How much time do you spend north of 4K RPM's?

[Muleears]

I spend very little time there. Am I a particularly slow driver or am I damaging my bike by not hitting 6K+ every now and then? I don't want to gunk anything up by my sedate (and rational) driving style. Any input? Do I need to hit 7K now and then to keep things "cleaned out"? I remember on my old diesel (cars) we used to do "italian tune ups" (no offense to Italians intended ) In which we found the steepest hill or longest straightaway we could find and kept it at the redline as long as possible. Theory being it would blow out accumulated carbon.

Just wondering what everyone else does....

[SgtSlag]

It's rare we climb above 4k RPM -- we're both casual drivers. If you are concerned about gunk, treat your gas tank to some SeaFoam once a month. It dissolves varnish (great PM for the fuel system), and it does a host of other cleansings within the engine. I use it to preserve my gas in the bike, during Winter storage (around 5 months, typically -- will preserve gasoline for up to 24 months), as well as the aforementioned PM's. Have not had a carb issue in over four years! Bike runs superbly, all gears, all RPM range. No issues, no concerns. Cheers!

[Muleears]

It's rare we climb above 4k RPM -- we're both casual drivers. If you are concerned about gunk, treat your gas tank to some SeaFoam once a month. It dissolves varnish (great PM for the fuel system), and it does a host of other cleansings within the engine. I use it to preserve my gas in the bike, during Winter storage (around 5 months, typically -- will preserve gasoline for up to 24 months), as well as the aforementioned PM's. Have not had a carb issue in over four years! Bike runs superbly, all gears, all RPM range. No issues, no concerns. Cheers!

Yes, I use Sea Foam already for just the reasons you mentioned. Good to know I'm not the only slow driver!

[viper]

I ride to relax and not stress myself....I may crank it up to 4-5,000 rpm on an occasional run up but very short distance. I also use Seafoam to keep the carbs clean.
These machines are bullet proof and with TLC, they will perform very well.

May you all have a great riding season with plenty of happy miles and smiles.

[Muleears]

This is OT put I started the thread so I can do that! How long does it take your bikes to warm up to ridability level? Mine seems very cold blooded. It takes 2-3 minutes of choke to get running smooth then another minute or two to run smoothly without the choke. Even then it hesitates a little if I try to ride too soon. Carbs were rebuilt about 200 miles ago. I use sea foam frequently.

[grumpin]

This is of course my opinion. I don't think my bike likes the choke. Have it on full to start then fairly quickly back it down. Unless it's really cold or I haven't run it for awhile, then I use more choke and longer. It will idle happily with the choke off. The thing I notice if it is not warmed up is shifting into second, won't go without going over 3000 RPM. There was a post on this recently. I try to let it warm up good before I go, but can't always. I was working on it last night and hadn't run it for at least a week. Choke on, hit the starter and it fired up so quick it surprised me.

[Muleears]

If mine hasn't run for a few days it won't start without the choke and definetly won't idle without it for at least 90 sec. I usually start at full choke for 30 sec. or so then when the rpms come up I can back it off a little. But I don't feel comfortable driving till its warmed properly. I saw the thread on the second gear shift, I have never noticed it not shifting. Maybe I always go over 3K in first.

[Mr Jensee]

The way the Voyager XII is designed, running in the neighborhood of 2800 to 3500 rpm is where it is happy. My car, a Sonata, is only running 2100 rpm going down the highway at 70mph. Nobody at the dealership has told me to rev it up to 4 or 5 thousand rpm to make it run better. Neither is it necessary to do so on the 4 cylinder Voyager. Like everyone here says, a little fuel treatment every few tank fulls and the bike will run happily for many years. As for idling when cold, I choke it but adjust the choke to have it idle between 1500 and 2000 rpm till it warms up. This way the oil gets circulating and lubricating to minimize damage to the rings.

[metric]

I'm with Mr Jensee choke it to 2000 rpm to warm up the engine, and from time to time kick it to 5000 to 6000 rpm to clean the carbs. at 6000 rpm in 3rd gear you do 70+ miles per hours you guys are forgetting the voyager is a bore out Kawasaki Ninja 1000cc engine...

