Gearing up

[PowerDubs_imp]

I agree w/ Tod

Gearing down for an increase in fun? Sure.

Gearing up and expecting to 'save' because of fuel? Nope.

I'd wager that many times that would cause people to open the throttle more trying to accel- and for a longer time period.

Think of it this way- you already always have a next gear for lower rpm until you get to top gear.

So the only time it would matter is 6th (5th if you have a 13)- and how often and for how long are you in top gear?

Even people that do long trips- slow down. You loose MUCH more due to an extra 5-10mph against the wind than you do on gearing.

Honda's no dummy- if they could get a worthy gain in mpg by gearing- they would have done it because unlike the other side of the coin (acell / power) there is no trade off in increased emission / noise / heat / wear & tear.