Using The Transmission - Suzuki dl650a Owner's Manual

USING THE TRANSMISSION

The transmission is provided to keep
the engine operating smoothly in its
normal operating speed range. The
gear ratios have been carefully cho-
sen 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.
(Canada)
The table below shows the approxi-
mate speed range for each gear.
Shifting up schedule
Gear position
→
1st 2nd
→
2nd 3rd
→
3rd 4th
→
4th 5th
→
5th 6th
Shifting down schedule
Gear position
→
6th 5th
→
5th 4th
→
4th 3rd
Disengage the clutch when the motor-
cycle speed drops below 20 km/h (12
miles/h).
km/h miles/h
20 12
30 19
40 25
50 31
60 37
km/h miles/h
50 31
40 25
30 19
WARNING
Downshifting when engine speed
is too high can:
• cause the rear wheel to skid and
lose traction due to increased
engine braking, resulting in an
accident; or
• force the engine to overrev in
the lower gear, resulting in
engine damage.
Reduce speed before downshift-
ing.
WARNING
Downshifting while the motorcycle
is leaned over in a corner may
cause rear wheel skid and loss of
control.
Reduce your speed and down-
shift before entering a corner.
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