When Do You Shift?

[1arryb]

I just traded up to my Speedmaster and I'm still getting used to it. My previous ride, a 2001 Honda A.C.E., was all about the low end: It was happiest between 2000 to 4000 rpms and ran out of steam soon thereafter. The Speedmaster has a lot more at the top. It clearly lugs below 2400 but seems to go strong all the way up to 5500 and beyond (it's been raining so I haven't really opened her up yet). If anything, the bike seems to smooth out over 4500, a point long past where I'd have upshifted the Honda unless I was really hauling ass. I think I'm short-shifting excessively. When do you all shift during your normal driving?

 

[Rocky]

I don't pay much attention to the tacho when I shift and I don't think many do. I shift when the sound feels right or as the situation dictates.
Avoid short shifting that may lug the engine and don't be afraid to wind it up a little when you go through the gears.
The Speedmaster has a good engine with good power.
As you ride more, and become more in tune with the bike, you will soon learn what feels right going through the gears.

 

[hemibee]

I can't remember really looking at the tachometer since my break-in period was completed. Even during the break-in I didn't look at the tach very often. I go by the seat of the pants method and shift when it feels right. This probably comes from my years on dirt bikes.

 

[Rocky]

I can't remember really looking at the tachometer since my break-in period was completed. Even during the break-in I didn't look at the tach very often. I go by the seat of the pants method and shift when it feels right. This probably comes from my years on dirt bikes.

Yes, during the break-in period I kept an eye on the tacho, but once that was over I shift by sound and feel.
Once you're in tune with the bike it all comes naturally without even thinking about it.

 

[DaveM]

I cannot remember when last I looked at my Speedmaster taco being in the position it is so I just go by how it feels and sounds

 

[army_eod]

I don't have a tach. Old school. I know when I am in the sweet spot/power curve. Just don't lug the engine.