Minimum MPH for 5 & 6th gears.

[earthman]

For those experienced riders of the Trophy, what would you say is the minimum speed for both these gears, without labouring the engine as such?

[cropbiker]

I would say it depends on road conditions and riding style.

On good level roads, just progressing steadily I would go to 5th at 40 mph and 6th at 50 mph and have never experienced any laboured engine riding like that.

Riding a little more aggressively I would probably leave it 10 mph or so.

[Bludy L]

I don't obsess about the speed for different gears. I will say that I rarely ever use 6th gear unless I'm on an Interstate (Motorway). Also I can say that on country roads, state or county roads, I spend a lot of time in 4th. Based on Cropbikers response I guess I go to somewhat higher speeds in 4th and 5th.

I hope this is helpful.

[twowheeladdict]

I don't look at speed to determine what gear, I look at RPMs and terrain.  I will let the bike go down to 3000 RPMs on a level or downhill road if I am just cruising along. 

Generally,  I find the bike is happiest if I keep the RPMs  above 4000 though.

[AZBob]

I find 6th gear lugs the engine at 50mph, so I don't use it on local streets where the speed limit is 45mph. On level terrain, I find 5th good 40mph+. The engine isn't too happy at < 2500rpm.

[twowheeladdict]

Originally Posted by AZBob

I find 6th gear lugs the engine at 50mph, so I don't use it on local streets where the speed limit is 45mph. On level terrain, I find 5th good 40mph+. The engine isn't too happy at < 2500rpm.

Are you saying the engine isn't too happy at < 2500rpm in 5th or 6th gear only? 

My bike's tolerance of rpm is dependent on the actual gear I am in.

[brenchley]

I'm with twowheeladdict, I tend to keep an eye more on the tach when it comes to determining gear selection.  Depending on the gear, the bike appears to have no problem between 2200 and 2500 rpm.  Anything lower and it tends to get cranky, I think.  In general, it wouldn't be unusual for me to keep it between 2500 and 3000 when operating at the low end of the tach. 

Keep an eye on your instantaneous mpg - if your revs drop too low, your mileage will drop off...  Of course high revs will induce lower mpg but for all together different reasons.  The bike is pretty strong across the power band though I wouldn't suggest letting the engine lug too often.  Experiment with it...

[Volfy]

No fast and hard rule.  The bike will let you know you're lugging it too much.