Riding - Honda XL700V Owner's Manual

RIDING ·
Review Motorcycle Safety (pages 1-9)
before you ride.
Make sure you understand the function of
t he side stand mechanism. (See
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE on page 96
and explanation for SIDE STAND on page
121).
Make sure flammable materials such as
d ry grass or leaves do not come in
contact with the exhaust system when
riding, idling, or parking your motorcycle.
1. After the engine has been warmed up,
the motorcycle is ready for riding.
2. While the engine is idling, pull in the
clutch lever and depress the shift lever
to shift into 1 st (low) gear.
3. Slowly release the clutch lever and at
the same time gradually increase
engine speed by opening the throttle.
Coordination of the throttle and clutch
lever will assure a smooth positive start.
4. When the motorcycle attains a moderate
speed, close the throttle, pull in the clutch
lever and shift to 2nd gear by raising the
shift lever.
This sequence is repeated to progressively
shift to 3rd , 4th and 5th (top) gears.
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