Shifting; Braking - Honda XR250 Tornado Owner's Manual

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Shifting

Proper shifting can prevent damaging the engine and
transmission.
Upshifting
Upshift to a higher gear before exceeding the upper
limit speed.
Upshifting at speeds higher than the upper limit speed
can cause damage to the engine.
Downshifting
Downshifting at speeds higher than those in the table
below may overrev the engine and can cause damage
to the engine and transmission.
Follow the table below when downshifting the gears.
Downshifting Acceptable Speed
6th → 5th
117 km/h (73 mph) or less
5th → 4th
99 km/h (62 mph) or less
4th → 3rd
81 km/h (50 mph) or less
3rd → 2nd
61 km/h (38 mph) or less
2nd → 1st
39 km/h (24 mph) or less

Braking

For normal braking, gradually apply both the front and
rear brakes while downshifting to suit your road speed.
For maximum deceleration, close the throttle and apply
the front and rear brakes firmly. Pull in the clutch lever
before coming to a complete stop to prevent stalling
the engine.
Important Safety Reminders
• Independent operation of only the brake lever or
brake pedal reduces stopping performance.
• Extreme application of the brake controls may cause
wheel lock, reducing control of the motorcycle.
• When possible, reduce speed or brake before
entering a turn; closing the throttle or braking in
mid-turn may cause wheel slip. Wheel slip will
reduce control of the motorcycle.
• When riding in wet or rainy conditions, or on loose
surfaces, the ability to maneuver and stop will be
reduced. All of your actions should be smooth under
these conditions. Rapid acceleration, braking or
turning may cause loss of control. For your safety,
exercise extreme caution when braking, accelerating
or turning.
• When descending a long, steep grade, use engine
compression braking by downshifting, with intermittent
use of both brakes. Continuous brake application can
overheat the brakes and reduce their effectiveness.
• Riding with your foot resting on the brake pedal or
your hand on the brake lever may actuate the brake
light, giving a false indication to other drivers. It may
also overheat the brakes, reducing effectiveness.
Owner´s Manual