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. This condition is commonly referred to as shift rejection caused by gear abutment. 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.
Shift rejection or gear abutment can also happen when the vehicle is running and the transmission shafts stop rotating. More common when the clutch lever is held in for long periods of time before attempting to shift into first gear. Gear lube temperatures can also influence the frequency of this condition. Occurring more often when temperatures are cold and lubrication is more resistant to motion. If this condition occurs while the engine is running and the vehicle is stopped, make sure you are in neutral, then release the clutch lever to start the shafts spinning. Pull the clutch lever back in and immediately attempt to shift into 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. 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
  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. 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 speed decreases, as when climbing a hill or slowing for a turn, shift to the next lower gear. Refer to Table 2.
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
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. Shifting Sequence: Downshift