Riding - Honda CRF230F 2017 Owner's Manual

34

Riding

Review Motorcycle Safety (pages 9 – 13) before you
ride.
Make sure the side stand is fully retracted before
riding the motorcycle. If the stand is extended, it may
interfere with control during a left turn.
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 pedal to shift into 1st (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 pedal.
This sequence is repeated to progressively shift to
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th (top) gear.
5. Raise the shift pedal to
shift to a higher gear and
depress the shift pedal to
shift to a lower gear. Each
stroke of the shift pedal
engages the next gear in
sequence. The shift pedal
automatically returns to the
horizontal position when released.
Do not downshift when traveling at a speed that

would force the engine to overrev in the next
lower gear; the rear wheel may lose traction,
resulting in a possible loss of vehicle control.
Do not shift gears without disengaging the

clutch and closing the throttle. The engine and
drive train could be damaged by overspeed
and shock.
Do not tow the motorcycle or coast for

long distances while the engine is off. The
transmission will not be properly lubricated and
damage may result.
Do not run the engine at high rpm with the

transmission in neutral or the clutch lever
pulled in. Serious engine damage may result.
CRF230F