Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Owners Manual: 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 your skills, your motorcycle, and the riding conditions.

Warning Removing your hands from the handlebars or feet from the footrests during operation can be hazardous. If you remove even one hand or foot from the motorcycle, you can reduce your ability to control the motorcycle. Always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footrests of your motorcycle during operation.

Warning Sudden side winds, which can occur when being passed by larger vehicles, at tunnel exits or in hilly areas, can upset your control. Reduce your speed and be alert to side winds.

Make sure that the side stand is in the fully up position. Squeeze the clutch lever and pause momentarily.

Engage first gear by depressing the gearshift lever downward. Turn the throttle grip toward you and at the same time release the clutch lever gently and smoothly. As the clutch engages, the motorcycle will start moving forward. To shift to the next higher gear, accelerate gently, then close the throttle and squeeze the clutch lever simultaneously. Lift the gear shift lever upward to select the next gear and release the clutch lever as you open the throttle again. Select the gears in this manner until top gear is reached.

Note

: this motorcycle has a side stand/ignition interlock switch. If you shift the transmission into gear when the side stand is down, the engine will stop running.