[cushman eagle]

I hardly ever get my '99 over 4000.It has enough torque that shifting at 3500 -4000 will easily blend into traffic in most conditions .Now my 4 cylinder Ford Ranger needs everything it's got to blend into traffic ,if it is very heavy.

[SgtSlag]

Metric, I know what you mean... When we need to pass someone on a two-lane, we (wife and I) never bother to downshift from 5th -- we just crack the throttle (in overdrive!) and leave them in our dust. These bikes have tremendous power which we (wife and I) rarely tap into, but it is there... Just in case we need it. That is one of the things I love about this bike. It really is a bit of a sleeper.


On those occasions where I need to pass someone, I admit, beneath my modular helmet, I am not only smiling, I am laughing, out loud, with the sheer joy of the acceleration and power at my fingertips. It looks like a big, heavy, behemoth, until I crack the throttle and loose the horses inside. Did I mention that I/we love these bikes? Cheers!

[kjsett]

Since much of my riding is on the hiways of Phoenix, AZ, I get many opportunities to "Crack the Throttle".
IMHO, racing the engine to clean it out was a necessity for smaller engines in the "Leaded" gas days. Lead deposits would build up (my 64 Triumph TR4 back in the 70's for example) and from time to time need to be "blown out".
I think since the build up nowadays is from Corn byproducts building up when allowed to coat the walls of our carburetors (not good for fuel injection either), that probably doesn't "Blow Out". I think an occasional Seafoam treatment would be the best thing and not stress our engines up in the redline area (reason for that line).
Really, I do wish Carl would weigh in on this as his opinion would probably carry the greatest weight in decision making.
As to choke, my '03 Voy needs about 1/2 choke usually for a morning start if run regularly, and full for just a few seconds if not run for a week (then back to 1/2). I usually only need that for about 30 seconds to a minute, but then didn't i say i live in Phoenix.
I think your need for choke will vary from riding habits and temperature and last time ridden. Still, I don't like to let it to race with a lot of choke dumping fuel in for any longer than it takes me to adjust it down. Occasionally I do need to adjust the idle speed knob down the left side of the bike to keep it idling fast enough so it doesn't die at lights when still a little cold (about 800 rpm on the tach).
This works for me, but as to getting the oil flowing, T6 5w-40 takes no time at all (listed as a synth). I know from observation that Synth saves starters and engine wear (brother in law was on his 3rd starter in his almost same diesel PU during the same time mine was and is still on 1st-Colorado).
Just sayin,
Ken

[debron]

I get north of 4K on two occasions --

First, when pulling out on the highway where traffic is moving along at 60-70 mph. I get up to speed as quickly as possible, which on the XII is in very short order, often I'm still in 2nd when I run out of speed limit!

Second, many of the two-lane roads around here are curvy and the opportunities to pass can be few and far between and the straight stretches short. Therefore if I want to pass, I need to pass now! I kick it down one or two gears and I can get from 45 to 80 in a flash and pass grandpa-farmer before he knows I'm there!

But other than that, really, I'm a fairly laid back rider. I generally keep the rpm's below 3500. I like cruising at or just slightly above the speed limit.

[kjsett]

I get north of 4K on two occasions --

First, when pulling out on the highway where traffic is moving along at 60-70 mph. I get up to speed as quickly as possible, which on the XII is in very short order, often I'm still in 2nd when I run out of speed limit!

Second, many of the two-lane roads around here are curvy and the opportunities to pass can be few and far between and the straight stretches short. Therefore if I want to pass, I need to pass now! I kick it down one or two gears and I can get from 45 to 80 in a flash and pass grandpa-farmer before he knows I'm there!

But other than that, really, I'm a fairly laid back rider. I generally keep the rpm's below 3500. I like cruising at or just slightly above the speed limit.

my 79 xs1100 yamaha was quick to get to 90 when needed. Back in the late 80's early 90's i would ride that (very top heavy with the old add on fairings) bike to the coast or Bend from Eugene and yes, passing lanes few and far between. So I would get behind someone doing less than the speed limit (usually 55mph) and hit it. Usually was doing 85+ by the time I came up along side, then would slow back down to 55-60mph on the other side. Sure that some thought I was strange (an ongoing condition). Most places you could possibly pass were very short and with a blind curve where you don't know what logging truck was about to appear in front of you. Oh the good times (chip trucks and poultry/pigs/cattle trucks are not to be followed at any times either ).

