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 hillsEct sensor removal and installation
Removal
Remove the left side cowling. Refer to “exterior parts removal and
installation” in section 9d .
Drain engine coolant. Refer to “cooling system inspection” in section
0b .
Disconnect the coupler and remove the ect sensor
(1).
Caution
take special care ...
Tire inspection
Inspect tire
every 6 000 km (4 000 miles, 12 months)
Tire tread condition
Operating the motorcycle with excessively worn tires will
decrease riding stability and consequently invite a
dangerous situation. It is highly recommended to replace
a tire when the remaining depth of tire tread reaches ...
Front brake caliper removal and installation
Note
the right and left calipers are installed
symmetrically and therefore the removal
procedure for one side is the same as that for
the other side.
Removal
Drain brake fluid. Refer to “brake fluid replacement” in section 4a .
Remove the brake hose from the cali ...