Honda TRX500FA6 AT Owner's Manual page 108

Shifting Gears
The transmission cannot be upshifted from neutral to 1st gear when
the engine speed is above 2,300 min -1 (rpm) or the ground speed is
above 3 km/h (2 mph).
The transmission cannot be downshifted from 1st gear to neutral
when the ground speed is above 1.5 km/h (1 mph) or engine speed
is above 2,300 min -1 (rpm).
In ESP (manual shift mode)/Drive (D) range if the ground speed in 3rd
gear is decreased under 5 km/h (3 mph) or 4th gear is decreased
under 8 km/h (5 mph) or 5th gear is decreased under 10 km/h (6
mph), the transmission will automatically downshifts to the next
lower gear.
In ESP (manual shift mode)/Low (L) range if the ground speed in 2nd
gear is decreased under 5 km/h (3 mph), or in 3rd gear is decreased
under 8 km/h (5 mph), or in 4th gear is decreased under 10 km/h (6
mph), or in 5th gear is decreased under 12 km/h (7 mph), the
transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.
If the ATV is at a complete stop, 4th gear or 5th gear cannot be
selected.
If the electric shift system malfunctions, the transmission cannot be
shifted by pressing the gearshift switches. See your dealer. (In an
emergency, a gear may be selected manually so you may move the
vehicle. See Emergency Gear Selection & Operation, page 230).
98 Basic Operation & Riding