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This is a new thread inspired by a digression into engine rev.s within a discussion about after-market exhausts.
Since this forum is about providing information, and dispelling myths, I thought it appropriate to instigate it as a separate thread.
Please note that it is NOT meant to be contentious.
I fully endorse every rider's choice to ride in their own style, and no-one should be pushed to use more rev.s than they are comfortable with.
Here are the posts that inspired the new thread, 'Bold' highlights are mine:
Background: My initiation into the world of motorcycles was in the era of 'sports mopeds'. Almost all of these were multi-geared, 50cc, 2 stroke single motors. With some legitimacy, they were referred to as 'lawn mowers' by 'real bikers'. The best of these engines would push out a maximum of around 4-5 BHP, and 50 MPH was an average top speed. Even the road surface would affect the performance ( there is a reason that racers go to Bonneville Salt Flats to make record-breaking speed runs ). It was a simple matter of fact that you HAD to use all the power available just to deal with regular road traffic. The best top speed on level black-top that I ever saw on my Suzuki AP50 was 57 MPH, lying flat on the tank, feet on the rear pegs, left hand around the indicator stalk ( no, I'm not joking ! ).
So, it became second nature to me to use all the available rev.s, in order to squeeze every last ounce of power from any engine. ( Including my old Kawasaki GPZ600R, on which I would regularly show clean heels to many a 1200 cc bike ).
Now, I see never ending threads on this forum about swapping power chips, 'performance' exhausts, front drive sprockets, etc., etc., all in the search of 'better' performance. ( Actually, a pretty subjective goal within itself. )
However, I must echo Jerry G above. In my opinion, it is a simple fact that unless you are already using the WHOLE rev. band right up to 10,000, that you are wasting your time and hard-earned money with ANY of the above. The available power increases as the motor's revolutions increase, until you reach 'Peak BHP', and/or 'Peak Torque' on the engine's power curve. This will be well up towards the 10,000 RPM red line on this bike. For the uninitiated, read Brake Horse Power as 'explosive drive', like a sprinter, and Torque as 'irresistable momentum', like a dray horse pulling a plough.
To anyone who is concerned about damaging the motor, rest assured: There is an automatic rev. limiter, built into the bike's computer, that simply cuts the engine until rev.s drop to an acceptable level. On this I speak from experience !
Now, please let me repeat:
The statement above is only my opinion. It is meant to help enlighten novices.
I cast no aspersion upon anybody else's riding style, or choices.
Please respond in kind.
Since this forum is about providing information, and dispelling myths, I thought it appropriate to instigate it as a separate thread.
Please note that it is NOT meant to be contentious.
I fully endorse every rider's choice to ride in their own style, and no-one should be pushed to use more rev.s than they are comfortable with.
Here are the posts that inspired the new thread, 'Bold' highlights are mine:
End of quotes.
Background: My initiation into the world of motorcycles was in the era of 'sports mopeds'. Almost all of these were multi-geared, 50cc, 2 stroke single motors. With some legitimacy, they were referred to as 'lawn mowers' by 'real bikers'. The best of these engines would push out a maximum of around 4-5 BHP, and 50 MPH was an average top speed. Even the road surface would affect the performance ( there is a reason that racers go to Bonneville Salt Flats to make record-breaking speed runs ). It was a simple matter of fact that you HAD to use all the power available just to deal with regular road traffic. The best top speed on level black-top that I ever saw on my Suzuki AP50 was 57 MPH, lying flat on the tank, feet on the rear pegs, left hand around the indicator stalk ( no, I'm not joking ! ).
So, it became second nature to me to use all the available rev.s, in order to squeeze every last ounce of power from any engine. ( Including my old Kawasaki GPZ600R, on which I would regularly show clean heels to many a 1200 cc bike ).
Now, I see never ending threads on this forum about swapping power chips, 'performance' exhausts, front drive sprockets, etc., etc., all in the search of 'better' performance. ( Actually, a pretty subjective goal within itself. )
However, I must echo Jerry G above. In my opinion, it is a simple fact that unless you are already using the WHOLE rev. band right up to 10,000, that you are wasting your time and hard-earned money with ANY of the above. The available power increases as the motor's revolutions increase, until you reach 'Peak BHP', and/or 'Peak Torque' on the engine's power curve. This will be well up towards the 10,000 RPM red line on this bike. For the uninitiated, read Brake Horse Power as 'explosive drive', like a sprinter, and Torque as 'irresistable momentum', like a dray horse pulling a plough.
To anyone who is concerned about damaging the motor, rest assured: There is an automatic rev. limiter, built into the bike's computer, that simply cuts the engine until rev.s drop to an acceptable level. On this I speak from experience !
Now, please let me repeat:
The statement above is only my opinion. It is meant to help enlighten novices.
I cast no aspersion upon anybody else's riding style, or choices.
Please respond in kind.
