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Basic Operation & Riding
Shifting Gears
Your motorcycle has five forward gears in a one-down, four-up shift pattern
which is coordinated with a hydraulically actuated clutch system.
Learning when to shift gears comes with experience. Keep the following tips in
mind:
As a general rule, shift while moving in a straight line.
Close the throttle and pull the clutch lever in completely before shifting.
Improper shifting may damage the engine, transmission, and drive train.
Learn to recognize the engagement point as you release the clutch lever. It is
at this point the transmission of power to the rear wheel resumes.
Upshift to a higher gear or reduce throttle before engine rpm (speed) gets too
high. Learn the relationship between engine sound and the normal shifting
points.
Downshift to a lower gear before you feel the engine laboring (lugging) at
low rpm.
Avoid downshifting to help slow your motorcycle when engine rpm is near its
allowable maximum (near the tachometer red zone). In this situation, the rev
limiter in the engine ignition control module may not prevent excessive
engine speed which could damage the engine.
To prevent transmission damage, do not coast or tow the motorcycle for long
distances with the engine off.
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Summary of Contents for GOLDWING GL1800
Page 1: ...2009 Honda GL1800 GOLDWING OWNER S MANUAL ...
Page 13: ...7 Safety Labels Motorcycle Safety ...
Page 14: ...8 Motorcycle Safety Safety Labels ...
Page 15: ... For USA For Canada 9 Motorcycle Safety Safety Labels ...
Page 16: ...10 Motorcycle Safety ...
Page 76: ...70 Before Riding ...
Page 218: ...212 Tips ...
Page 228: ... Models equipped with ABS 222 Taking Care of the Unexpected If You Have a Flat Tire ...
Page 233: ... Models equipped with Premium Audio 227 If You Have a Flat Tire Taking Care of the Unexpected ...
Page 244: ...238 Taking Care of the Unexpected ...
Page 273: ...267 Consumer Information ...
Page 280: ...274 Table of Contents Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS INDEX QUICK REFERENCE 268 276 ...
Page 281: ...275 Table of Contents ...
Page 290: ...284 Memo ...
Page 291: ...285 Memo ...
Page 292: ...286 Memo ...