RPM and my problems.

Message

bobtasco · #11 Unread post by **bobtasco** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:55 am

250 virago. I love it to death. andd the guy who had it before me put screaming eagle pipes on it so it sounds really gratifying.

The Grinch · Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:05 am

I purposely shift to quiet down the engine when riding through neighborhoods.

You're that rarest of breeds: the considerate biker.

Sculelos · Tue Jun 20, 2006 11:42 am

meh I just keep my bike fairly quite under habit and only rev the crap outa it if I want to accelerate REALLY FAST, although I have no reason to accelerate fast most of the time. (Besides when I rev the crap outof it I only get in the low 40s gas milage wise but if I keep the revs reasonable I get 60+)

dieziege · Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:11 pm

I don't know much specifically about the Viragos, but one thing to consider is changing the sprockets... you should be able to shift the rpm range to make 1st and 2nd cover more ground. I think the Virago uses 16/45 front/rear sprockets. Change that to 17/44 or the like and you should be able to spend a lot more time in 1st and 2nd without overrevving. Should also make freeway cruising more comfortable... hard to say about that.

May also improve fuel economy.... and make starting out in 1st gear harder (need to slip the clutch more).

I just ordered 15/42 sprockets to replace the 14/45 set on my ninja 250.... both to make 1st more useful and to drop the RPMs for long interstate rides.

spinner · #15 Unread post by **spinner** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:48 pm

My new gsx-r 600 recommends shifting at about 12/19/25/31/37... Given that, I don't see me tapping into the bike's true potential. I never go beyond 5k rpm unless I get on the highway... and even then I can get up to about 90 in 6th without passing 8k rpm. What would be the benefit of doing that same speed in a lower gear, besides the satisfaction of hearing your bike scream?

I'm about 400mi into the break-in, so I've been following the recommendations religiously. Even after that, I don't picture myself making the bike scream 10k or even 12k rpm in 2nd or 3rd gear... Am I doing something wrong or just being overly conservative with the acceleration? (note: I'm also relatively new to manual transmissions).

Kal · #16 Unread post by **Kal** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 7:00 pm

You don't drive a manual so don't look at it as a pain in the neck. Look at it as practise.

I also tend to run in a higher gear than normal when I am going home, like in 2 minutes , because of the time in the morning and not everyone* appreciates a 500 with open pipes roaring through their neighbourhood.

* Strange but true, odd people!