Finding Neutral
NOTE
If the gears do not disengage when the engine is off, with the clutch engaged rock the motorcycle backward and forward while pressing or lifting the shift lever.
Neutral is between first and second gear. Select neutral by either a half lift from first gear or a half press from second gear.
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
Partially open the throttle so the engine does not drag when the clutch lever is released.
  1. With the engine running and the jiffy stand retracted, squeeze the clutch lever in against the handlebar grip to disengage the clutch.
    2. NOTE
    Always start forward motion in first gear.
  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)
NOTE
Disengage the clutch completely before each gear change.
See Figure 1. Shift to the next higher gear when the motorcycle reaches the shifting speed. Refer to Table 1.
  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, at the same time, gradually open the throttle.
  5. Repeat the previous steps to engage remaining gears.
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
Figure 1. Upshift Pattern
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.
  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.
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.
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
Figure 2. Downshift Pattern