2010 Ninja 250R - What gear should I be in - city driving

[misterangelo]

Hi everyone,

First time rider and newb question here. In my area the speed limit averages from 40-70km/h. Now what gear should I be in when I'm cruising in this speeds. I went out for a ride yesterday and found myself usually in 6th gear. What gear should I typically be on going at these speeds and what rpm should I somewhat be at? The reason for being in 6th gear is because I feel like the rpms were to high and sounded like I needed to shift. I mean is it normal to cruiser at a higher rpm since the redline is way higher than a car? lol ...if this makes any sense, any help/suggestions/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Ghostt]

The Ninjette loves to revs, hence the power band is up. At highway speeds it's about 8~9k and very comfortable there.

Depending on the type of riding your doing, depends on the rpm range, if your just cruising along, then lower RPMs are fine. In a urban/city/traffic you want it to be up a bit, so you'll be able to get out of trouble quickly, and have the bike be more responsive.

Cruising for hours at high RPMs won't hurt the bike. I rode mine 700 miles in a day, and all interstate speeds, about 80 mph, and getting above 50 mpg.

You need to stop thinking it's a car, and embrace your inner motorcycle child.

I suggest you take the MSF course in your area http://www.msf-campus.org/

Good luck canuck, and here's my standard greeting,

Welcome, here are just a few things to think about,

1.Get trained and licensed MSF Courses

2.ALWAYS Wear protective gear -- ATGATT All The Gear, All The Time -- including a helmet manufactured to the standards set by a government agency.

3.ALWAYS Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs

4.ALWAYS Ride within your own skill limits

5.Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher rider courses, and advanced rider course A.R.C.

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=218237

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...8&postcount=26

A.T.G.A.T.T. so I may ride another day.

Don't be this guy,

[VaFish]

40 KPH is only 25 MPH, That's a little slow for 6th gear for me. I would probably be in 4th. Generally anything about 40 mph (65 KPH) I'm in 6th gear.

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by VaFish

40 KPH is only 25 MPH, That's a little slow for 6th gear for me. I would probably be in 4th. Generally anything about 40 mph (65 KPH) I'm in 6th gear.

I'd be in 2nd, the bike doesn't respond well at low RPMs.

Your best bet is to experiment with different gears, and RPMs, and see for yourself.

[misterangelo]

Originally Posted by Ghostt

The Ninjette loves to revs, hence the power band is up. At highway speeds it's about 8~9k and very comfortable there.

Depending on the type of riding your doing, depends on the rpm range, if your just cruising along, then lower RPMs are fine. In a urban/city/traffic you want it to be up a bit, so you'll be able to get out of trouble quickly, and have the bike be more responsive.

Cruising for hours at high RPMs won't hurt the bike. I rode mine 700 miles in a day, and all interstate speeds, about 80 mph, and getting above 50 mpg.

You need to stop thinking it's a car, and embrace your inner motorcycle child.

I suggest you take the MSF course in your area http://www.msf-campus.org/

Good luck canuck, and here's my standard greeting,



Don't be this guy,

haha awesome post, and thank you very much for the greeting. and very informative stuff. And yea you're right, next time I ride I'm just gonna stop thinking it's a car!

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by misterangelo

haha awesome post, and thank you very much for the greeting. and very informative stuff. And yea you're right, next time I ride I'm just gonna stop thinking it's a car!

Good, I'm sure you'll be in for nice surprise, and be careful.

[Ralgha]

At 25mph I'd be in second gear. Generally I keep it at or above 6k RPMs with few exceptions.

[adouglas]

What gear should you be in?

All of it. All the time.


Hey, you asked.....

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by adouglas

What gear should you be in?

All of it. All the time.


Hey, you asked.....

Well said sir.

[mst]

http://www.msgroup.org/Tip.aspx?Num=094&Set=073-108

So ~5K might be a good range for the Ninja ?

Also there's this to play with :
http://www.gearingcommander.com/

[adouglas]

It is entirely possible to overthink this.

Listen to your bike with your ears and your body. If you feel or hear it lugging, or if it feels gutless and won't pull, downshift to a lower gear. If you're bouncing off the rev limiter, upshift to a higher gear.

FYI the bike makes its best power above 8,000-9,000 rpm.

[GregS]

There are 2 ways to get out of trouble, brake or accelerate. You won't be doing much accelerating in 6th gear at 30mph

[Alex]

/moved to riding skills

[ryker]

I would definitely be in 2nd gear, maybe pop it into 3rd if you're cruising that speed for a long distance. I really think an aftermarket exhaust is helpful in determining which gear feels/sounds best at different speeds. With out it, it sounded like i was revving the engine too high & I wanted to go to the next gear too soon.

[RadenRider26]

hey mate we are all different on where we change gears, keep in mind road condition & traffic condition. I'll tell you the range i change gears at and i live in bali a small island with a fair a mount of traffic and anything over a 250 cc is useless because there only 1 or 2 road to open up on, i only be in 6th gear a few time maybe 10 time in the past 2 years i been driving the bike.

1st - 2nd change at 6-7 rmps
2nd- 3dr rpms 7-8 rpms
3rd-4th 9-10 rpms
4th -5th 10-11 rpms
5th-6th 10-11rpms

keep in mind for me this is what i find i get the best out of my 250 ninja (2011) for my for the area i driving in,(check out sj bali on youtube, to get an idea of the area im driving in).
this is a range so if i want to drive faster i change in the top parts of this range
if im not into much of a rush but still dont ant to cruz i change some where at mid-high range.
if im just chill ill change around mid, mid low int this range
if im in traffics i change low - mid low range

some ninijetter may even tell me this is wrong but i know this i what work best for me, so you just really need to find what work best for you in your area, and really get a fell for the bike she will let you know.