Best RPM to shift!

[kayodethomas]

So I recently bought an 05 FZ6 about 2 weeks ago. While switching from first to second, it will sometimes click serveral times before finally dropping into second. Is this because I a not switching at the right rpm, or does this happen with most FZ6.

If it is the wrong RPM, what is the correct RPM to switch from first to second?

 

[Zzzz]

Until I'd done it a few times I didn't believe people that suggested that somewhere north of 8k was better for shifting - it is extremely dependent on how smooth your throttle control is, but once you sort it out, 9ishk is a lot smoother. Not often practical, but quite smooth. If you're finding that it won't drop in with steady pressure, a slight drop in throttle and a pinch of clutch though, you bike might need a check over.

 

[FIZZER6]

So I recently bought an 05 FZ6 about 2 weeks ago. While switching from first to second, it will sometimes click serveral times before finally dropping into second. Is this because I a not switching at the right rpm, or does this happen with most FZ6.

If it is the wrong RPM, what is the correct RPM to switch from first to second?

It's normal for FZ6 transmissions to be "clunky" between 1st and 2nd gears.

I have found that if you want a butter smooth shift from 1st into 2nd when accelerating it's best to shift around 6,000 rpms or more, pull the clutch in, wait a FULL SECOND while holding the throttle around 5,000 rpms, pop into 2nd and then slowly release the clutch....when I shift like this mine shifts smooth as butter into 2nd.

Also to avoid the "clunk" sound when shifting down into second or first, make sure you are going below 20 mph to shift into second and below 10 mph before shifting into 1st and make sure you have the engine hovering around 3,000 rpms when you shift instead of idle speed. It's all about feel, every bike is likely different but I have found out the tricks to avoid the clunky sounds on this transmission after 14,000 miles.

 

[Jacobien]

What FIZZER 6 said...

Along with this, the manual has the "ideal" shift as between 4-5'K. I shift into 2nd at 30km/h (19MPH)
But if you want maximum thrust, I recommend shifting at 12,500RPM in each gear.

 

[Caesar]

my MSF instructor said not to worry about braking the shift leaver and to give it a strong up/down kick as it is made to take the abuse. I have never had a problem with lazy shifts

 

[Erci]

Pre-load is your friend and as mentioned above, don't baby the shifter. Combination of pre-load and complete and positive pull up should guarantee 2nd gear engagement.
There is no *right* RPM. It may be rougher/smoother in certain range, but you should be able to shift from 1st to 2nd at any RPM without missing a shift.

 

[FinalImpact]

kayodethomas, what you have there is a lazy application of pressure which allows the shift cogs to attempt an engagement but fail, hence the tick tick tick. Be firm and do what you mean. :thumbup: Execute a quick firm shift!

Simply at low RPMs and speeds the odds of the gears meshing perfectly are lower than at higher speeds and RPMs. So the goal is to adjust the throttle to achieve the difference between the gears.

An example is this:
At 25mph the RPM's are roughly -

Gear__RPM__Difference in RPM
1st = 5420
2nd = 3708 ~ 1702
3rd = 2963 ~ 745
4th = 2539 ~ 424
5th = 2266 ~ 273
6th = 2063 ~ 203

The # to the right is the difference in RPM between the selected gear above.

Edit: That's a change in RPMs of:
1st > 2nd = 46%
2nd > 3rd = 25%
3rd > 4th = 17%
4th > 5th = 12%
5th > 6th = 10%

 

[kayodethomas]

Thank you!!

 

[Sparkybean]

Bang on the redline. Oh yes!

 

[Pranqster]

Pre-load is your friend and as mentioned above, don't baby the shifter. Combination of pre-load and complete and positive pull up should guarantee 2nd gear engagement.
There is no *right* RPM. It may be rougher/smoother in certain range, but you should be able to shift from 1st to 2nd at any RPM without missing a shift.

Pre-load- learn it, love it, live it. Slight upward pressure on the shifter with your foot, then simultaneously hit the clutch and back off the throttle. trust me. forget hitting the clutch for a "second" that will only give you away as a rookie. try it, this technique will give you smooth shifts, try it. you're welcome:thumbup:

 

[Motogiro]

I've read a few threads that refer to shifting becoming better with a change of oil. You might inquire as to what oil was used and there we be many opinion and varied experience with oils. If in doubt change to a good grade motorcycle specific oil.

Don't rule out the possibility that your shifting problem is not a mechanical issue.
It could even be loose or worn linkage. Inspect and adjust/tighten/lube shifter linkage as might be needed.

As far as clutchless shifting: I would wait till you're more experienced and looking for a few tenths of a second off your quarter mile times at the track for that to be a consideration. Nothing like missing and nosing a gear to improve shifting problems! :rof:

 

[ohgood]

I've read a few threads that refer to shifting becoming better with a change of oil. You might inquire as to what oil was used and there we be many opinion and varied experience with oils. If in doubt change to a good grade motorcycle specific oil.

Don't rule out the possibility that your shifting problem is not a mechanical issue.
It could even be loose or worn linkage. Inspect and adjust/tighten/lube shifter linkage as might be needed.

As far as clutchless shifting: I would wait till you're more experienced and looking for a few tenths of a second off your quarter mile times at the track for that to be a consideration. Nothing like missing and nosing a gear to improve shifting problems! :rof:

lol yep

1st to 2nd is crap, unless my bike is completely warmed, the planets align perfectly, and i've already committed 1,000 perfect crimes that day.

otherwise, CA THRUNCH is what 1st to 2nd sounds like. i usually shift 1-2 at around 4,000 or so, occaionally i'll wind her up a little if i'm merging on to the interstate, but that's rare.

all the other shifts are generally butter. up or down.

 

[CBRF3RIDER]

lol yep

1st to 2nd is crap, unless my bike is completely warmed, the planets align perfectly, and i've already committed 1,000 perfect crimes that day.

otherwise, CA THRUNCH is what 1st to 2nd sounds like. i usually shift 1-2 at around 4,000 or so, occaionally i'll wind her up a little if i'm merging on to the interstate, but that's rare.

all the other shifts are generally butter. up or down.

The FZ6 has the clunkiest (apparently thats a word lol) 1st to 2nd upshift and downshift out of any bike ive ever ridden. Even HD. Like you said though other than that the gearbox is for the most part very smooth!

 

[regder]

Put some preload into it and shift while you're accelerating and your shifts will be silky smooth. Oil does make a bit of a difference from what I remember, but it's been forever since I've used anything but Shell Rotella T6.

 

[Nathanizer]

Bang on the redline. Oh yes!

I never have shifting issues