What RPM do you use in the twisties?

[Novice_imp]

In an effort to improve my riding skills (plenty of room for improvement for sure), I thought I would ask this. Since most of us are riding the same bike, it's easier to get an idea of the "best" RPM range to use as opposed to a mixed group. I find if I let the RPMs get too low, say below 2500, I can still lug the bike out of the turn using the torque, but get drivetrain lash at times (descending turns, but it may just be my throttle roll on error) , certainly not an optimal situation. On the other hand, I don't generally ride through them in the 5000 RPM range because, to me, it feels like the engine is just screaming. But this may be exactly where it should be. So what do you find is the "best" range?

[14CharlieBravo11_imp]

I have the best results with 3500 to 4500 RPM. The key for me is to be smooth with the throttle and keep it around 4k. I agree that past 5000 the engine sounds like it's screaming, although I doubt it would hurt the engine running it between 5 and 7 for a short period. (At least I hope not.)

I find I have much more control with the 3500 to 4500 range. Also that allows for decent engine braking, which is helpful on descending turns.

[kevbroce_imp]

I just cruised 90 - 95 MPH for at least 100 miles of a 400 mile ride yesterday. That's on a 2013 with the 5 speed, 5000 RPM was on the tach a lot during this 900 mile weekend. I wouldn't worry about it. This is a modern bike with a mellow 9.5 to 1 compression ration.

[14CharlieBravo11_imp]

Yeah, I don't think those RPMs will hurt it, I routinely see 6k+ while passing, and just this past week I found the rev limiter twice...which by the way is not so good when passing on a two-lane
But in the corners the lower range around 4k seems to be the best, at least for me, and it has plenty of power at 4500 to exit a corner. I don't hit the twisties nearly as fast on the CB as I do on the FZ1 however

[Novice_imp]

I agree, I don't think those RPMs will hurt it, just is it the best to use? 3500 to 4500 does seem to be a good range.

[grover_imp]

When riding in a spirited manner, I would generally enter the corner at ~4000 (usually after engine braking and pumping the fronts) and slowly roll-on from ~40% through the turn...straighten out and take her to redline!


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[Guth_imp]

The rev limiter is in place to keep the engine from spinning at RPMs that could actually hurt it. As far as the ideal RPM range goes, I'm sure that it is somewhat terrain-dependent, but in general I find that I'm pretty happy when the CB1100 is running anywhere between 3K and 5K RPMs. It will go lower or higher without much complaint, but in general the CB1100 seems pretty happy in this range.

Ah the CB1100, when it's happy so am I, and vice versa.

When riding in a spirited manner, I would generally enter the corner at ~4000 (usually after engine braking and pumping the fronts) and slowly roll-on from ~40% through the turn...straighten out and take her to redline!


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This is what happens sometimes when I become mesmerized by the tone of the Staintune. Yet we're still happy, both me and the CB.

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

In actual twisties you'll be in second, sometimes third gear.
Rarely in first if at all. The engine will pull fine from low rpm's in both gears. On the straights you'll be in your higher gears.
Believe me, you won't be looking at your tachometer. You'll have to put 100% attention to where you're going.
Advice: don't overthink. You'll be in your own rythmn soon enough. Ride at your own pace and skill level regardless of what's going on around and especially behind you. If someone crowds you, don't let it get to you. Keep your pace and if they don't blow past, there will be spots where you can pull a little to the right and give them plenty of room to go by.

[ride4now_imp]

+1 Motogeezer...good advice.

[the Ferret]

Some of you guys ride a lot more " spirited" than I. You try that 5000-redline cornering on the roads we have been riding the last couple of days and you and the mediflight copter pilot will become personal friends in a hurry