Moving Off/Changing Gears - Triumph Bonneville Handbook

How to Ride the Motorcycle

Moving Off/Changing Gears

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T908023
1. Gear change pedal - all models
• Pull in the clutch lever and select first
gear. Open the throttle slightly and
let out the clutch lever slowly. As the
clutch starts to engage, open the
throttle a little more,
enough engine speed to avoid
stalling.
• Close the throttle while pulling in the
clutch lever. Change into the next
higher or lower gear. Open the
throttle part way, while releasing the
clutch lever. Always use the clutch
when changing gear.
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Take care to avoid opening the throttle too
far or too fast in any of the lower gears as
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this can lead to the front wheel lifting from
the ground ('pulling a wheelie') and the
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rear tyre breaking traction (wheel spin).
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Always open
particularly if you are unfamiliar with the
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motorcycle as a 'wheelie' or loss of traction
N
will cause loss of motorcycle control and an
accident.
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Note:
• The gear change mechanism is the
'positive stop' type. This means
that, for each movement of the
gear change pedal, you can only
select each gear, one after the
other, in ascending or descending
allowing
order.
Do not change to a lower gear at speeds
which will cause excessive engine rpm
(r/min). This can lock the rear wheel
causing loss of control and an accident.
Engine damage may also be caused.
Changing down should only be at
moderate engine speeds for each gear.
Warning
the throttle cautiously,
Warning