when is the right time to change gears?

i am still a new rider..kawasaki zx-1100. i want to know if there is any rules as far as changing gears. i currently go by ear and what feels right but dont know if its correct. my first gear screams at 3-4ooo rpms so i shift pretty early cuz shes really loud. is this good or normal? can i shift at higher say 5-6ooo cuz she creams so loud i think theres something wrong so i never do but when i have tried to push her that high in first...she fu#@ing flies. i like that but wonder if i am doing damage. i also like to coast so i have a habit of riding high gears so that the bike just rolls smooth without me having to constantly roll on the throttle. is this ok? any tips or advice? thanks.

it all depends on how you want to ride but to cruise i'd think about changing at about half the redline.

when i first got my blade i was changing way too low and ended up fouling my plugs.

i shift at about 6-7K on my 6r and red line is 16K so about 1/2 of redline sounds about right. as you get more experience you'll get the feel for when to shift.

thanks. i feel it when its time to shift but i need to make sure cuz i have a muzzy exhaust and it just sounds so much more throaty that im not sure im doing the right thing at the right time. it feels right though. i have felt the feeling of changing too early and it feels like there is no power in the throttle until she picks up speed so i feel what u mean. when u say fouled plugs, what exactly does that mean? wet, flooded, etc.? does revving ur engine at a standstill damage it?