[Vyxen]

Hi - I've got a 2010 RS-S, auto, and my dealer told me to run it at about 5,000 RPM. It's a lot different than how you would shift normally according to the engine sound.

What's the best RPM to run at for each speed zone? IE - 45 in 3rd or 4th gear? Does it matter?

Thanks for the feedback!

[monteg54]

Vyxen, on 10 November 2010 - 03:55 PM, said:

Hi - I've got a 2010 RS-S, auto, and my dealer told me to run it at about 5,000 RPM. It's a lot different than how you would shift normally according to the engine sound.

What's the best RPM to run at for each speed zone? IE - 45 in 3rd or 4th gear? Does it matter?

Thanks for the feedback!

wow, no takers on this one? I guess I'll give it a go. firstly, your dealer is a doofus. Granted my RT doesn't like low rpm running, but under casual takeoff I end up in 5th gear at 40mph minimum, whatever that works up to in rpm. Also granted that at 70mph mine is at 5150 rpm. My issue is that first is too fast and 5th is too low. Maybe in the future BRP will spread the ratios out to make first lower and 5th higher for maybe a 70 mph at say 4000 rpm. This is just my opinion.

[NorthStar]

Vyxen, on 10 November 2010 - 03:55 PM, said:

Hi - I've got a 2010 RS-S, auto, and my dealer told me to run it at about 5,000 RPM. It's a lot different than how you would shift normally according to the engine sound.

What's the best RPM to run at for each speed zone? IE - 45 in 3rd or 4th gear? Does it matter?

Thanks for the feedback!

I must admit that I tend not to base my shifts primarily on rpm and speed. I try to get the machine into the gear that makes the trike "feel" as smooth as possible at the particular speed that I am driving. Most people agree that the optimal performance power band is around 6500 rpm for the Spyder. If your primary objective is speed, then don't be afraid to keep the revs on the high end while shifting. However, if you are looking for a less spirited ride, and want to minimize fuel consumption, shift and run your machine at lower revs without lugging the transmission. And lastly, every machine seems to have its unique operating comfort zone so don't be afraid to experiment with your Spyder until you find what works best for you.

[Norb]

BRP technical goup reccomends shifting points between 2500 and 3000 rpm under normal conditions.

[Trickie Dick]

Norb, on 01 December 2010 - 12:08 PM, said:

BRP technical goup reccomends shifting points between 2500 and 3000 rpm under normal conditions.

Where did you hear that? It downshifts automatically around 2800 rpm. I shift between 4500 and 5000 rpm under normal conditions. Higher, if I want performance. It has been designed to be a high reving engine. Unfortunately mileage suffers because of it.

[Norb]

I actually called the BRP/Spyder tech group and asked the question. This is what I was told. But as you pointed out, the engine is a high rev design. My assumption is that is doesn't make any difference.

[Roger]

Vyxen, on 10 November 2010 - 03:55 PM, said:

Hi - I've got a 2010 RS-S, auto, and my dealer told me to run it at about 5,000 RPM. It's a lot different than how you would shift normally according to the engine sound.

What's the best RPM to run at for each speed zone? IE - 45 in 3rd or 4th gear? Does it matter?

Thanks for the feedback!

The best judgement is your self after you have ridden for awhile you will know what your bike likes and this also depends on if you are riding hard and fast or a casually. I know what you mean about that 45mph 3rd or 4th i will usaully go to third because the bike likes high rpm's. vroooom vrooom

[Ken5517]

Norb, on 01 December 2010 - 12:08 PM, said:

BRP technical goup reccomends shifting points between 2500 and 3000 rpm under normal conditions.

Those rpm's will lug the engine -to low

[sabunim5]

Ken5517, on 02 December 2010 - 02:17 PM, said:

Those rpm's will lug the engine -too low

+1

[Trickie Dick]

Norb, on 02 December 2010 - 12:34 PM, said:

I actually called the BRP/Spyder tech group and asked the question. This is what I was told. But as you pointed out, the engine is a high rev design. My assumption is that is doesn't make any difference.

Ride it like you stole it!!!

[zeebill]

Seems like if you shift or stay above 5000 RPM's gas mileage suffers greatly. I get lousey gas mileage whatever I shift at and RPM's do influence it negatively even further. Shifting at 2800 is really lugging the engine versus the power band they have engineered into it. I even wonder what this engine would do if they put an overdrive ratio in the tranny for 5th gear lets say? With the power band the way they have it set up would it even pull a ratio set up to save fuel?

The RT is much worse on fuel than the RS I had previously due I guess to weight, shape, and gearing. I thought the RS was bad but this is maybe getting an average of around 26 MPG where as the RS was around 28 or so. I have found that if you burn high test without the ethanol added the MPG goes up around 1 MPG versus the above mentioned for regular with the ethanol added. I wish our stupid legislators would realize how badly that dam ethanol sabotages any economy slanted efforts using regular and eliminate it from the blend we have to run. Runs on the flat and in lower 4th gear range seem to be the best ground for MPG I can find here in WV but that kind of ground here in the Mountain State is rare.

I would characterise the trike as being fun to ride and expensive to maintain and feed. Bill

[sinkhole]

RT a/c, running solo, running in 5th gear generally above 45 (unless pulling hard, or on an incline).
Average fuel consumption over 5800 miles burning 91/93 octane = 32.54 mpg. I'm happy.

[Sarge707]

If you want the BEST Milleage Shift After 4,000 (So Its Smooth) and keep it at 3,600-4,000 rpms (Unless you are going up an incline?) I ride However I feel that Day!!

[D YATES]

Sarge707, on 12 February 2011 - 06:24 PM, said:

If you want the BEST Milleage Shift After 4,000 (So Its Smooth) and keep it at 3,600-4,000 rpms (Unless you are going up an incline?) I ride However I feel that Day!!

I agree ride to what feel is best, and only worry if you start hearing the valves bouncing and you see a trail of engine parts on the ground in the mirrors, only joking I find if you listen to the revs from the motor that is the best way for me to change gears.
enjoy

[Gruemeyer]

D YATES, on 13 February 2011 - 04:48 PM, said:

I agree ride to what feel is best, and only worry if you start hearing the valves bouncing and you see a trail of engine parts on the ground in the mirrors, only joking I find if you listen to the revs from the motor that is the best way for me to change gears.
enjoy

A small side avenue for this thread.. I just picked up my new RS.. Did anyone really care what the MPG was? It was not even a factor for me. Can Am Spyder = Cool was the only equation for me.

[Plzdvm]

Gruemeyer, on 27 March 2011 - 12:22 PM, said:

A small side avenue for this thread.. I just picked up my new RS.. Did anyone really care what the MPG was? It was not even a factor for me. Can Am Spyder = Cool was the only equation for me.

Ditto...

[Y-me]

true.

Mileage was not a high consideration or else I would have ended up on a 250cc...