Location
NOTICE
The clutch must be fully disengaged before attempting a gear shift. Failure to fully disengage the clutch can result in equipment damage. (00182a)
The gear shift lever is located on the left side of the motorcycle and is operated with the left foot. The gear shift lever shifts the six-speed transmission from one gear to the next.
Shift Pattern
See Figure 1. The shift pattern is sequential with first gear down and five gears up.
The transmission is shifted into first gear from neutral by pressing the shift lever down until it clicks into gear.
Neutral is located between first and second gear. The green neutral indicator lamp on the dash will illuminate when the transmission is in neutral.
To shift from first gear to neutral, lift the gear shift lever 1/2 of its full stroke.
To upshift to the next higher gear, lift the gear shift lever up until it clicks into gear.
To downshift to the next lower gear, press the gear shift lever down until it clicks into gear.
NOTE
Release the foot shift lever after each gear change. This allows the lever to return to its central position before another gear change can be made.
Heel-Toe Foot Shifter
See Figure 1. Touring Models are fitted with a heel-toe shifter lever. Two shift levers are fitted to the shifter shaft - one facing forward and one rearward.
The toe of the left foot can upshift or downshift using the front shift lever. However, the rider has the option of upshifting with the heel on the rear facing shift lever.
Figure 1. Shift Pattern: 6-Speed Touring Models
Shifting While Stopped
NOTICE
When difficulty of shifting gears is experienced, do not under any circumstances, attempt to force the shift. The results of such abuse will be a damaged or broken shifter mechanism. (00161a)
When the motorcycle is standing still in first gear with the engine off or in neutral with the engine running, the transmission may not shift gears. Because the rear wheel and drive belt are not turning, the transmission gear teeth and engagement dogs can not line up.
To get one gear to disengage and the next gear to engage, pull the clutch lever in and move the motorcycle backward and forward while maintaining slight pressure on the shift lever.
See Operation → Shifting Gears for more information.