Author Topic: Where do you cruise rev the B12 3-5K or 6-8K, which is best? (Read 3369 times)

CWO4GUNNER · « **on:** February 18, 2007, 03:49:15 PM »

Most of my riding is for enjoyment and maintenance rides. The B12 the 1st motorcycle I have owned that seems to like being driven between 6-8k RPMs. Even on long trips of 600 miles I have to fight the urge to treat it like a cruiser at 4-5K and keep the revs where the bike seems happiest 6-8K. The question that I am wondering, is riding 6-8K harder wearing on the engine or better then loafing at 4-5K which my stave off ware repairs?

GSFStiny · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2007, 05:40:03 PM »

Around town and commuting, I usually keep it anywhere from 3500-5000, depending on mood and traffic. On fast twisties I rarely let it dip below 4k. One of my favorite roads is about 15 miles of f-a-s-t sweepers, so I keep it between 6k and redline the entire time and it never seems to mind. On the interstate I just kick it to 5 gear and let it turn whatever it wants.

I guess what Im getting at is the big bore SACS engines will hold up to about anything as long as you keep oil, crisco, diesel fuel, muddy water, something in the crankcase. Obviously running it to redline and above all the time takes its toll over time, but for normal riding, just put the revs where you and the bike are happy and go with it.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2007, 08:15:17 PM »

My Bandit's sweet spot is about 4,800 rpms..... 80 mph in 5th and all the harmonics play nice - mirrors are nice and clear.... everything is in sync.

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2007, 10:17:36 PM »

Well of course on the long lonely interstate I will let it cruise in 5th gear around 5500 RPMs, unless no bears are around or in the air I will serge occasionally between 120 and 135. I don't think I have taken it into the red line as 11-13K seems unreal and asking for a stretched rod. The bike also seems to start most roll on power after 5500 RPMs where at 4500 RPM and below it just seems to be off its toes and on its heels. I can see now why I hear people talk about dropping a tooth on the drive sprocket making the bike more edgy without losing that mush at the top end. Maybe I should drop a front tooth for my next long trip and see how it performs in town and on the open highway.

smooth operator · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2007, 06:30:50 AM »

With the GSX-R cams, they start kicking in the power at 6K. I love riding between 6-8, but if I'm trying to pullout a few extra miles out of the tank, or trying not to call attention to myself I 'll back 'er don abit.

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2007, 10:54:07 AM »

Am I understanding that's something you added and did it make you lose a little low end for top end or only add more top end? Does it also make the bike growl more when rolling on?

Quote from: "smooth operator"

With the GSX-R cams, they start kicking in the power at 6K. I love riding between 6-8

Bob Holland · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2007, 11:52:15 AM »

You can see my dyno on my site, the bike had GSXR cams from a 1989 GSXR 1100. the torque goes over 90 at 6000 rpms. 6,000 and up is were the bike really pulls.

2005B12S · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2007, 10:34:50 AM »

If you are cruising, leave the bike in 5th and let your speed dictate how many rpm's you are turning. I am guessing that stock, 80mph should be around 5500 rpm. A stock B12 will pull from 4000 rpm in top gear with no problem. There is no point in turning a steady 6500 rpm in 4th when you have 5th available.

Now, if you are having a spirited ride thru the twisties, the stock B12 peaks at app. 8500rpm. So keep the tach between 4500 (max torque) and 8500 (max hp) by using the gearbox. A 4000rpm powerband is plenty to work with in this case.

Ride On, Ed.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2007, 12:22:27 AM »

Quote from: "2005B12S"

If you are cruising, leave the bike in 5th and let your speed dictate how many rpm's you are turning. I am guessing that stock, 80mph should be around 5500 rpm. A stock B12 will pull from 4000 rpm in top gear with no problem. There is no point in turning a steady 6500 rpm in 4th when you have 5th available.

Now, if you are having a spirited ride thru the twisties, the stock B12 peaks at app. 8500rpm. So keep the tach between 4500 (max torque) and 8500 (max hp) by using the gearbox. A 4000rpm powerband is plenty to work with in this case.

Ride On, Ed.

Agreed, when I'm 'playing' I usually try and keep up around 6-7000rpm - depending on high tight the corners are

terrebandit · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2007, 01:28:09 AM »

I prefer the 4-5K range for fuel economy. You are not going to hurt anything if you run it up there. If you like a higher rpm go with a 47T or 48T rear sprocket and you will get there sooner at less mph.

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #10 on:** February 26, 2007, 01:05:04 AM »

No I like the the B12's five speed gearing which to me works perfectly hand in hand with the B12's power plant. A 6th gear would be a waste and a sprocket change would unnecessarily take away from the top end. On the I-40 straits between CA/AZ & NV I have opened her up without a car on the horizon nor a bear in the air. But only brave enough to go 140 MPH with more available, for brief moments between 4-10 seconds before dropping back to a steady 125 MPH. Its amazing how distance seems to fold up at that speed.
Having said that I must make a disclaimer and say, this is just a fish story....