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 hillsSpecial tools and equipment
Recommended service material
Note
required service material is also described in the following.
“Water hose routing diagram” “water pump components” “water
pump construction”
Special tool
...
Rear brake disc inspection
Brake disc thickness
Check the brake disc for damage or cracks and measure
the thickness using the micrometer.
Replace the brake disc if the thickness is less than the
service limit or if defect is found.
Special tool
(a): 09900–20205 (micrometer (0 –
25 mm))
Brake disc thickness
service ...
Cushion rod bearing removal and installation
Removal
Remove the cushion rod. Refer to “cushion rod removal and installation”
.
Remove the cushion rod bearing with the special
tool.
Special tool
(a):
09921–20240 (bearing remover set)
Installation
Caution
the removed bearings must be replaced with
new on ...