Bummed by a test ride

[flynrider]

Sorry to dig this back up but I wanted to add that I know just how the OP felt -- and also lack the words to describe it. This bike just doesn't sound right over 4000 rpm -- that's the max shift point where I feel comfortable, and yet, I've had it up to red-line and it pulls strongly right up to it, but something just makes you feel not right above 4000, and 3000 is better yet. "Strained", "busy", "noisy" are all words that come to mind. I came from a NH 750, and a normal authoritative shift was at 6000, but it was perhaps the Nighthawk's relative lack of power that made that normal.

As for a bike that you would feel comfortable revving higher, but with more acceleration than the Nighthawk, they all seem to have the Sportbikes forward-leaning rider position. Certainly the CB1000R does.

The Valkyrie is very similar to the CB1100 in respect to the above -- even more so since normal rev range for it is 2000-3000. But somehow even it seems more comfortable revving up to red-line.

I think I know what you're feeling. I also have a Nighthawk 750 and have compared them back to back numerous times. The CB11 has a mild, relatively high frequency vibe right around 4K rpms. It may feel like it's straining to some between 4K and 5K. If you run it up to about 5K, that feeling disappears. It's a quirk of the engine that is not present on the 750's powerplant.

On my '13, typical freeway cruising in top gear nets about 4250 rpm. I've found myself unconsciously avoiding that rpm range by not upshifting to 5th at highway speed. Consciously, I know it really isn't straining at all and I'll usually upshift when I notice it. It's just a trait of the engine that I've gotten used to and don't really think about much anymore, although since I still ride my CB750 regularly, I can definitely tell the difference between the two.