fifth gear before I even realize it. I do get slightly less mpg riding this way, but not only are my rides more fun, they are safer, IMO.waterpro said:
It doesn't really matter what speed.
On my neighborhood street, I cruise at about 30mph. I just put it in whatever gear. I run mine lower (rpm) because my exhaust is so loud. I figure about 3k rpm.
On the highway I run at about 80mph ~6k.
When I'm performance riding, I hover around 8k, so I have power above and below.
On my neighborhood street, I cruise at about 30mph. I just put it in whatever gear. I run mine lower (rpm) because my exhaust is so loud. I figure about 3k rpm.
On the highway I run at about 80mph ~6k.
When I'm performance riding, I hover around 8k, so I have power above and below.
i cruise at 4500-6k for the best power available if i need it, and also at 3k-4500 i get the buzz in the fairing so it keeps it at bay 
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