Honda Marine BF40A Owner's Manual page 62

6. OPERATION (GAS ASSISTED TILT TYPE)
3. With the outboard motor tilted up to
the desired position, move the tilt
lever to the LOCK position to lock
the motor.
4. To lower the motor back down,
move the tilt lever to the FREE
position, while holding the engine
cover grip,
then lower the motor
gently. Move the tilt
lever to
LOCK position.
The
tilt lever must be in the LOCK
position before operating the motor or
the motor could tilt up when operating
in reverse.