Getting Started
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 shift pattern is first gear down, next four gears up.
NOTE
Always start engine with transmission in neutral. Always start motorcycle forward motion in first gear.
  1. With motorcycle engine running and jiffy stand retracted, pull the clutch hand lever in against handlebar grip to fully disengage clutch.
  2. Press the foot shift lever down to end of its travel and release. The transmission is now in first gear.
  3. To start forward motion, ease out the clutch lever slowly and at the same time, open throttle gradually.
Upshift (Acceleration)
Refer to Table 1. Engage second gear after the motorcycle has reached at the appropriate shifting speed.
Table 1. Upshift (Acceleration) Gear Speeds: VRSC Models
GEAR CHANGE
MPH
KPH
First to second
15
25
Second to third
25
40
Third to fourth
35
55
Fourth to fifth
45
72
  1. Close the throttle.
  2. Disengage the clutch (pull clutch lever in).
  3. See Figure 1. 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 third, fourth, and fifth gears.
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. Gear Shift Lever (Upshift): VRSC 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)
Gear shift pattern is first gear down; next four gears up. Refer to Table 2 for shifting speeds.
Table 2. Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: VRSC Models
GEAR CHANGE
MPH
KPH
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 tables are recommendations. Vehicle owners may determine that their own individual shifting patterns may differ than those stated and are additionally appropriate for individual riding styles.
See Figure 2. When engine speed decreases, as in climbing a hill or running at a reduced speed, shift to the next lower gear while partially closing the throttle so the engine accelerates as soon as the clutch lever is released.
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)
The gear shifter mechanism permits shifting the transmission to neutral from either first or second gear.
Figure 2. Gear Shift Lever (Downshift): VRSC Models