Using The Transmission - Suzuki GSX1300R Owner's Manual

USING THE TRANSMISSION

The transmission is provided to
keep the engine
smoothly in its normal operating
speed range. The gear ratios
have been carefully chosen to
meet the characteristics of the
engine. The rider should always
select the most suitable gear for
the prevailing conditions. Never
slip the clutch to control road
speed, but rather downshift to
allow the engine to run within its
normal operational range. The
table below shows the approxi-
mate speed range for each gear.
Shifting up schedule
Gear position
→
1st 2nd
→
2nd 3rd
→
3rd 4th
→
4th 5th
→
5th 6th
Shifting down schedule
Gear position
→
6th 5th
→
5th 4th
→
4th 3rd
Disengage the clutch when the
motorcycle speed drops below 14
miles/h (23 km/h).
operating
miles/h km/h
12 20
19 30
25 40
31 50
37 60
miles/h km/h
31 50
25 40
19 30
 WARNING
Downshifting
speed is too high can:
• cause the rear wheel to skid
and lose traction due to
increased engine braking,
resulting in an accident; or
• force the engine to overrev in
the lower gear, resulting in
engine damage.
Reduce speed before down-
shifting.
 WARNING
Downshifting while the motor-
cycle is leaned over in a corner
may cause rear wheel skid and
loss of control.
Reduce your speed and down-
shift before entering a corner.
CAUTION
Revving the engine into the red
zone can cause severe engine
damage.
Never allow the engine to rev
into the red zone in any gear.
5-4
when engine