Something odd in the owners manual

[Randy B]

Soooo......

Who has actually gone through and read the owners manual......hmmm???

I found something a bit....."odd".....you might say within those pages that I felt I should point out and get some reactions to it.

[oldyaler_imp]

Every manual I've seen since 1974 had the same chart. IMO it's just something the legal department requests because those shift points are too low for the real world.

[flynrider]

That's funny! I wonder what the engineers would say about lugging the engine at those speeds. I suspect that if you did shift into 5th at 28 mph, you wouldn't be happy with the result as you opened the throttle.

[redReno_imp]

This looks a little better

[url=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/109/shifting.jpg/]

[OldF7Guy_imp]

You have to seriously wonder if that is a misprint.

[Lord Popgun]

In the May 2013 issue of Motorcyclist magazine there is an article titled "Break-In Basics" by Jerry Smith.

One paragraph says, "First, go to the page in the owner's manual that lists recommended shift points in terms of vehicle speed. Now tear out that page and throw it away. Many manuals recommend ridiculously low shift points. If you constantly shift into second gear at 15 MPH, for example, start saving up for a bottom-end overhaul; low rpm plus the resulting low oil pressure equals high bearing load. Use the tach for shift points, not the speedo"

[the Ferret]

I always follow those recommendations. yea right!

I usually find myself shifting up at between 3500 - 4000 rpms on all my bikes for some reason. I haven't banged them off redline since 1973 on my RD 350, a high performance 2 stroke which loved to be ridden like that.

I have been criticized over on the FZ forum for riding my bike so conservatively, but thats just how I ride.

[GSAviator_imp]

I saw that too...so went out and tried it. It CAN be done.

[richo1706_imp]

In the May 2013 issue of Motorcyclist magazine there is an article titled "Break-In Basics" by Jerry Smith.

One paragraph says, "First, go to the page in the owner's manual that lists recommended shift points in terms of vehicle speed. Now tear out that page and throw it away. Many manuals recommend ridiculously low shift points. If you constantly shift into second gear at 15 MPH, for example, start saving up for a bottom-end overhaul; low rpm plus the resulting low oil pressure equals high bearing load. Use the tach for shift points, not the speedo"

Good one, Popgun...I was going to cite the same article but you beat me to it.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Yeah, it is astonishing. Seems to be in every manufacturer's manual. Seems like a very conservative inclusion.