when is the right time to change gears?

[es_class]

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.

[aussieidiot]

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.

[BP2K2Max]

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.

[es_class]

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?