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 hillsAir cleaner box removal and installation
Removal
Lift and support the fuel tank. Refer to “fuel tank
removal and installation” in section 1g (page 1g-
9).
Remove the air cleaner box cover. Refer to “air cleaner element removal
and installation” .
Remove the air cleaner mounting bolt.
Remove the air clea ...
Excva removal and installation
Removal
Turn the ignition switch off.
Remove the left side cowling. Refer to “exterior parts removal and
installation” in section 9d .
Connect the special tool (mode select switch) to the dealer mode
coupler. Refer to “self-diagnostic procedures” in section 1a .
After tur ...
Diagnostic information and procedures
Engine mechanical symptom diagnosis
Refer to “engine symptom diagnosis” in section 1a .
Compression pressure check
The compression pressure reading of a cylinder is a
good indicator of its internal condition.
The decision to overhaul the cylinder is often based on
the results of a compressio ...