NOTICE
The clutch must be fully disengaged before attempting a gear shift. Failure to fully disengage the clutch can result in equipment damage. (00182a)
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. Upshift (Acceleration) Road 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
* The listed speeds are recommendations. Individual riding styles can determine gear change road speeds.
  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. Gear Shift Lever (Upshift): V-Rod Models
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. Downshift (Deceleration) Road Speeds*
GEAR CHANGE
mph
km/h
Fifth to fourth
40
65
Fourth to third
30
50
Third to second
20
30
Second to first
10
15
* The listed speeds are recommendations. Individual riding styles can determine gear change road speeds.
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. Gear Shift Lever (Downshift): V-Rod Models