Shifting Gears - Honda TRX500FA 2006 Owner's Manual

Shifting Gears

Your ATV has four shift lever positions: Neutral (N), Drive (D), Low
(L), and Reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
Use neutral when you start the engine, or if it is necessary to stop briefly
with the engine idling.
Drive (D)
Use this position for normal riding. The following three modes can be
selected in the Drive (D) position; Automatic Shift (D1 and D2) Mode
and Manual Shift (ESP) Mode.
You can select the desired mode with the drive mode select switch.
Automatic Shift (D1 and D2) Mode:
Use this mode for everyday riding. The transmission automatically
adjusts to keep the engine at the best speed for riding conditions.
The gear position indicator shows ''D'' and the drive mode indicator
shows the selected drive mode (D1 or D2).
D1 mode: Use this mode for maximum performance.
D2 mode: Use this mode for minimum traction situations, such as ice.
Manual Shift (ESP) Mode:
In this mode, you can shift gears much like a manual transmission, but
without operating a clutch.
You can select five forward shift positions by operating the shift
switches; 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
The gear position indicator shows the selected position and the drive
mode indicator shows ''ESP.''
Basic Operation & Riding
102