Honda CRF250F Owner's Manual Installation And Operation page 163

5. Raise the shift lever to shift to a higher
gear and depress the shift lever to shift
to a lower gear. Each stroke of the shift
lever engages the next gear in sequence.
The shift lever automatically returns to
the horizontal position when released.
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• 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.