Just bought my first bike, a 2009 Ninja 650; trying to ride as often as I can before it gets too cold. Was hoping someone might be able to help me out with a question. I was wondering what the approximate RPM speed for proper up and down shifting is for my bike. The owner's manual bases it on MPH of 9, 15, 21, 27, and 34 but this doesn't seem realistic. I'm shifting at about 4000-4500 RPM now and notice a bit of a lunge in the bike when I let out the clutch (but this could just be my inexperience). Any thoughts would be appreciated...thanks

 

Welcome To Kawasaki Forums.
Turn On Some Tunes And Enjoy The Ride.
They're a lot of Good Members Here and they will do there Best to Help You out with Your Questions. Sometimes It Takes A Little Longer Then Others. So, hang-in there.

 

Welcome to KF and congrats on the new ride.

Everyone is different on where they feel comfortable in the bikes shift points. So placing a definite value is only ball parking it. Get used to your ride and you will know where the shift points should be for your ride. Good luck.

 

Owner's manual is crap. Run the bike at 35 mph in top gear and you'll buggerthe motor. 3K rpm is the absolute minimum revs to top gear, so shifting at around 4K is about right for tooling around.

I'd suggest an MSF course and 12 months learning to ride on a 250. Then you'll know when to shift. If you shift at sensible revs (9 - 10 K on the open road) with your current level of experience you run a real risk of wrecking. If you don't, youl never learn to ride the bike properly.

Rob

 

Welcome to the forums, Not many people after reading these forums, will follow the manual or even listen to thier dealers anymore. Common sense will win over any standardized and canned instructions. Just ride it in a normal fashion and vary the rpm's and you'll be fine. Did you take the MSF class for motorcycle safety? Stay safe, gear up and have fun.

 

Yep; ^good advice. You'll get the "feel" of it the more you do it. Don't concentrate on any particular shift point, especially with a fresh motor.
It's never too cold; only too slick. That's when you change to ice studs....
Glad to have you aboard, Jason. Enjoy the ride.

 

Took the MSF course before I bought...was considering a 250 first but the instructor and other guys I know said I'd probably out grow a 250 pretty quick if I enjoy riding. Being pretty cautious and not going crazy with speed on the 650. Mostly concerned with screwing up my engine if not shifting in the right rpm range, thanks for the response.

 

Welcome to CBRF Nikhil Thats a fine looking RR, even with the bullet holes...lol. Check out the Regional Section for other members in your area. Take care and congratulations on your first bike.
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