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:

Throttle cable play inspection and adjustment
Inspect throttle cable play initially at 1 000 km (600 miles, 2 months) and every 6 000 km (4 000 miles, 12 months) thereafter Inspect and adjust the throttle cable play “a” as follows: Throttle cable play “a” 2.0 – 4.0 Mm (0.08 – 0.16 In) Remove the boot (1). Loosen the lock-nu ...

Swingarm removal and installation
Removal Cut the drive chain. Refer to “drive chain replacement” in section 3a . Remove the rear wheel assembly. Refer to “rear wheel assembly removal and installation” in section 2d . Disconnect the rear brake hose from the brake hose clamp (1). Remove the brake ho ...

Rear brake light switch inspection
Inspect the rear brake light switch in the following procedures: lift and support the fuel tank. Refer to “fuel tank removal and installation” in section 1g (page 1g- 9). Disconnect the rear brake light switch lead wire coupler (1). Inspect the rear brake light swi ...