Shift Speeds GS1000G

[j_fitz7]

Can someone tell me the redline shift points in MPH for a 1980 GS1000G.

My tach is no good and i am curious.

1st = xx mph?
2nd = xx mph?
3rd = xx mph?
4th = xx mph?
5th = xx mph?


Thanks,
J

[spchips]

Just after the power stops increasing.

Right before it feels like it's going to blow up.

If you can read the speedo, you're not hammering it hard enough/not paying attention to the road.

[j_fitz7]

anyone know?

[Griffin]

Hang on, I'll look it up and get back to you...

[Griffin]

According to the August 1980 edition of Cycle, maximum speed in gears at engine redline for the 1980 GS1000GT are as follows:

1st - 52.8 mph
2nd - 74.2 mph
3rd - 95.6 mph
4th - 117.2 mph
5th - 137.2 mph

This bike as tested did not have enough power to pull redline in 5th gear.

Hope this helps.

[Grandpa]

Just after the power stops increasing.

Right before it feels like it's going to blow up.

If you can read the speedo, you're not hammering it hard enough/not paying attention to the road.

Totally agree, spchips.

j_fitz7, learn to shift when it must be shifted. Stop looking down at speedo, learn to ride your GS1000G, get used to it, and enjoy it.

[Griffin]

When somebody is trying to get the "feel" of a new bike, a tachometer is rather handy in learning when to shift by "feel", as well as actual engine revs. If the tach isn't functioning, the speedo can serve the same purpose, once one learns how rpms correlate to mph at certain gears.

They put tachometers on there for a reason...

[chef1366]

Redline........................

[Grandpa]

When somebody is trying to get the "feel" of a new bike, a tachometer is rather handy in learning when to shift by "feel", as well as actual engine revs. If the tach isn't functioning, the speedo can serve the same purpose, once one learns how rpms correlate to mph at certain gears.

They put tachometers on there for a reason...

Nonsense, Griffin. I had a MotoGuzzi Eldorado Police for 7 years back in the early 80's. It didn't have a tach, nor did it need one.

None of my GS shafties, since my first one in 1986, have needed a tach. One goes by feel. Period. I have a digital clock on the face of my tach. I look at the time, not the rpm's.

There's no reason to have a tachometer on a GS shafty. None whatsoever.

[Dogma]

There's no reason to have a tachometer on a GS shafty. None whatsoever.

Well, that may be a bit hyperbolic. Of course there are reasons. Any engine without a rev-limiter should have a tach if you plan to go anywhere near redline. Also, a tach is handy for various tuning chores and problem diagnosis. For everyday riding around town, probably not necessary.

Out of curiosity, what difference does being a shaft-drive bike make?

[Griffin]

Nonsense, Griffin. I had a MotoGuzzi Eldorado Police for 7 years back in the early 80's. It didn't have a tach, nor did it need one.

None of my GS shafties, since my first one in 1986, have needed a tach. One goes by feel. Period. I have a digital clock on the face of my tach. I look at the time, not the rpm's.

There's no reason to have a tachometer on a GS shafty. None whatsoever.

The guy asks a simple question, gets two unhelpful, critical answers, and now this statement emerges.

I know you've ridden a half million miles on a GS sharftie. I know you've been riding since Jesus was in diapers. I know you've done it all on a GS shaftie, and know everything about them. :roll:

Fine, then either share your knowledge with someone who asks a simple question, or ignore the post. There's no need to jump his ass and imply he's an idiot.

[Grandpa]

Out of curiosity, what difference does being a shaft-drive bike make?

The GS shafties all have just two valves per cylinder. They're all tuned very mildly, compared with the 16-valvers, with broad powerbands.

[Grandpa]

I did not imply that the guy's an idiot. I told him that on a GS shaftie like his 1000G, he should go by feel instead of by speed.

I did share my knowledge with him. So bug off.

I'm out.

[chef1366]

Sorry, I didn't see that his tach was broken.

[lurch12_2000]

Can someone tell me the redline shift points in MPH for a 1980 GS1000G.

My tach is no good and i am curious.

J

When I first got my '83 GS1100G the tach did not work either. I bought a new cable for under $20 and replaced it. Pretty easy and quick. Lube the new cable before installing.
Tach makes maintenance easier and even though I shift by feel and experience(35 years), I still look at it periodically when riding. I've had bikes without tachs and don't like not being able to check what my engine is doing. Nice to get to know where your power band is on a new bike.