Shifting Gears - Victory 2012 Ness Signature Series Rider's Manual

Operation

Shifting Gears

WARNING! Forced shifting (with clutch engaged) could cause damage to the engine, transmission
and drive train. Such damage could cause loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death.
Always pull the clutch lever fully toward the handlebars to disengage the clutch before shifting gears.
This motorcycle is equipped with a six-speed transmis-
sion. The sixth gear is overdrive. Neutral is located
between first and second gear.
Tip: The transmission is in neutral if you can move the motorcy-
cle forward or rearward freely without disengaging the
clutch. If the ignition switch is in the ON position, the neutral
indicator illuminates when the transmission is in neutral.
1. Start the engine. See page 49.
2. With the engine at idle speed, apply the front brakes.
3. Disengage the clutch (pull the clutch lever fully
toward the handlebar).
4. Push the shift pedal downward until you feel it stop in
first gear.
Tip: Shift to a higher gear by lifting the front of the gear shift pedal with your toe. Shift to a lower gear by
pressing the pedal downward.
5. Release the brake lever.
6. Simultaneously release the clutch lever while opening the throttle (rolling the throttle
control grip rearward) in one smooth motion. As the clutch begins to engage, the motor-
cycle will move forward.
7. To shift to a higher gear, accelerate smoothly to the recommended shift point. See page
51. With a quick motion, simultaneously close the throttle completely and disengage the
clutch. Raise the shift pedal until you feel it stop at the next gear. Simultaneously release
the clutch lever and open the throttle in one smooth motion.
Tip: Within the recommended speed ranges (see page 51), you can downshift to slow the motorcycle
or to increase power. You may want to downshift when climbing a hill or passing. Downshifting also
helps to decrease speed when combined with closing the throttle.
8. To shift to a lower gear (downshift), simultaneously pull the clutch lever toward the han-
dlebar and close the throttle. Move the shift pedal downward until you feel it stop at the
next gear. Simultaneously release the clutch lever while opening the throttle.
WARNING! Downshifting improperly could cause transmission damage, loss of traction and loss of
control, which could result in serious injury or death.
• Reduce speed before downshifting. Always downshift within the recommended shift points.
• Use extreme caution when downshifting on wet, slippery or other low traction surfaces. Release the
clutch lever very gradually in these conditions.
• Avoid downshifting in a curve. Downshift before entering the curve.
50
Overdrive
(6th Gear)
5
4
3
Neutral
2
N
1
O/D