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

Shifting down schedule

Disengage the clutch when the motorcycle speed drops below 12 miles/h (20 km/h).
Warning
Reduce speed before downshifting. |
Warning
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
Riding on hillsAccessory installation
guideline
Install aerodynamic affecting
accessories, such as a fairing,
windshield, backrests, saddlebags,
and travel trunks, as low
as possible, as close to the
motorcycle and as near the
center of gravity as is feasible.
Check that the mounting
brackets and other attachment
hardware are ...
If a collision is imminent, do something
Many riders fear locking up their
brakes or haven't learned to
swerve to avoid an accident.
Many inexperienced riders (and
too many seasoned riders) use
only their rear brake in an emergency,
resulting in unnecessary
impacts in some cases and
unnecessarily high impact speeds
in other case ...
Special tools and equipment
Recommended service material
Note
required service material is also described in the following.
“Rear lighting system construction”
Special tool
...