I was wondering, when you're just cruising along what RPM do you generally try to keep your engine at? I find anything below 5k my 500r is not very responsive, but I feel cruising above 5k feels too high and abusive on the engine. Any thoughts?

 

I don't cruise at 5k rpm, when I need the power of the engine, I use the transmission and gear the bike to fit my needs.

 

On the KLX its right at 7 grand at 60 indicated which is actually about 56. On the 1300 I'm usually right around 5 or less for better mileage. That is if I'm on the flat like it was across Nevada.

 

yeah, my 500 is right around 6k in 6th gear at 80ish for our nevada roads. The 10r is right at 85mph in 1st gear with 9000rpm showing. (I do not cruise in that gear, lol) but my point is that you can alter your gearing to meet your needs. Use your gearing and your transmission to your advantage for that bike. I do not like to keep the 500 at high revs primarily because of the oiling and the crankshaft configuration of this parallel twin.

 

That is exactly my question. What gearing is best to be in. I find myself often cruising around 50mph as I am mostly on backroads. At those speeds I generally try to keep it around 4k; however, if I hit a big hill the bike struggles and I have to downshift. I am trying to figure out the best method for getting maximum gas mileage (commuting to work) and treating the engine/trans well.

 

by gearing, I mean the counter sprocket and rear sprocket tooth size.

The transmissions on all of my rides have not been altered, so I am using the stock transmission gear ratios.

hell, I work the transmissions often for providing me with the desired rpms. Climbing a good hill on the 500, I may downshift 2 gears to stay in my power to obstacle needs. To some people, 6k is what they want. It is really a coin toss and experience thing to determine what you prefer. Staying in the 4k range as with most things, if tuned right, will always provide you with the better fuel consumption. Just do not be afraid to wring the ninjas neck on occasion. This is a fun ride.

 

^Like Drag says; it's pretty much of a trade-off between mpg and performance. On my old Honda (yes, Deej....one of those) 900F, it was geared for acceleration and not top end. Which meant I was GREAT stoplight to stoplight, but tach-ing 6K+ going 55-60mph. Not the recipe for high mpg... or any hearing after about 50 miles!
(This may get jumped on, but...) You can "get by" with lower rpm's for cruising on larger displacement bikes, because you have the torque to seemingly keep things moving. On a smaller displacement bike, (for me), it seems like you need to keep the revs a bit higher (like 5K and above) because there's less torque available and the gearing is set-up accordingly. On a 500, you can drop teeth in the rear to help your mpg, but you'll feel like you're riding a turd, because the revs you WERE used to, won't move you as quickly. On a smaller cc bike, this is very noticeable.
(Does this make any sense, or did I completely boff it?)

OR, like gustavo says...
Better acceleration when look like may be hor. Something also missing but don't worry to ride................

 

was that the dat azz in the off topic section? lol

 

I usually run 5,000-7,000 RPMs at cruising speeds.

 

Nick, did we answer your question?