I always run in as high of gear I can without the engine jerking and lurching.
This will get you the best gas mileage. since I added a FL-VIED, now have a lower exhaust temp, but the engine seems more stable at lower rpm. I can ride in 6th gear at 50mph without surging or jerking.

 

 

that will not net you best gas mileage because thats farther away from where the engine makes it's peak and most efficient power.

 

I've always tried to stay within the engine load to the gear in use, like down-hill up-hill head-wend or tail-wend it all makes for engine load. let the engine load tell you the optimum gear to use.

 

Shifting is entirely based on the situation. Aggressive riding and speed I shift about 4800-5k, around town with traffic I'll take it to 3500.

I usually cruise at 1900-2300 if I'm taking a very relaxed just boppin' down the road cruise, going to work is usually around 2600-3000, and on an aggressive run through some curves Its around 3-4k where the engine makes it's peak power.


I'm gonna try to keep my engine at a little higher RPM like 3000 around town and going to work to see if MPG picks up.

And to all the guys cruising at 45-50mph in 6th.... just because the bike can do it doesnt mean you should!

 

BINGO, that'll also net the best MPG and least wear and tear.

 

So riding at peak power makes the best fuel mileage? I would think I get horrible mpg at peak power.

 

Most engines get the best mileage at peak torque...not peak HP!

 

Id hurry up and get that tach

 

I rented a heritage classic last month while in Cali. With stock exhaust, it was really hard to tell when to shift as its soo quiet. And the bike felt buzzy in the grips if I tried to run it hard, so probably was shifting too soon.