Bike check ups.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by JWR

I have a 16 tooth sprocket ordered, should be in by the middle of next week.

You will LOVE it below 60 or so; above that, maybe not so much.

I almost never have a need to go over 65 so I love it all the time!!!

[JWR]

I may get fooled but I believe my bike will pull the 16 t ok in 5th gear.
I have always been able to ride at speed in side or head winds.

We shall see.

[dan_]

Does WFO stand for yer bike saying "WHAT THE FUCK?? OUCH!!!"..?

[JWR]

I believe it is WIDE F...en OPEN.

A lot of the time some say WOT or wide open throttle.

Okay, noob question and I'm not sure if I should make it a new thread, but it seems related to this one, though it goes in the "opposite" direction, if you will. What, exactly, is "under shifting" and why would - or should one - ever do it?

Before I got my bike, the few times I'd been on a motorcycle I was mainly concerned with just staying upright. Now that I'm trying to learn how to ride one with some skill, this thread in particular has been helpful. But I have read in a few places about "under shifting" (not addressed in my MSF course). Seems the opposite of what this thread has been about, from what I gather. Why do it? Easier on the engine? Better on gas? What are the caveats/concerns?

Thanks,

Keith

[JWR]

From what I understand of your question, this would be to shift easy and quickly thru the gears to get the most fuel mileage.

Not for the most performance, but economy.

I do not ride like that, wish I could. Too much right hand for me.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by dan_

Does WFO stand for yer bike saying "WHAT THE FUCK?? OUCH!!!"..?

Yes, you got that right !! :crackup

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by kmkindred

What, exactly, is "under shifting" and why would - or should one - ever do it?

Why do it? Easier on the engine? Better on gas?

Yes and yes but not much. It's the "little old lady" style of riding.

With a small engine, the main risk is getting run over by the vehicle behind you !!
If you carry it to an extreme and "lug" the engine, it can be damaged......quickly.

[alanmcorcoran]

I'd say the recommended shift points in the manual (which is how I rode for the first 1K or so) are "undershifting." I think you have to look at who you are and what you are trying to accomplish with the bike. If you:

1) Bought the bike to save gas money, shift sooner, accelerate like a little old lady and forget about riding over 55.
2) Financed the bike for seven years and have to collect cans to buy filters and oil, see #1.
3) Bought the bike to have some fun before you die and have more money than God, double the recommended shifting points, and ride WFO all the time.

I don't know how long mine will last with the way I ride it, but, when I'm out riding it, my first priority is enjoying the ride, second is not getting run over, and the life of the bike is, well, lower on my list. This is obviously not going to be the case for everyone, so there really is no one answer to this question.

I have seen other posts on other forums that suggest there is a built in limiter before redline, but this could just be internet folklore. I run mine up to 55-60 regularly in fourth and it's pretty much a must for freeway or hills. Having the other bike will help alleviate this, as I will mostly be using the big one for anything other than the office commute.

[dan_]

Alan u crack me up..