How to ride a single? - stupid question alert!

[F0ul_Oli]

THis might seem like a stupid question, but I thought I'd ask it anyway!

Having come off a 1100 4 cyl bike to ride a 660 single, what is the best way to ride these to get the most out of them?

When I rode the 1100, I would turn the throttle about a third, get to the speed i wanted and select the gear that would keep the bike at around 5-6k rpm.

On my new Baggy - with no rev counter - I grab about half a throttle turn, hit the rev limiter in 1st at 25mph, knock it into 2nd, grab half a throttle again, hit the limiter at 50mph and knock it up to 3rd for a short while then into 4th and keep to around 70-80 mph with around half throttle.

I know these bikes are all about low reving torque, and within a short while I will work out how not to hit the limiter. My question relates to how I should ride this bike - is it best to use the highest gear I can and ride it on the throttle, or should I use the gears and keep a light throttle?


I know on first reading this might seem the daftest question you've ever read on a forum, but I know that different engine configurations require a different style of riding. And I've never owned a single before!

[keithcross]

I know this is not much help, but its all about getting used to the engine characteristics. Try changing up a bit ealier and using the higher gears more, there is not much to be gained by hitting the rev limiter through the gears and it just wears the engine out quicker. I normally change up through the box asap and generallt I am in top by the time I reach 50mph.

Keith

[F0ul_Oli]

I spent the weekend on the bike and basically got to top as soon as I could - fantastic!

Just use the throttle like I was riding an automatic.

Very impressed - I also discovered that by stiffening the front a little and opening the throttle a lot, I can finaly do little wheelies - very good!

This bike is just so light - I'm mainly using 4th n 5th - and just chug everywhere!

It does get very cold though once u get to about 70 ish - any fairings available or should I start a new thread for that?

[keithcross]

No need to start another thread, just wear warmer cloths. Saves all that plasic making the bike heavier.
Anyway fairiings are for pussys

Keith Cross
MZ Baghira
GL1500 Goldwing

[F0ul_Oli]

[gedge]

Heated grips..... makes all the difference......Could be style problem though.. I shall see what they say about them on the 660 forum

[Brian]

If you short shift and the engine chugs and the bars vibrate then you need more revs next time then shift......I race my KX 500 SM then get on my MZ.... whoa it doesn't redline at 100,000 RPM's