Honda TRX500FA Owner's M Operation And Instruction Manualanual page 120

Shifting Gears
Low (L)
Use this position to get more power when climbing, and for maximum
engine braking when going down steep hills. When the shift lever is in
the low (L) position, you can select the automatic shift mode (AUTO) or
the manual shift mode (ESP).
You can select the desired mode with the drive mode select switch
(page 37 ).
Automatic shift (AUTO) mode:
In this mode, the transmission selects low range ratios.
There is no difference in performance in the AUTO mode.
The gear position indicator shows ''L.''
Manual shift (ESP) mode:
In this mode, you can shift gears much like a manual transmission in the
low ratio.
You can select five forward shift positions by operating the gearshift
switches; 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
The gear position indicator shows the selected position and the drive
mode indicator shows ''LOW'' and ''ESP.''
Reverse (R)
Use this position to ride in reverse (page 117 ).
Basic Operation & Riding 111