New M796ABS Gearing/etc

[ATL796]

Hi all.

Proud new owner of a 2011 796ABS. Have around 1200 miles on it in the 2.5'ish weeks I have had it. Love the bike. My 1st Duc.

Tried search but can't locate post's I want----


Question was referring to the tall gearing (I have the 14T front, as I live in a major city).

In and around the city (in the 15-40 MPH range), I really haven't been getting out of 3rd gear for the most part, and on the highway been staying in 4th and 5th gear for the 60-80 mph speed range.

--Does that sound like where you guys usually run it?

--What's everyone's typical cruise RPM/gear for 60-70 MPH?

I tend to listen to what bikes/cars/etc are telling me as far as what gear they want to be in, and it feels comfortable in those conditions I mentioned above.

Thoughts?

(threw a set of Leo's on as well, sounds really strong)

[geektb]

It doesn't matter what gear you're in as long as its the right one.

Not very helpful, I know, but that's the response I got when I asked my MSF instructor the same question years ago. At the time I thought he was being an ass but now I totally get it. It's a little like asking how tight you should wear your underwear

I also have a 796 but I don't have the 14T installed so I can't help much.

[McCoolidge]

I have a 14T on my 796, I just cruise in the 4K-4.5K range around town. Makes good sounds around there, and good power haha

[TonyDiv]

I just read about someone here on the forum who went to a 14 front / 41 tooth rear and was happy as can be with it. If you're not concerned about how far in to the triple digits you can get, it may be a good way to go.

The gearing on the 696 is completely different than the 796 and 1100. Those bikes have much taller gearing than their little brother and quite a few people say that they never use 6th gear.
(Even though the 696 is still geared a bit tall, I still use 6th all the time on the highway)

[ATL796]

Thanks for the replies, jives with what i've been doing......

Feels right and sounds right, good to go.......And on highway, have maybe seen 6th gear once or twice, above 90mph......

Now whats up with that gigantic nail in my rear tire????..... It's always something

[giantdefy]

I originally started with a 14T in the front on my 796. Still way too tall and needed to be above 90mph in order to get into 6th gear. Switched the rear to a 41T. Bike now rides smoother without the lugging. Still able to reach 120mph easily, but rarely go there anyway. Riding in the city is much much much nicer!! Riding in the twisties is even better. Feels like there is more control on the bike, transitions between shifting does not feel way off anymore. I hated it before when my revs were up and I go to shift up, only to feel the bike bog down. Not a good feeling. 14/41 gearing feels like there is much less stress on the motor and is always in the sweet spot of the RPM range. 6th gear can now be used for cruising at 75mph without lugging the motor.