Cruising RPM after break-in period?

[tuanogus]

I'm on mile 350 with the new bike ('09 M696) and, per the manual, been keeping RPM below 6000. Right now I tend to cruise along between 2700 and 4000 RPM, going higher when necessary. I suspect that's a bit low once the bike breaks-in, but I really don't know. So, my question is, what RPM should I ride at when cruising down the road (post break-in)?

[herm]

depends whether you want a sporty ride (winding out the rmp's) or a smoother, even ride (lower rmp's)
IMO, these bikes are designed to operate between 5500 and 7000 rmps. thats more of the sporty ride zone.

bottom line...it really depends what kind of ride you are looking for

[ducpainter]

depends whether you want a sporty ride (winding out the rmp's) or a smoother, even ride (lower rmp's)
IMO, these bikes are designed to operate between 5500 and 7000 rmps. thats more of the sporty ride zone.

bottom line...it really depends what kind of ride you are looking for

It also depends on the bike.

herm rides a 1K...

I ride a 900. I tend to ride in the 4K range. I think it makes the bike less sensitive to throttle adjustments and easier to ride in the twisties. I very rarely ride the highway.

Both of those bikes make more torque than your 696 so you're going to have to find the right rpm for your bike and riding style.

[herm]

It also depends on the bike.

herm rides a 1K...

I ride a 900. I tend to ride in the 4K range. I think it makes the bike less sensitive to throttle adjustments and easier to ride in the twisties. I very rarely ride the highway.

Both of those bikes make more torque than your 696 so you're going to have to find the right rpm for your bike and riding style.

good point, i should have qualified my opinion on this.
thanks nate

[tuanogus]

Ya, honestly, I prefer 4500 +/- RPM. It seems to be the sweetspot. Maybe that's fine for now (during the break-in) and later. Thanks for chiming in.

[Smokescreen]

according to most 696 reports, you'll want to add a tooth to the rear sprocket, then in reality, at freeway speeds you'll cruise in sixth at whatever rpm your speed dictates. 

On my S2R1K I cruise at just below 4K RPM now that I've got a FatDuc O2 manipulator in.  Below 3500 the low frequency vibes seem to shake the cluster more than I like.  However, on a smaller (probably higher revving) motor, you'll likely cruise comfortably at 4500RPM.  On my SV650 I cruised around town at ~4500 and kept the RPM up around 7000RPM when riding the twistys..  Of course the SV650 lump winds out to 11500RPM; likely a bit more than your 696.  So you'll be utilizing that low down (in motorcycle terms) torque only a 2 valve twin or a thumper can provide.

[almazing]

From my experience, the 696 vibrates at 4K RPMs and below. It feels like it's really bogging. I always keep mine above 5.5k RPMs on the freeway. On-off throttle isn't as abrupt at higher RPMs. On the street, it's usually at 4.5k RPMs for cruising.

[tuanogus]

Thanks for the replies! This confirms a few things for me.