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 hillsFront fork disassembly and assembly
Refer to “front fork removal and installation” (page 2b-
2).
Note
the right and left front forks are installed
symmetrically and therefore the disassembly
procedure for one side is the same as that for
the other side.
Disassembly
Turn the spring pre-load adjuster (1) t ...
Front brake master cylinder parts inspection
Refer to “front brake master cylinder / brake lever disassembly and assembly”
.
Master cylinder
Inspect the master cylinder bore for any scratches or
other damage
Piston / rubber parts
Inspect the piston surface for any scratches or other
damage.
Inspect the primary cup, secondary cup ...
Cooling system inspection
Inspect cooling system
every 6 000 km (4 000 miles, 6 months)
Replace engine coolant
every 2 years
Engine coolant level inspection
Hold the motorcycle vertically.
Check the engine coolant level by observing the “f” and “l” lines on
the engine coolant reservoir tank. If the level i ...