Since this bike can easily be bounced off the rev limiter just about anywhere and at anytime you need to find what you feel is best for the kind of riding you do. I started off with the stock settings and found, pretty quickly, I was ignoring the shift light entirely and winding the motor up much more, she sure comes alive above 9K and with shift assist it takes so little work to maintain that higher rpm range with out it getting too fatiguing. I think mine is set at 10,500 and even then, it is just there as a reminder and when seriously focused is usually not even noticed. At the higher rpm range, the time to hit the rev limiter is very short so I would not worry too much about what is quickest, ride the bike and you will find what works best for the road conditions you find yourself in.