Introduction
Warning! The clutch must be completely released before changing gear. If the clutch is not released completely, the motorcycle engine may be damaged.
Figure 21. Gear shift lever (shifting to higher gears)
The gear shift sequence is as follows: first gear – push down, the next five gears – push up.
Note. Always start the engine with the transmission in neutral. Always start the motorcycle in a forward direction, in first gear.
1. When the motorcycle engine is running and the stand is removed (pulled in), depress the clutch (press the clutch lever to the steering wheel grip), in this case the clutch must be completely released.
2. Push the foot shift lever all the way down and release it. The transmission is now set to first gear.
3. To start moving forward, slowly release the clutch lever and at the same time gradually open the throttle.
Shifting into higher gears (acceleration of movement)
See Table 21. Once the motorcycle is at a speed sufficient to change gears, engage second gear.
Table 21. Shifting gears from low to high (motorcycle acceleration)
| GEAR SHIFT | MILES/HOUR | KM/HOUR |
| From first to second | 15 | 25 |
| From second to third | 25 | 40 |
| From third to fourth | 35 | 55 |
| From fourth to fifth | 45 | 72 |
1. Close the throttle valve.
2. Release the clutch (press the clutch lever to the handle).
3. See Figure 21. Lift the foot shift lever up to the stop and release it.
4. Gradually release the clutch lever and at the same time open the throttle valve.
5. To shift into third, fourth and fifth gears, repeat the steps listed above.
Notes:
- Release the clutch completely before shifting to the next gear.
- Partially close the throttle to avoid overloading the engine when the clutch is re-engaged (that is, the manual clutch lever is released).
Switching to smaller gears (motorcycle slowdown)
Warning! Do not shift from higher to lower gears at speeds higher than necessary (see the gearshift speeds table below). If you downshift at too high a speed, the rear wheel may lose traction. This could result in loss of control of the motorcycle, resulting in serious injury or death.
The gear shift sequence is as follows: first gear – push down, the next four gears – push up. For gear shift speeds, see Table 22.
Table 22. Shifting gears from higher to lower (motorcycle slowdown): VRSC motorcycle models
| GEAR SHIFT | MILES/HOUR | KM/HOUR |
| From fifth to fourth | 40 | 65 |
| From fourth to third | 30 | 50 |
| From third to second | 20 | 30 |
| From second to first | 10 | 15 |
Note. The shift speeds shown in the tables are recommended. The motorcycle owner can independently select gear shift speeds that suit his driving style; they may differ from those shown in the tables.
See Figure 22. When speed decreases, such as when going up a hill or when traveling at low speeds, shift the transmission down to a lower gear by partially closing the throttle so that the motorcycle accelerates as the clutch lever is released.
Figure 22. Gear shift lever (shifting to lower gears)
Notes:
- Release the clutch completely before shifting to the next gear.
- Partially close the throttle so as not to overload the engine when the clutch is re-engaged (that is, the manual clutch lever is released).
Warning! Before stopping the engine, place the gear selector in neutral. If you change gears while the engine is stopped, the gear shift mechanism may be damaged.
The gear shift mechanism allows you to switch the transmission to neutral from first or second gear.