Shifts corresponding to RPM's my experience/your experience

[Wisedrum]

There is a lot to where and when to shift.

Control of a motorcycle is superior in the higher RPM range. Especially true with an inline four with a racing heritage which describes the CB1100. Engine braking and ready acceleration are much more effective in the upper half of the tachometer.

Roll on or off the gas at 2500 RPM, not much happens. Bike is sluggish to respond. Do the same at 6000, the bike is responsive and lively.

Anyone rides in heavy urban traffic, this is a must-have skill set.

So of course, depending on anyone's riding style or likes and dislikes the bike accommodates a very wide variety of folks. It's very flexible. The deeper one gets into the performance of the bike or demands of the riding environment, the more the bike may have to deliver to save one's hide.

So there is something to be said for starting to ride on a small bike where a rider is forced to use all the power just to get around in traffic, and most or all of the brakes to get stopped. Then that high RPM range is not so mysterious and forbidding, it becomes very useful and familiar.

Speaking more of this, Reg Pridmore has explained for decades that where we want to be, especially in traffic or where the unexpected is likely, is in the upper third of the rev range. He was speaking of sport bikes and particularly inline fours, but the idea is to keep the engine in the power so it will be there if/when needed.

Reg's son Jason explains advanced shifting very well and plainly and there are specific techniques for rapid, effective shifting at high RPM that can be learned, but it takes time.

It's good to know our CB1100 responds extremely well to these high-performance techniques and is a joy to ride that way, for those who like that kind of thing. ;-)

As anything else it's a matter of eyesight. For me the CB responses well enough even at these revs. And even lower revs than these.

Of course the Honda accelerates like a tiger who's been stepped on it's tail at higher revs. But this is not my normal riding style,
'cause I'm mostly not in the mood for this kind of driving. On the other side it helps me to keep my driving license and it saves a lot of money....

But each fool is different and in the house of the Lord there are many rooms.

Wisedrum