This is my first bike and I'm not sure I'm riding it right. I know my tack doesn't hit red on my '97 ZX-7R till 12500, but where should I really be riding at? It seems to be kinda sluggish under 4K and it seems to like being over 5K, is that normal? Should I try to keep it up in those higher RPM's? I only ask because there is a Muzzy full exhaust and it sounds really loud when I rev that high, I actually havn't taken it over 8K yet, still kinda chicken. Any pointers I can get would be great.

 

Once you get comfortable with the bike you will feel where you need to be on the RPM range. If it feels sluggish under 4K then I would keep it above that. You really dont get to redline very often. Things are happening fast at that RPM. Depending on gearing, you will ride in the 3K to 6K range most of the time.

 

"At what RPM should you be riding?" This is a wide open question. The answer depends on the type of riding you're doing! If you're just out for a cruise, keep it in the tallest gear (5th or 6th) possible without lugging the engine. Yes ... it WILL feel sluggish, but you're just cruising anyway. Now, if you on the back roads having some fun on the twisties, you'll want to knock it down to a lower gear (to keep the R's in approx. the 4000 to 5000 range), again depending on how sharp the turns are, how much room you have for accelerating off the turns, etc.

Best thing to do with a new bike ... Just RIDE it! The more ya do, the more you'll learn those RPM ranges. fyi

 

zr810 took the word right outa my mouth

 

just remember... a loud bike is a safe bike. it forces other to know your there.