RPM question - Ninja 250

[Orgmark]

Ninja 250

You probably know the 250 has a 13000 redline.
I never seem to go over 8000.
Am I riding this bike right?

[Ninjeff]

what do you mean you never go over 8000 rpm? Like, the BIKE wont rev past there....or you just never have a chance to get it above that?

[diablo13346]

what do you mean you never go over 8000 rpm? Like, the BIKE wont rev past there....or you just never have a chance to get it above that?

wat he said

[irishcarbomb]

just twist the wrist a bit more

[Orgmark]

OK - a bit confusing
Nothing wrong with the bike
8000 RPM is usually more than enough
to get from point A to B
It's my first bike so I'm a bit timid
Should I normally be revving this
thing closer to redline?

[AR250]

You don't have to ride it flat out all the time. Under 8k is just "moped mode" on the 250. It really turns into a different bike above 8k. On a "fun ride" I'll usually have a hard time staying under 8k if there are a lot of corners involved

[Ninjeff]

BUUUUuuuuuUUUUUuuuuuT...to directly answer your question:

No. No you shouldnt be reving the engine more. Thats all you need 8,000 rpm. If that what you are comfortable with, and it gets you where you are going SAFELY then thats all you need.

As a newer rider myself, w/ a 250r...it IS intimidating to rev an engine that high (it sounds like its going to explode at first, then you get used to it, then you dream about it.. ). But, give it time, as you get more and more comfortable with the bike, and being a rider, you'll increase your RPMs naturally. I know this because its what has been happening to me the past month or so. Just dont look at the Tach. Ride the bike by FEEL, not by rpm. Feel what the bike is doing, react, and ride, accordingly. Staring at the revs only makes your brain think things it doesnt need to be thinking at that moment. Just watch the road, learn to feel the bike, and before you know it your confidence will be up, your skill will be up, and so will your rpms.

[ervins]

Yeah as Ninjeff said you should never be redlining it unless you are wanting to go the fastest you can go. Normally I never go past 9k rpm on my bike...If I do I am seriously flying faster than I need to be and quick enough to get a major ticket or wreckless charge.

[diablo13346]

well jsut go up one mroe gear tahn u need while city riding so liek 2nd and for contru and open straights and stuff jsut gear up like in cars to keep the rpm's lower also that puts ALOT less stress on teh engine

[ZX-5R ninja]

going to the redline is fun but on my 500 only went to 11k but had no power so boring