CBR650R CBR650R (LAMS) Gear Selection

[MrRaging]

I've seen some threads on here already regarding gear selection and optimal rev ranges, but none specific to the LAMs version.

I live in a small rural town where most streets are 50 km/h, but I can't decide between 3rd or 4th as the optimal gear for that speed. 3rd makes it sound like the bike is revving high enough that it demands a higher gear, while 4th feels more suited for 55 km/h or higher, as it's a little bogged down at 45-50 km/h. I don't know the exact rpm for each gear, but if I recall correctly, 3rd at 50 km/h is around 3500 rpm, and 4th at 50 km/h is around 3000 rpm.

Based on what I've already read, keeping the revs at around 4000 rpm seems to be optimal (for unrestricted at least) for around-town cruising, but I swear if I was doing 4000 rpm in a 50 km/h zone, the bike would sound like it's screaming (stock exhaust), and I feel like people would look at me like I'm trying to rev the hell out of it or something 😅

 

[JRinKtown]

Regardless of the version, I think selecting the gear for the performance response you want or need depending on the conditions, traffic, side-street dangers and the like, is best. The more potential dangers there are, the lower the gear (to a point) for quick acceleration if needed.

So at 50 km/h perhaps 2nd, or 3rd at the highest if the need for a quick escape is present. If it's a good road with few intersections, then up a gear for less noise and better economy.

Depending on the gear the engine may sound like it's revving high, but it's likely not as high as it seems. Also, toward the middle rpm range keeps the engine a tad cleaner ;-)

 

[Cedar650]

If you're finding your most typical speed to be sitting somewhere uncomfortably between two gear ratios then you might benefit from a gearing change (front sprocket) to get you more comfortably in the ballpark. 95% of my riding in commuting for work and I don't hit a single road where the speed limit is higher than 60km/h, so with almost all of my bikes I end up dropping 1 tooth on the front sprocket to tighten up the ratios a bit and get me at a good cruising rpm around 60 to 65km/h.

 

[JDude]

Does a restricted CBR / CB 650R come with the same gearing ( front & rear sprockets ) as a regular version?

 

[Simonbt]

Does a restricted CBR / CB 650R come with the same gearing ( front & rear sprockets ) as a regular version?

Yep, sprockets should be the same - Just map and intakes that are modified for the LAMs/restricted version

 

[JDude]

That’s interesting, I would change the stock sprockets out. But I guess that would depend on whether I wanted to use all the gears or not.

 

[MrRaging]

So I think it was just a matter of getting used to the engine sound while sitting at ~50km/h in 3rd. Originally I thought it was screaming at me (more the air intake noise than engine noise?), now, after a few weeks I think it sounds awesome.

 

[Atreidae]

Hi first post here.
I'm in your boat too.. after spending my life driving big sixes and eights, jumping on a bike and "Crusing" at 4 grand hurts my soul
But I can say as you learn to ride, having the higher RPMs also helps with the stability of the bike. As you now have the crankshaft trying to hold it upright too.

Pitch the bike into a few corners at 3 grand vs 6 grand and you will find a lot more confidence in the lean over, even if you arent giving it the beans.