NOTICE
The clutch must be fully disengaged before attempting a gear shift. Failure to fully disengage the clutch can result in equipment damage. (00182a)
This motorcycle uses the six-speed constant mesh type (non-cycling) shift method. During the shift footpeg operation, the clutch lever should also be clenched and the throttle should be turned off. The neutral is between the first gear and the second gear; press the shift pedal downward from the neutral position to shift to the first gear; raising the shift pedal once will shift to the next higher gear and pressing the shift pedal once will shift to the next lower gear. To shift to the neutral gear, press or raise the shift pedal to the position between the first gear and the second gear. Due to the use of the ratchet mechanism, it cannot be geared up or down continuously.
NOTE
When the shifter is at the neutral gear, the neutral indicator on the panel is on, slowly release the clutch lever to make sure whether the shifter is at the neutral gear.
The standard distance between the two joints of the connecting rod of the shift pedal is 75 mm (3 in). Loosen the locknut, rotate the connecting rod and adjust the distance between the joints of the connecting rod to 75 mm (3 in), then tighten the locknut.
Stopped, Engine Off
Slowly pull clutch hand lever in against handlebar grip to fully disengage clutch. Gears do not engage because the transmission shafts are not turning and shifter components are not lined up. Rock the motorcycle backward and forward while lightly pressing the shift lever.
Starting from a Stop
NOTE
Always start the engine with the transmission in neutral. Always start forward motion in first gear.
  1. With the engine running and the jiffy stand retracted, pull the clutch hand lever against the handlebar grip to disengage the clutch.
  2. Press the gear shift lever down to the end of its travel and release. The transmission is now in first gear.
  3. Ease out the clutch lever and at the same time, gradually open the throttle.
Upshift (Acceleration)
See Figure 1. Engage the next higher gear when the motorcycle reaches the shifting speed. Refer to Table 1.
Table 1. Recommended Upshift Speeds
GEAR CHANGE
mph
km/h
First to second
15
25
Second to third
25
40
Third to fourth
35
55
Fourth to fifth
45
70
Fifth to sixth
55
85
  1. Close the throttle.
  2. Slowly pull clutch hand lever in against handlebar grip to fully disengage clutch.
  3. Lift the gear shift lever up to the end of its travel and release.
  4. Ease out the clutch lever and gradually open the throttle.
  5. Repeat the previous steps to engage remaining gears.
NOTE
  • Disengage the clutch completely before each gear change.
  • Partially open the throttle so the engine does not drag when the clutch lever is released.
Figure 1. Shifting Sequence: Upshift
Downshift (Deceleration)
WARNING
Do not downshift at speeds higher than those listed. Shifting to lower gears when speed is too high can cause the rear wheel to lose traction and lead to loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00045b)
See Figure 2. When speed decreases, as when climbing a hill or slowing for a turn, shift to the next lower gear. Refer to Table 2.
Table 2. Recommended Downshift Speeds
GEAR CHANGE
mph
km/h
Sixth to fifth
50
80
Fifth to fourth
40
65
Fourth to third
30
50
Third to second
20
30
Second to first
10
15
NOTE
The shifting points shown in the table are recommendations. Individual shifting points can differ from the table.
  1. Close the throttle.
  2. Slowly pull clutch hand lever in against handlebar grip to fully disengage clutch.
  3. Press the gear shift lever down to the end of its travel and release.
  4. Ease out the clutch lever and gradually open the throttle.
  5. Repeat the previous steps to engage remaining gears.
NOTE
  • Disengage the clutch completely before each gear change.
  • Partially open the throttle so the engine does not drag when clutch lever is released.
NOTICE
Shift to neutral before stopping engine. Shifting mechanism can be damaged by shifting gears while engine is stopped. (00183a)
The gear shifter mechanism permits shifting the transmission to neutral from either first or second gear.
Figure 2. Shifting Sequence: Downshift
Riding on Slopes
When climbing on steep slopes, the vehicle will start to decelerate and appear to have insufficient power. Switch the vehicle to a low gear so that the engine can resume normal power output. Shift gears quickly to avoid losing power.
When riding down a slope, switch the vehicle to low gear for easy braking. Be careful not to make the engine speed too high.
Braking and Parking
To completely close the throttle, release the throttle control grip and apply the front and rear brakes evenly. Shift down to reduce speed. Before the vehicle stops, pull the clutch handle onto the handlebar and shift to neutral. Check the neutral indicator to determine whether vehicle is in neutral.
Park on solid and flat ground. Do not block traffic when parking. Turn ignition switch OFF to stop the engine. Lock steering to prevent theft and remove key.
WARNING
Brakes are a critical safety component. Contact a Harley-Davidson dealer for brake repair or replacement. Improperly serviced brakes can adversely affect brake performance, which could result in death or serious injury. (00054a)
WARNING
Apply front and rear brakes evenly. Favoring one brake accelerates wear and reduces braking efficiency. Operation with excessively worn brakes can lead to brake failure, which could result in death or serious injury. (00135a)