Shifting in Traffic

[smedlin]

I thought that title said "Shiting in traffic".

Thru me for a loop for a second or two.

[SWVA_08V2k]

Originally Posted by smedlin

I thought that title said "Shiting in traffic".

Thru me for a loop for a second or two.

" "

[VN800E]

It is hard to soar like an eagle when you feel like a sitting duck! I practice every chance I get.

[Old Bear]

Originally Posted by smedlin

I thought that title said "Shiting in traffic".

Thru me for a loop for a second or two.

Ahhhhh, where's the next stop??? Get OUT OF THE WAY! Oh, not that, NOT THAT!
"Depends - not just for old folks!"

[big worm]

when seconds count , the nearest toilet is only minutes away !!!

[Ghost]

Since you are riding a 1700 the idea that you are "in between gear speeds" is all in your head. At 45 to 50 you can be in 3rd or just into 4th. you've got lots of power and gear range to play with. In surface street traffic of any kind I never get any higher than 4th. The rpm range is phenomenal! But lugging the engine is not a good thing. If you need to accelerate, the engine is out of it's power band. Which means it has to get revving faster before it will get the bike moving at any speed.

Experience is the key here. Take the time to practice accelerating when you arent in traffic from those speeds. Do it from 3rd, 4th, and then 5th. You'll notice the difference. The lower gears allow you to be in better control of your bike. Plus it's easier on the engine if you don't lug it. Get used to not shifting into 5th unless youre on a road that you can go 55 or so on. And then only if theres no traffic.

The point I'm trying to make here is that you just need more experience with your bike! Let that puppy rev! If you can find a place that you can safely accelerate, try accelerating hard from a roll in first gear. Don't short shift. You'll be amazed at the speed you can go in each gear. This will give you an idea of what can be done realistically every day.

Don't forget to practice hard braking! Stopping quickly is more important than going faster!

[Graywalker]

Originally Posted by Ghost

Since you are riding a 1700 the idea that you are "in between gear speeds" is all in your head. At 45 to 50 you can be in 3rd or just into 4th. you've got lots of power and gear range to play with.

I've RTFM and I am still in the break in period where the owner's manual says don't get gears over a certain speed, so I am trying to stick with that for the whole 1000 miles - over half way there already at 890 miles.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th - gear
(25) (40) (55) (70) (80) (95) - mph (550 to 1000 miles odo)

Still, you are very right... I am shifting early, or feeling the need to shift earlier than I should be. 2nd gear up to 40mph?!?! I'm still stuck on the 0-500 miles period where 2nd shouldn't get over 30...

Thank you! I'll be shifting better now!

[Ghost]

I hate to admit it but I've gone much faster than 40 in second gear! I blame that on the moron that tried to run me over. But that's a whole nuther story! When I bought mine I did the baby it thing for the first 1000 miles. Now I'm in the process of seeing more of what it's capable of. So far I haven't found the limits.

[Bowtiefred]

Another important tip never, ever come to a complete stop in any other gear except 1st. Never stop in neutral in traffic or no traffic. You must be ready to get moving in a nano second. As traffic approaches you from behind, pump your brake to let vehicles behind you know that you are stationary. Consider every driver in a vehicle an idiot until they prove otherwise.

[markstep]

I would not worry much about the break in procedure. Especially if your already over 800 mi. It won't hurt that engine a bit to see some high RPM, and it is very important to your safety to keep the engine in its power band while moving slowly in traffic.