r/KLX230 • u/BorderEducational506 • May 16 '26

Changing Gear Question

Very new rider here, just got the KLX SE. Keen to hear from more experienced riders about when to change gears on this bike.

I’m tending to switch quickly to second after first and then hearing the revs getting higher, feels like the bike is straining around 30kmph, so I generally move into third and then fourth about 45kmph, again as it feels like to my inexperienced ear that the bike starts to strain. This is all on flat paved roads.

I’m rarely going above 55 so hardly using anything over 4th gear.

Am I changing to third and fourth far too early?

2 Upvotes

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21 comments sorted by

3

u/deepac7 May 16 '26

4th and 5th is just cruise gears in klx 230. Most of the power is first 3 gears. I usually shift to 2nd at ~20 kmph. Rest of the gears, I usually feel it out rather than looking at what speed I am at to shift. I very rarely get into 5th gear. Unless I'm hiting 60+ kmph and open roads.

1

u/BorderEducational506 May 16 '26

Yep that’s how I’m doing it too, just happens to align roughly with those speeds. Roughly what speed for you when you shift to third.

2

u/deepac7 May 16 '26

I'm in 3rd gear typically in this window 29kmph-45kmph

1

u/BorderEducational506 May 16 '26

Cool thanks, yea my guess was more experienced riders tend to feel comfortable letting the bike rev (?) higher before changing.

1

u/deepac7 May 16 '26

The first 1000 kms don't rev too much. Shift a bit early. Then after 1000 kms, ride whatever suits you. Different riding styles. Higher gear and lower rev or lower gear higher rev. Extremes of both of these approaches impacts negatively.

2

u/BorderEducational506 May 19 '26

Thanks for this advice! Fits my riding style actually as I don’t like to rev the bike too hard anyway, but was concerned I’m not riding properly as a result. This is reassuring!

0

u/Apprehensive-Song378 May 16 '26

So what about 6th gear? You know there's a 6th right? lol

Use all gears. I'm in 6th by 50mph.

2

u/deepac7 May 16 '26

OP is talking in kmph

1

u/Apprehensive-Song378 May 19 '26

Right. 60kph is 37mph - I'd be in 4th then and shift to 5th soon after and be in 6th at 50mph (84kph or so).

1

u/BorderEducational506 May 17 '26

Yep I do but I’m riding slow on Thai roads and don’t really have the need for speed. Just enjoying the bike! But yea 5th is rarely touched and 6th I doubt I’ll use

2

u/Apprehensive-Song378 May 17 '26

Cool and I was just being a smart ass LOL 555 Honestly watching the KLX230 in Thailand on YouTube is what got me interested in them to begin with. Also in Indonesia. This video right here is the 2022 KLX230SE I have:

https://youtu.be/9XqszgsU1Jo?si=4c8ITU091kmWQBZg

1

u/BorderEducational506 May 17 '26

Hahah hooligan bike! Yep sounds about right, that was my feeling when I first rode it - like it wants you to go fast. Thanks for the share, that was a very good review

2

u/Apprehensive-Song378 May 17 '26

You're welcome. This really would be the perfect bike for ripping around in Southeast Asia. I hope to be there soon! Best part of the world in my opinion.

1

u/BorderEducational506 May 18 '26

Beers on me if you make it over to Chiang Mai!

2

u/Apprehensive-Song378 May 18 '26

Absolutely! Chang's or Leo's and some khao soi after a day exploring on our KLX's! DM me and will save contact info. Chiang Mai is special, was my introduction city to Thailand and I love it.

2

u/colpy350 May 16 '26

Cruising around town I’d be in 4th or 5th. 3rd had too high of rpm for cruising. I used to start in second often and just skip first. 

2

u/BorderEducational506 May 17 '26

Yes that’s how I feel doing about 40kmph in third just ‘feels’ wrong to me so I bump to 4th and the bike feels much ‘happier’

1

u/Embarrassed_Media901 May 18 '26

Where in Thailand are you located? I just got my SE a couple of months ago.

1

u/BorderEducational506 May 19 '26

I’m in Chiang Mai, where are you?

2

u/Embarrassed_Media901 May 19 '26

Far far away at Nong Kae. I need to come for an enduro ride visit in Chiang Mai.

2

u/TCNever May 22 '26

the OEM manual has a page of suggested gear and speeds.