Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Owners Manual: Using the transmission

Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Owners Manual / Riding tips / Using the transmission

The transmission is provided to keep the engine operating smoothly in its normal operating speed range. The gear ratios have been carefully chosen to meet the characteristics of the engine. The rider should always select the most suitable gear for the prevailing conditions. Never slip the clutch to control road speed, but rather downshift to allow the engine to run within its normal operational range. The table below shows the approximate speed range for each gear.

Shifting up schedule

Suzuki GSX-R. Shifting up schedule

Shifting down schedule

Suzuki GSX-R. Shifting down schedule

Disengage the clutch when the motorcycle speed drops below 12 miles/h (20 km/h).

Warning

Downshifting when engine speed is too high can;

cause the rear wheel to skid and lose traction due to increased engine braking, resulting in an accident; or
force the engine to overview in the lower gear, resulting in engine damage.

Reduce speed before downshifting.

Warning

Downshifting while the motorcycle is leaned over in a corner may cause rear wheel skid and loss of control.

Reduce your speed and downshift before entering the corner.

Caution

Revving the engine into the red zone can cause severe engine damage.

Never allow the engine to rev into the red zone in any gear.

Starting off

Warning Riding this motorcycle at excessive speed increases your chances of losing control of the motorcycle. This may result in an accident. Always ride within the limits of ...

Riding on hills

When climbing steep hills, the motorcycle may begin to slow down and show lack of power. At this point you should shift to a lower gear so that the engine will again be operating in its ...

Other materials:

Rear shock absorber inspection
Refer to “rear shock absorber removal and installation” . Shock absorber Inspect the rear shock absorber for damage and oil leakage, and absorber bushing for wear and damage. If any defect is found, replace the rear shock absorber with a new one. Caution do not attempt to disassemble ...

Battery
Battery connection in reverse polarity is strictly prohibited. Such a wrong connection will damage the components of the fi system instantly when reverse power is applied. Removing any battery terminal of a running engine is strictly prohibited. The moment such removal is made, ...

Handlebar removal and installation
Removal Remove the following parts from the left handlebar. left handlebar switch box (1) handlebar balancer (2) grip rubber (3) clutch cable (4) Remove the following parts from the right handlebar. right handlebar switch box (5) ...