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:

Side stand
An interlock switch is provided to cut off the ignition circuit when the side stand is down and the transmission is in any gear other than neutral. The side stand/ignition interlock switch works as follows: if the side stand is down and the transmission is in gear, the engine ...

Swingarm pivot boss removal and installation
Removal Remove the swingarm. Refer to “swingarm removal and installation” . Remove the swingarm pivot boss nut (1). Note remove the swingarm pivot boss only when replacing it. Remove the swingarm pivot boss (2) by removing its set screws. Installatio ...

Rear brake pad inspection
The extent of brake pads wear can be checked by observing the grooved limit line “a” on the pads. When the wear exceeds the grooved limit line, replace the pads with new ones. Refer to “rear brake pad replacement” . Caution replace the brake pad as a set, otherwise braking performa ...