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.
  1. Push the gear shift lever all the way down (full stroke) to shift the transmission to the next lower gear.
  2. Lift the gear shift lever all the way up (full stroke) to shift the transmission to the next higher gear.
    3. NOTE
    • Release the gear shift lever after each gear change.
    • The lever must return to its central position before another gear change can be made.
See Figure 1. First gear is the last gear position that can be found by pushing the gear shift lever full stroke downward.
Neutral is located between first and second gear. The green neutral indicator lamp on the dash will illuminate when the transmission is in neutral.
  1. To shift from first gear to neutral, lift the gear shift lever 1/2 of its full stroke.
  2. To shift from second gear to neutral, push the gear shift lever downward 1/2 of its full stroke.
When the motorcycle is standing still and the engine is not running, shifting gears requires a different technique. Before shifting in this condition, move the motorcycle backward and forward with the clutch fully disengaged (clutch lever pulled in). While maintaining slight pressure on the shift lever, shift from one gear to another.
Even with the engine running and the motorcycle standing still, difficulty may be experienced in shifting gears. This difficulty occurs because transmission gears are not turning and shifting parts are not lined up to permit engagement.
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)
See Operation → Shifting Gears for more information.
Figure 1. Shifting Sequence: Downshift