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Changing gears - proper timing

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smcohenmd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote smcohenmd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Changing gears - proper timing
    Posted: 03 May 2018 at 11:45
Hey there,

New rider on MG California, 2017 and a fairly new rider.

What is the optimal RPM to change gears on my bike?

Is it better for the engine to wait until 4-5K RPM to shift, or at lower RPM?

Lots of different information and need solid advise from experienced riders.


stephen cohen
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Barry View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Barry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2018 at 11:52
Dude, it's a Guzzi! You can ride it in different mindsets, chug-a-lug, calm cruising, or winding it on! Change when you fancy it - you can change low rpm and thud-thud-thud away, or you can rev it high and discover a whole new power band.  You'll quickly discover what's too low, when it doesn't pull as readily as it might.

You should be aiming to (learn to) change by 'ear' and conditions/circumstance rather than by looking at a number on the dial.

I own a different model California (an 850), so can't give you 'ball park" guidance, but I think there are some other 1400 owners on here who might be able to say "try aiming for this sort of rev band for a starter".

And welcome! 
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Ken-Guzzibear View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ken-Guzzibear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2018 at 12:06
There is no ideal rev band, more a feel depending what you want to do at low ranges they just chug ...midrange is great for bumbling but light 'em up (comparatively speaking) and you will be in illegal speeds rather rapidly
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Dave P. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dave P. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2018 at 12:11
Just keep it spinning freely.In deference to the transmission, especially the UJ,don't labour it in low rev's.This imposes shock loads on the drive train that you can well do without.Mr Richardson of Guzziology fame states that he always tries to stay above 3500 rpm on any Guzzi.Though trickling along in intermediate gears on a whiff of throttle through the traffic at say 2500 rpm should be fine.
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Mike H View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike H Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2018 at 17:33
+1 with Barry, as with other vehicles, all depends on speed and load etc. at the time.


"Chicken nuggets don't dance on a Tuesday."
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steve View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote steve Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 2019 at 21:34
my guzzi clunks when I change gear any ideas how to stop this
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Chris A View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris A Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 2019 at 22:13
I re shimmed my gearbox because of this Steve but it still sounds like someone threw a brick in when going into first !Maybe the shifting forks needed attention but it's been like that for 95,000 miles and not broken.....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iansoady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr 2019 at 12:35
My gearchange is lovely - in fact it foes into first when at rest absolutely silently - so much so that sometimes I doubt it's in. Downchanges do need a blip of the throttle and it takes more than I thought it would originally but I can generally get it pretty silent if I concentrate. Upchanges (at least 3-4 and 4-5) can be done easily without the clutch.

On the other hand there's still a whine at about 3,500 rpm.......
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Ken-Guzzibear View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ken-Guzzibear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2019 at 11:43
Guzzis do clunk into gear, no issue, top tip add some superslip or moly to gear oil ..they DO take over 15000 miles to really loosen up Setting the clutch spot on really makes a difference. Easy to do but you have to take time loosen it at bars, then set at gearbox end making very sure arm is spot on, then reset at the bars with again spot on at the bars ..... it will reward you with easier gearchange easier neutral and a much more enjoyable riding experience. 
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Mike H View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike H Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2019 at 21:09

Latterly I used 75-W140 I think it was, plus a dab of moly, did help a lot, also I adopted the up change method that was the only one that worked properly on a CD175 I had, viz pull the pedal up, pull the clutch and shut throttle all simultaneously.


Originally posted by steve steve wrote:

my guzzi clunks when I change gear any ideas how to stop this


Try a Ural! Up, BANG! BANG! BANG! Down, BANG! BANG! BANG! LOL

You can hear it on my ride videos (Valve Geek on YouTube)


"Chicken nuggets don't dance on a Tuesday."
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Ben. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ben. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 May 2019 at 17:55
Hi Stephen - It's not an answer to your question exactly, and you may know already, but --
If you put and hold a little pre-load pressure on the gear lever, then pull in the clutch, the gear will often slip in when the revs are right.

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