
GSX250R shifting speeds are categorized into two types: 1. Daily commuting speeds: For daily commuting, considerations include comfort, flexibility, and fuel efficiency. After starting in 1st gear, shift to 2nd gear once exceeding 10 km/h. Maintain 2nd gear for congested low-speed conditions with cruising speeds of 20-30 km/h. Use 3rd gear for urban medium-speed conditions with cruising speeds of 30-40 km/h. Shift to 4th gear for suburban medium-high-speed conditions with cruising speeds of 40-60 km/h. Use 5th gear for intercity high-speed conditions with cruising speeds of 60-80 km/h. 2. Competitive driving speeds: For track racing, considerations include stability, responsiveness, and control. Launch at 6500 rpm in 1st gear to achieve maximum acceleration with peak torque. If the front wheel lifts, lightly tap the rear brake pedal. Shift to 2nd gear at 8000 rpm, maintaining engine speed above 6500 rpm after shifting. Shift to 3rd gear at 8000 rpm, still keeping rpm above 6500 rpm. Shift to 4th gear at 8000 rpm, maintaining >6500 rpm, then shift to 5th gear at 8000 rpm. Competitive speeds typically range between 90-140 km/h, with engine rpm maintained between 6500-10000 rpm.

I usually commute on my GSX250R and shift gears based on the tachometer. During the break-in period for a new bike, it's recommended to shift around 4000 RPM to protect the engine and ensure smooth operation. The twin-cylinder engine has good low-end torque, so there's no need to deliberately rev high in city riding—shifting between first and second gear in the 20-30 km/h range is enough for stop-and-go traffic. On highways, it's advisable to shift to fifth or sixth gear above 60 km/h for smoother power delivery. The key is to avoid lugging the engine in high gears at low speeds; if the engine starts to vibrate, it's a sign to downshift. After riding 5,000 km, I noticed that gear shifts are slightly slower when starting cold, but they become smooth once the oil circulates.

When riding the GSX250R on mountain roads, I prefer to shift gears above 6000 RPM for the most aggressive power delivery. Start quickly in first gear and shift to second, maintain second gear until 50 km/h before upshifting to third, and downshift with throttle blip before corners to keep the revs high. Although it's a small-displacement bike, delaying shifts allows for crisper acceleration out of turns. For daily riding, there's no need to push it—shifting at 4000-5000 RPM is fuel-efficient enough. Avoid holding the clutch lever too long; quick shifts maximize the advantage of the slipper clutch.

From a mechanical perspective, shifting the GSX250R based on RPM is more accurate than relying on speed. It is recommended to operate within the 4000-7000 RPM range. Below 3500 RPM, lugging can damage the crankshaft, while exceeding 8000 RPM for extended periods accelerates high-load wear. The reasonable speed range for each gear is: 1st gear 0-25 km/h, 2nd gear 25-40 km/h, 3rd gear 40-60 km/h, with each subsequent gear increasing by approximately 15 km/h. Develop the habit of anticipating road conditions, such as downshifting progressively when approaching a red light to utilize engine braking and reduce brake burden.

New riders, don't be nervous with this bike. Remember the simple rhyme: 'Start steady in first gear, shift to second past twenty, third at forty, fourth at fifty, keep sixth for highways.' Keep the tachometer around 5000 RPM for safety—downshift when the engine sounds dull, upshift when it's sharp. Focus on finding the clutch's friction point during practice; gently apply throttle as you release the clutch to avoid jerking. After a few hundred kilometers, muscle memory will take over naturally.


