As I look around at these bikes, there are a lot of 13s around for discounted rates. However, I am patient, and have a buy once, cry once philosophy with machines.
So, do you guys with 13s carry too many RPMs on the highway? Do you 14ers use 6th gear?
Thanks!
4K at 70. I don't think that's too high at all, but some guys have opted for a 19T front sprocket to bring it down a little for long distance cruising.
I use 6th every time I ride. For normal riding I'm in 3rd for 30-40, 4th for 40-50, 5th for 50-60, and 6th for 60+.
I believe it turns 3500 at 75, might be 3700 - it's been a while since I paid attention to the revs while on the interstate; I'll have to take it out for a "test run" and note the rpms at higher speeds.
Also note that the ratios on the '14 (1-5) are all slightly taller, with 6th being overdrive @ 0.964.
2013 ------ 2014
1) 3.166 -- 3.083
2) 2.062 -- 1.941
3) 1.545 -- 1.478
4) 1.250 -- 1.240
5) 1.111 -- 1.074
6) ------ -- 0.964
I forget the actual difference in revs... the 5th speed turns the same on both bikes but the addition of the 6th. gear calms the engine down nicely at highway speeds. In my opinion, it really depends on the type of riding you'll do coupled with the difference in price between both bikes. If you can, ride both before you part with the cash. Good luck!
I use 6th routinely when out cruising down the highway. I've tried just running 5th and it seems she's telling me to grab that last cog and we go into "glide" mode. RPM's hover just under 3000 at speeds around 60. Personally I like the "overdrive" capability of this unit combined with very little to no vibration and overall stable ride.
I know that those with the sixth gear love it, and they should, but with easily over 5000 miles of highway riding (12000 total miles), I can tell you the 5 speed is just fine. Not sure exactly what price I'd put on having the sixth gear, but I could get a 13 at a very good price, I wouldn't hesitate to choose it over the 14...but that's just me.
IIRC, I turn 3400 at 60 and 4000 at 70 as Randy said, on my 2013 5-Speed. It's not at all buzzy and I feel no vibrations at that speed.
I had kind of thought I would need the 6th gear but just couldn't pass up the '13 for only $7000.
I also have a Honda NT700 and it also has a 5-speed. On the NT I'm occasionally trying to find a 6th gear. I haven't done that on the CB.
I have a 2011 5-speed. When I ride on the highway it's about 120 kph according to the speedo, or just over 4000 rpm. Like EmptySea, I reckon it's just fine and there's no real need for an extra gear. That said, if I had 6th, I'm sure I'd use it.
I mentioned this a while ago, and the answer I got was this:
2013 5th gear @ 60: ~3300 rpm.
2014 6th gear @ 60: ~2750 rpm
I'm not ready for a sprocket change, as I enjoy how anxious the bike can be in top gear on the highway. But I really do wish my bike had a 6th gear. If I ever do a long tour with lots of slab (as I surely will soon), I'll probably swap the sprocket, as it seems to be a fairly simple and inexpensive mod. Honda should've made it a 6-spd from the beginning! (The retro/tribute intention is excellently done, but it IS a modern bike).
Over the years I'm grow less surprised how many are affected by vibration, wind, buffeting, seat, etc... makes me wonder why they ride motorcycles? Plenty of modern motorcycles have 5 gears, and I could spend money much more efficiently on a touring bike and not a CB if I was planning on touring. Or better yet, I'd drive a car.
