RPM Question

Machine1 · June 2nd, 2012, 05:59 PM

Hello all,

Just bought a new 2012 Ninja 250, and am a little concerned over the RPMs I'm seeing. I've read an awful lot of posts on various sites about "normal" RPMs, and it seems that my 8,500 while going 60 MPH is very high. Are they normally higher for a brand new bike or is this likely a mechanical issue?

alex.s · June 2nd, 2012, 06:03 PM

not high. thats normal.

Motofool · June 2nd, 2012, 06:04 PM

Welcome to the site, Phil!

Perfectly normal.

These engines have been designed and manufactured to perform at high rpm's.

Mine has been turning at sustained 10K rpm for several thousand miles (highway commute) and is as happy as new.

Now, keep an eye on the oil level and oil light: a few seconds without proper lubrication and .........bye-bye engine.

Machine1 · June 2nd, 2012, 06:06 PM

I'm glad to hear that, but...if it is normal, then why do so many people with similar heights/weights to mine have RPMs that are so much lower (e.g., 6000 at 60 MPH)?

Racer x · June 2nd, 2012, 06:21 PM

changing the gearing. generally the rear sprocket.

Welcome to the site.

Alex · June 2nd, 2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machine1

with similar heights/weights to mine have RPMs that are so much lower

RPMs are going to have nothing to do with the rider height/weight. It's a fixed number based on the gearing on the bike; nothing more, nothing less.

geeker · June 2nd, 2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

RPMs are going to have nothing to do with the rider height/weight. It's a fixed number based on the gearing on the bike; nothing more, nothing less.

Sounds like you have a faulty CDI that causes the tachometer to read an extra 1000 RPM. Most new gens do it. Mine does. Search and ye shall see.

alex.s · June 2nd, 2012, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geeker

Sounds like you have a faulty CDI that causes the tachometer to read an extra 1000 RPM. Most new gens do it. Mine does. Search and ye shall see.

its temperature related. the hotter the cdi, the higher the tach reads.

kevheads · June 2nd, 2012, 07:28 PM

When I bought my new ninja last summer, I was always trying to shift to 7th gear because of the high RPM's.( I don't count gears when shifting) This spring I changed to a 15 tooth front sprocket. It makes a world of difference. Everyone says it makes 1st gear more usable but I think it feels more like it gives you another gear at the other end. Merging on to the highway, hitting 65 in 5th gear feels like the old sprocket. Best Mod you can do to the bike.

June 2nd, 2012, 05:59 PM	#1
Machine1 ninjette.org newbie Name: Phil Location: Indiana Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 3	RPM Question Hello all, Just bought a new 2012 Ninja 250, and am a little concerned over the RPMs I'm seeing. I've read an awful lot of posts on various sites about "normal" RPMs, and it seems that my 8,500 while going 60 MPH is very high. Are they normally higher for a brand new bike or is this likely a mechanical issue?

June 2nd, 2012, 06:03 PM	#2
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	not high. thats normal. __________________________________________________

June 2nd, 2012, 06:04 PM	#3
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Welcome to the site, Phil! Perfectly normal. These engines have been designed and manufactured to perform at high rpm's. Mine has been turning at sustained 10K rpm for several thousand miles (highway commute) and is as happy as new. Now, keep an eye on the oil level and oil light: a few seconds without proper lubrication and .........bye-bye engine. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

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June 2nd, 2012, 06:06 PM	#4
Machine1 ninjette.org newbie Name: Phil Location: Indiana Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 3	I'm glad to hear that, but...if it is normal, then why do so many people with similar heights/weights to mine have RPMs that are so much lower (e.g., 6000 at 60 MPH)?

June 2nd, 2012, 06:21 PM	#5
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	changing the gearing. generally the rear sprocket. Welcome to the site.

June 2nd, 2012, 07:28 PM	#9
kevheads ninjette.org guru Name: Kevin Location: central Illinois Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Green 250R Posts: 346	When I bought my new ninja last summer, I was always trying to shift to 7th gear because of the high RPM's.( I don't count gears when shifting) This spring I changed to a 15 tooth front sprocket. It makes a world of difference. Everyone says it makes 1st gear more usable but I think it feels more like it gives you another gear at the other end. Merging on to the highway, hitting 65 in 5th gear feels like the old sprocket. Best Mod you can do to the bike.