- Shift pedal
- Shift rod
The shift pedal is located on the left side of the motorcycle. To shift the transmission to a higher gear, move the shift pedal up. To shift the transmission to a lower gear, move the shift pedal down.
The shift rod is equipped with a shift sensor, which is part of the quick shifter. The shift sensor reads up and down movement, as well as the strength of the input force when the shift pedal is moved.
To prevent unintended shifts, the quick shifter is programmed to ignore unclear input signals. Therefore, be sure to shift using quick and sufficiently forceful inputs.
- Gear positions
- Shift pedal
Shifting gears lets you control the amount of engine power available for starting off, accelerating, climbing hills, etc.
This model is equipped with a quick shifter. See pages and .
To shift into neutral (
), gently depress the shift pedal from 2nd gear, or slightly raise it while in 1st gear.
- When shifting, press the shift pedal firmly until you feel the gear shift is complete.
- Even with the transmission in the neutral position, do not coast for long periods of time with the engine off, nor tow the motorcycle for long distances. The transmission is properly lubricated only when the engine is running. Inadequate lubrication may damage the transmission.
- Except when using the quick shifter, always pull the clutch lever when changing gears to avoid damaging the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
To start out and accelerate
-
Pull the clutch lever to disengage the clutch.
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Shift the transmission into first gear. The neutral indicator light should go out.
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Open the throttle gradually, and at the same time, release the clutch lever slowly.
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At the recommended shift points shown in the following table, close the throttle, and at the same time, quickly pull the clutch lever in.
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Shift the transmission into second gear. (Make sure not to shift the transmission into the neutral position.)
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Open the throttle part way and gradually release the clutch lever.
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Follow the same procedure when shifting to the next higher gear.
When shifting gears in normal operating conditions, use the recommended shift points.
To decelerate
-
Release the throttle and apply both the front and the rear brakes smoothly to slow the motorcycle.
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At the recommended shift points shown in the following table, shift to a lower gear.
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When the motorcycle reaches 25 km/h (16 mph), the engine is about to stall or runs roughly, pull the clutch lever in, use the brakes to slow the motorcycle, and continue to downshift as necessary.
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Once the motorcycle has stopped, the transmission can be shifted into the neutral position. The neutral indicator light should come on and then the clutch lever can be released.
- Improper braking can cause loss of control or traction. Always use both brakes and apply them smoothly.
- Make sure that the motorcycle and the engine have sufficiently slowed before shifting to a lower gear. Engaging a lower gear when the vehicle or engine speed is too high could make the rear wheel lose traction or the engine to over-rev. This could cause loss of control, an accident and injury. It could also cause engine or drive train damage.
Recommended shift points
The recommended shift points during acceleration and deceleration are shown in the table below.
- Shift up points:
- 1st → 2nd: 20 km/h (12 mph)
- 2nd → 3rd: 30 km/h (19 mph)
- 3rd → 4th: 40 km/h (25 mph)
- 4th → 5th: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- 5th → 6th: 60 km/h (37 mph)
- Shift down points:
- 6th → 5th: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- 5th → 4th: 35 km/h (22 mph)
- 4th → 3rd: 25 km/h (16 mph)