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i've got a 92 nighthawk 750, and i took it down to the shop today just to check something out, and in talking to the owner i was told that i was running at too low an rpm most times. i shift from 1st to 2nd at 3k then shift up at 4k for each gear after, but he told me i should be getting up to between 5 and 6k as running under 4k could most likely be lugging the engine.

i shift the way i do due to firstly the bike having 40k miles on it when i bought it, so i'm trying to put as little wear on the engine as i can in hopes of it lasting me awhile, and also just because past 4k the engine really starts getting noisy, i know this is normal, but i just can't help but think it is hurting the engine.

is there any real harm in running the rpms a bit low like i have, or running them as high as the dealer said, for that matter is anything below the red line fair game? i just want whatever is best for the engine.

Does the engine sound like your lugging it?

4500 to 5000 rpms and up is the area the bike has quickest reponse. But I only use that range for getting up to speed, then I generally shift to a higher gear and lower rpms. It makes a difference in the mpg. and I can easily shift down for passing. I wouldn't suggest going much below 3000 to 3500 in higher gears. That would be lugging it. You don't want to be in 5th and doing 20 miles per hour.

I agree with Gnarlyroad. Keep it above 3,000 rpm, If you feel the engine is lugging then run at higher rpm.
Take care.

Randy

These older inline fours are made to rev. They are not like the v twins. They work better when you run them hard sometimes. 40k is not a lot that is a pretty good engine that you won't hurt by winding it out. If you keep the revs down you are not even running fuel through the high speed jets in the carb. Ride it hard and put it away wet. You are not gonna hurt the engine.

Perfect timing ichijou, I'd heard the same about my bike only from a less reputable source Out of curiosity what does your manual match what your mechanic said about changing gears, or did he suggest altering it for age or mpg?