Yah know, someone has to think these thoughts..... such a burden sometimes.

[lockwoodjohn]

Hi Everyone.
I do pretty much what everyone else does, I do the Seafoam thing also. Both Fuel
and Engine(at oil change time) . I do every once in awhile run over 4 grand. Went over 5500
grand once with wife on back. Not the smartest thing I ever did, Got Hit on top of the head
by passenger. Was told that she stopped looking at the speedo once it hit 85 mph. Wait ' till
I tell her that the Voyager engine is a bored out Ninja motor and it had alot more to go!!!!



lockwoodjohn

[the2knights]

Hello,

Guess I am a little more aggressive with throttle than many. I would be be hard pressed to find a day I don't run the fun needle way past pointing north. I have a couple of favorite on ramps of course, plus we have some fun twisting roads here in the Bloomington, IN area. I still like to cruise and keep the tach below 3200. I too like to jump out and pass on a 2 lane road. Us Sea foam about once a month or so in gas. Have not tried in oil, but did change oil before heading off to work today.

[carl leo]

i take my voyager up through the gears on a regular basis, these engines are bulletproof and seem to like a bit of stick. i use Rotella T 15/40 and have great results with it. the use of a particular oil is a personal preference. i remember well the great oil wars on the sites several years ago and i will refrain from endorsing a brand. i have used seafoam but do not concider it to be a fix all for the ethynol problems encountered on machines left idle for months......carl

[Muleears]

i have used seafoam but do not concider it to be a fix all for the ethynol problems encountered on machines left idle for months......carl

Carl, I think much of the fuel I use has 10% ethanol. Should I be using an additive like Sta-bil to negate the bad effects of the ethanol? Or better yet, find ethanol free fuel? I use Seafoam to keep my carbs clean, I didn't know it was useful to combat ethanol. Or should I only need something to address the ethanol situation when the bike will be stored for a period of time? Wouldn't it be simpler to make sure your last tank or two before long term storage doesn't contain ethanol? Then maybe some Sta-bil for good measure (to keep the gas fresh)?

Sorry for going OT again, but like I said before, this is my thread so.....

[carl leo]

i have been told the marine sta-bil is better for machines using the 10% ethy. i try to always buy the non ethy. fuel if possible.......

[SgtSlag]

I've been storing my bike (had three until 2012) with SeaFoam treated gasoline for five months storage, on average. Since I started using SeaFoam in my bike(s), around 2007, I have not had any fuel-related issues. None. I only burn 10% Ethanol, as there is only one pump, that I know of, that serves pure, Ethanol-free, gasoline, in my city of 106,000 people!

SeaFoam will preserve/stabilize gasoline for up to 24 months. After that, it will turn to green goo -- learned this when my Father left his bike for 3-4 years in storage (gas had been treated with SeaFoam, prior to storage), after he had a stroke. I had to clean it up for a sale.

I treated the engine on my '79 Honda 750 with SeaFoam in the crankcase, at 12k miles, for the first time. Idled it, through all gears, on the center stand, until the oil hit 180 F (temp. gauge installed), then I drained it: coal black, had been a dark caramel color prior to adding the SeaFoam).

I treated it again, 3,000 miles later, same procedure: oil never darkened from its caramel color. Ran it 300 miles, then drained it to be safe. My '79 started its life with API SH oil. I was running SM/SN oils. There is no comparing the quality of API SH and SM/SN oils -- they are quite a bit different. I think the modern API oils (JASO is another thing, so leave that out of the conversation for now) are high enough quality that I won't need to treat the crankcase again, as the modern oils won't leave deposits like the old, low quality oils did.

When I treated my other engines with SeaFoam in their crankcases. the only engine which turned its oil black, was a '75 Ford truck (started its life with API SG oils?). All of my other engines were from '96 forward, and they had API oils of SL, or newer, I believe.

The JASO rating is only relevant to the Energy Conserving/Friction Modifier additive packages. Any oil which does not have these chemicals, will be safe for wet clutches (diesel oils do not have these additives, and they are all API rated for use in automobiles). The older API oils, like SG, are still sold, which is why I bother to bring them up -- take a gander at your local Wal-Mart's shelves, you will find some of it sitting there.

As with anything, YMMV. Cheers!