Shifting Gears - Honda 450X 2005 Owner's Manual & Competition Handbook

Your CRF has five forward gears in a one-down,
four-up shift pattern.
To start riding, after the engine has been warmed
and the side stand raised.
1. Close the throttle and pull the brake lever in.
2. Pull the clutch lever all the way in.
3. Depress the shift lever from neutral down to
first gear.
4. Release the brake lever. Gradually open the
throttle while you slowly release the clutch
lever. If the engine rpm (speed) is too low
when you release the clutch lever, the engine
will stall.
If the engine rpm (speed) is too high or you
release the clutch lever too quickly, your CRF
may lurch forward.
5. When you attain a moderate speed, close the
throttle, pull the clutch lever in, and raise the
shift lever. After shifting, release the clutch
lever and apply the throttle.
6. To continue shifting up to each higher gear,
repeat step 5.
7. To shift down to a lower gear, close the
throttle, pull the clutch lever in, and depress
the shift lever. After shifting, release the
clutch lever and apply the throttle.
Remember to close the throttle and pull the
clutch lever in completely before shifting.
NOTICE
Improper shifting may damage the engine,
transmission, and drive train.
Learning when to shift gears comes with
experience. Upshift to a higher gear or reduce
throttle before engine rpm (speed) gets too high.
Downshift to a lower gear before you feel the
engine laboring (lugging) at low rpm.

Shifting Gears

17
Basic Operating Instructions