Using The Transmission - Suzuki VZR1800/BZ 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
Shifting down schedule
Gear position
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
km/h miles/h
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.
NOTICE
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.
NOTICE
Improper gearshift lever opera-
tion can damage the transmission.
• Do not rest your foot on the
gearshift lever.
• Do not force to shift gears.
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