Honda TRX420TE Owner's Manual page 74

Shifting Gears
2. With the throttle closed, press the upshift switch once to shift into 1st
(first) gear.
3. Release the rear brake lever and increase engine speed by gradually
opening the throttle.
4. When speed increases, release the throttle and shift to 2nd gear by
pressing the upshift switch once.
5. Repeat this sequence to progressively upshift to 3rd, 4th and 5th (top)
gear.
6. To downshift, press the downshift switch once. Remember to close
the throttle each time you shift to the next lower gear.
The transmission cannot be upshifted from neutral to 1st gear when the
engine speed is above 3,000 rpm or the ground speed is above 3 km/h
(2 mph).
The transmission cannot be downshifted from 1st gear to neutral when
the ground speed is above 3 km/h (2 mph).
If the electric shift system malfunctions, the transmission cannot be
shifted by pressing the gearshift switches. See your Honda dealer. (In an
emergency, a gear may be selected manually so you may move the
vehicle. See Emergency Gear Selection & Operation,
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 completely before shifting. Improper shifting may
damage the engine, transmission, and drive train.
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.
Basic Operation & Riding
66
page 186 ).