I was riding home from the dealer a couple of weeks ago and took the Interstate. I had to "roll on" fast and do some quick shifts to merge and get in the center of 3 lanes. Looked down at the speedo as I was keeping up with traffic and noticed I was doing just over 80 in 5th gear (65 mph speed limit). I did not notice the rpm, but the bike was running nicely. This gave me a new perspective as a usually shift to 6th at 60-65 when cruising. The new M8 is sure impressive.

 

2007 is higher geared. I was dissapointed when coming from a 5 speed, I thought it would feel more like my 5 speed with over drive. I think they did it to meet emmisions. 6th gear at 55 mph would be less fuel used, but a gutless POS. Between gearing and engine set up I find 3k to produce a nice amount of power, and bike can get out of the way if it needs too. It is usually where I set my cruise when on the high way. give or take.

Some people listen to the loud exhaust, and do it the way they have always done it, because that is how they alwasy done it.

I also felt my 2007, without IDS had a bit of vibrations under 3k. When I installed M6 primary chain tensioner it went away. Not sure why. 2007 was first year of auto tensioner in touring bikes. 2008 they added IDS, damper to back wheel. I am not sure how the tensioner evolved over the years. But I believe it has.

 

Mother of God, make it stop

 

yeah! Wishful thinking….you know of course it won’t!
It’s May for F%c$ sakes get out and ride…..at whatever rpm you want, but get out and ride!

 

Feel.

 

""You have opened the throttle too far for the gear you are in."
You can cruise safely at a fairly low rpm provided the road is level and/or no headwind and the throttle is just above idle. If you come to a hill or wish to accelerate, adding a very small amount of throttle should not lug or overload the engine, but if you are in a bit more of a hurry, a little more throttle will start the hammering or lugging (too slow for the gear selected AND the extra throttle.) A down shift is needed to both get the performance you want and to avoid damage to the engine and transmission. I can putt through a small town at about 45 in 6th with no problem but when the speed limit goes up again leaving town I MUST downshift to accelerate, the bike will tolerate no extra throttle at that speed in 6th. If you still have the factory rear pulley, you minimum speed in 6th is probably closer to 50 and that will require a down shift to accelerate or climb any sort of hill. If you are in a big hurry, going down 2 gears would be better. You will feel it if one gear down is not enough.

 

But if you have an emergency, like a car coming in your lane, you don't have the power. Also what is the point in running such low under powered RPMs, other than keeping noise down?

If you are worried about gas milegage by an old 883 or 500 jap bike.

I find uppers 2800--3200, a nice spot, throttle will respond. I don't feel the need to shift, for the sake of shifting. It is just ************.

 

No need to insult my social life.

 

Sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the quiet.
Sometimes I don’t feel the need to shift, for the sake of shifting.
Maybe I don’t want to wind it up and do impressions of a 500 jap bike.
Sometimes I’m just to busy masturbating to shift.