QuestionI Just bought a v star 650 and i am unsure of proper speeds for each gear and when to shift. i was riding yesterday and was travelling 65kms/40mph in fifth is this ok or not! Could you point me in the right direction in shift points for this bike. Thanks Chuck Ps
AnswerEvery bike is different, riders have different styles, there is no right or wrong way, in general. However, here is an excerpt from my book "How to Ride a Motorcycle" which should answer your question a little more fully:
Timing is the hardest thing to learn when shifting—sometimes the bike “wants” to shift and sometimes it doesn’t. (Stubborn little buggers, sometimes.) Your goal when shifting and selecting a gear is to keep your engine running in a desired rpm range—generally, at the bottom of the powerband. Only shift when you need to shift. If you shift too early, your bike will not have spun up to the desired range yet, and it will resist the shift or lug the engine. If you shift too late, the bike will want to “slam” into gear and scream in protest. If you’re having trouble shifting, it’s probably not your technique but your timing.
Definition of the Powerband: An area in the rpm range where a motorcycle makes maximum power due to engine design and fuel combustion rate (octane).
Shift Points
First Gear: 0-10 mph Shift up at 10 mph
Second Gear: 5-25 mph Shift up at 25 mph, shift down at 5 mph
Third Gear: 20-40 mph, Shift up at 40 mph, shift down at 20 mph
Fourth Gear: 35-55 mph, Shift up at 55 mph, shift down at 35 mph
Fifth Gear: 50+ mph, Shift down at 50
Every bike will be different, but here are some basic guidelines for when to upshift (when accelerating) and downshift (when slowing) to keep the engine spinning in the desired rpm range. Another easy way to judge shift points is to shift at a certain rpm range—check your owner’s manual or performance specs to find the middle of your powerband which would be your ideal shift point.
