Shifting while Stopped
Motorcycle Stopped, Engine Off: Squeeze in the clutch lever to fully disengage the clutch. Rock the motorcycle backward and forward while lightly pressing on the shift lever.
Motorcycle Stopped, Engine Running: Gears may not engage because the transmission shafts are not turning and shifter components are not lined up.
Starting from a Stop
NOTICE
The clutch must be fully disengaged before attempting a gear shift. Failure to fully disengage the clutch can result in equipment damage. (00182a)
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 in against the handlebar grip to fully disengage the clutch.
  2. Press the gear shift lever down to 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) Gear Speeds: Six Speed
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. Disengage the clutch (pull the clutch lever in).
  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.
NOTE
  • Disengage the clutch completely before each gear change.
  • Partially close the throttle so the engine will not drag when clutch is again engaged (clutch lever 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 engine 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) Gear Speeds: Six Speed
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
  1. Close the throttle.
  2. Disengage the clutch (pull the clutch lever in).
  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.
NOTE
  • Disengage the clutch completely before each gear change.
  • Partially close the throttle so the engine will not drag when clutch is again engaged (clutch lever released).
NOTICE
Shift to neutral before stopping engine. Shifting mechanism can be damaged by shifting gears while engine is stopped. (00183a)
Figure 2. Shifting Sequence: Downshift