Shifting Gears - Honda CRF450L 2019 Owner's Manual & Off-Road Handbook

Your motorcycle has 6 forward gears in a one-
down, five-up shift pattern.
To start riding, after the engine has been warmed
and the side stand raised.
1. Close the throttle and pull the front brake lever
in.
2. Pull the clutch lever all the way in.
3. Depress the shift lever from neutral down to
first gear.
4. Release the front brake lever. Gradually open
the throttle while you slowly release the clutch
lever. If the engine rpm (speed) is too low
when you release the clutch lever, the engine
will stall.
If the engine rpm (speed) is too high or you
release the clutch lever too quickly, your
motorcycle may lurch forward.
5. When you attain a moderate speed, close the
throttle, pull the clutch lever in, and raise the
shift lever. After shifting, release the clutch
lever and apply the throttle.
6. To continue shifting up to each higher gear,
repeat step 5.
7. To shift down to a lower gear, close the
throttle, pull the clutch lever in, and depress the
shift lever. After shifting, release the clutch
lever and apply the throttle.
Remember to close the throttle and pull the clutch
lever in completely before shifting.
NOTICE
Improper shifting may damage the engine,
transmission, and drive train.
Learning when to shift gears comes with
experience. Upshift to a higher gear or reduce
throttle before engine rpm (speed) gets too high.
Downshift to a lower gear before you feel the
engine laboring (lugging) at low rpm.
NOTICE
Downshifting can help slow your motorcycle,
especially on downhills. However, downshifting
when engine rpm is too high can cause engine
damage.
NOTICE
To prevent transmission damage, do not coast or
tow the motorcycle for long distances with the en-
gine off.

Shifting Gears

Recommended Shift Points
Ride in the highest gear that lets the engine run and
accelerate smoothly. This will give you good fuel
economy and effective emissions control. When
changing gears under normal conditions, use these
recommended shift points:
Shifting Up:
From 1st to 2nd: 25 mph (40 km/h)
From 2nd to 3rd: 34 mph (55 km/h)
From 3rd to 4th: 50 mph (80 km/h)
From 4th to 5th: 62 mph (100 km/h)
From 5th to 6th: 75 mph (120 km/h)
Shifting Down:
From 6th to 5th: 75 mph (120 km/h)
From 5th to 4th: 62 mph (100 km/h)
From 4th to 3rd: 50 mph (80 km/h)
Pull the clutch lever in when speed drops below 9
mph (15 km/h), when engine roughness is evident,
or when engine stalling is imminent; and shift
down to 1st gear for acceleration.
Basic Operating Instructions
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