Redline or not?

I've got a 250 Ninja and I was wondering if it is better to redline your rpms before shifting to hit max speed?  I've been told yes and no but no explanations why.  I know it really doesnt matter for such a slow bike, but i would still like to know so i can try and keep up with my friends with their new 600's (that is their first bike, by the way)  

you'll be getting the most power to the ground if you shift just before the tach hits redline. most bikes are actually putting out peak hp a little below the redline (look at some dyno charts, you'll see what i mean)  

you really need to know the HP curve, and the gear ratios to determine the shift point.  But in general, it's fairly safe to say that you should shift at redline for max acceleration.  

Sport Rider answered that question with an '03 R6.  http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0402_art/index.html

Your 250 will be a little different.  But the same principle is probably involved.  So you too for maximum thrust will need to shift at a slightly lower RPM for each gear.

Unfortuneately, no mater where you shift, you won't be able to keep up with a 600 in a straight line.  Unless they let you.....  Throw in some bumpy corners, and speeds under 100 mph and you should be able to hang with them.


Chris  

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Unfortuneately, no mater where you shift, you won't be able to keep up with a 600 in a straight line.  Unless they let you.....  

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poor fellow, my apologies, but excellent choice for a first bike, the 250 was like my dream bike when I was twelve. i knew someday I was going to ride, and that's the only bike my dad would let me sit on at the dealership haha.  I always shift when the light comes on, I don't know if the little ninja has one or not.  But everything everyone else has said is more or less dead on advice.  Good luck with the 600's.  Oh my advice, take em to Deal's Gap, you should own there!