48
Operation
Shifting Gears
WARNING!
Forced shifting (with clutch engaged) could cause damage to the engine, transmission
and drive train. Such damage could cause loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death.
Always pull the clutch lever fully toward the handlebars to disengage the clutch before shifting gears.
On motorcycles equipped with a six-speed
transmission, the sixth gear is overdrive. Neutral is
located between first and second gear.
Tip:
The transmission is in neutral if you can move the
motorcycle forward or rearward freely without
disengaging the clutch. If the ignition switch is on,
the neutral indicator illuminates when the
transmission is in neutral.
1. Start the engine.
2. With the engine at idle speed, pull the front
brake lever toward the handlebar.
3. Pull the clutch lever toward the handlebar.
Tip:
Shift to a higher gear by lifting the front of the gear shift pedal with your toe. Shift to a lower gear by
pressing the pedal downward.
4. Push the shift pedal downward until you feel it stop in first gear.
5. Release the brake lever.
6. Simultaneously release the clutch lever while opening the throttle (rolling the throttle
control grip rearward) with a smooth motion. As the clutch begins to engage, the
motorcycle will move forward.
7. To shift to a higher gear, accelerate smoothly and easily to the recommended shift point.
See page 47.
8. With a quick motion, simultaneously close the throttle completely and disengage the
clutch. Move the shift pedal until you feel it stop at the next gear.
9. Simultaneously release the clutch lever while opening the throttle.
Tip:
Within the recommended speed ranges, you can downshift to slow the motorcycle or to increase
power. You may want to downshift when climbing a hill or passing. Downshifting also helps to
decrease speed when combined with closing the throttle.
10. To shift to a lower gear (downshift), simultaneously pull the clutch lever toward the
handlebar and close the throttle. Move the shift pedal downward until you feel it stop at
the next gear. Simultaneously release the clutch lever while opening the throttle.
WARNING!
Downshifting improperly could cause loss of traction and loss of control, which could result
in serious injury or death.
• Reduce speed before downshifting. Always downshift within the recommended shift points.
• Use extreme caution when downshifting on wet, slippery or other low traction surfaces. Release the
clutch lever very gradually in these conditions.
• Avoid downshifting in a curve. Downshift before entering the curve.
Overdrive
(6th Gear)
1
N
3
2
4
5 O/D
Neutral
Summary of Contents for 2005 Vegas
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