Learning how to drive a manual, and what rpm to safely shift at for normal driving

[Santana'sCB7]

So I learned how to drive a manual more then a year ago but never own until now. So my question is, at what rpm is a safe and normal driving pattern? I have been shifting at 2500 to 3000 rpm, an I notice a difference like a slight bucking when leveling out at 2500, and 3000 seem to drop in nice an smooth. The clutch is 5 mth old. And catches high. Is the bucking at 2500 because I'm not shifting properly. But the buck is different then the I drop the cluck buck.

[cb7scott]

That bucking you feel is your transmission shifting into gear faster than your engine responding to keep up. In order to mitigate that, you'd have to physically get better at removing your foot from the clutch whilst preparing to give it some throttle. Practice, practice,practice.

[Raf99]

But keep practicing, you'll find the sweet spot where it doesn't want to buck. Technically if you granny shift it (shift at low rpms all the time / below 3Krpm) it should be smooth with no bucking. Just make sure you are letting the clutch out like you do in first gear, nice and slow. Letting the clutch grab quickly or letting it out too quick will buck the car.

[Santana'sCB7]

Thanks guys

Yea I thought I was letting out to slow, but that make sense. I only been driving for almost a week now on a consistent basis with a manual.

[deevergote]

My CB7 was my first manual car. I usually shifted at 3000. Eventually you just get a feel for it, and you don't think about it.

[Grumpys93]

I don't even look at the rpm gauge anymore. I go off of the sound of the engine. Once you get comfortable with it you'll be able to do the same. Congrats on mastering manual, youll be happy with it over automatic.

[irelandmc]

Good on ya'! I love driving a manual transmission, and it's a great life skill. Don't be afraid to be giving it some gas as you come to the friction point on an up shift.