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 hillsFastener removal and installation
Type a
Removal
Depress the head of fastener center piece (1).
Pull out the fastener (2).
Installation
Let the center piece stick out toward the head so that
the pawls “a” closes.
Insert the fastener into the installation hole.
Note
to prevent the pawl ...
Rear suspension assembly construction
Rear shock absorber mounting bolt (upper)
Rear shock absorber mounting nut (lower)
Cushion rod mounting nut (front)
Cushion rod mounting nut (rear)
Cushion lever mounting nut
Swingarm pivot nut
Swingarm pivot boss nut
Swingarm pivot shaft
Swingarm ...
Rear brake master cylinder assembly removal and installation
Refer to “rear brake hose routing diagram” (page 4a-
2).
Removal
Remove the right side frame cover. Refer to “exterior parts removal and
installation” in section 9d .
Remove the rear brake fluid reservoir mounting bolt
(1).
Drain brake fluid. Refer to “brake fluid replac ...