OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU39901
Shifting This motorcycle has a 3-speed trans-
mission with a centrifugal, automatic
clutch. Shifting gears lets you control
the amount of engine power available
for starting off, accelerating, climbing
hills, etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.NOTE:To shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of itstravel.
CAUTION:
ECA15441
Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.
Always release the throttle grip
before changing gears to avoid
damaging the engine, transmis-
sion, and drive train, which are
not designed to withstand the
shock of shifting when the throt-tle grip is open.
EAU39910
To start out and accelerate
1. Close the throttle.
2. Shift into first gear and release the
shift pedal.
CAUTION:
ECA15460
Always close the throttle before
shifting gears, otherwise damage to
the engine and drive train may re-sult.
3. Open the throttle gradually.
4. Once the motorcycle has reached
a speed high enough to change
gears, close the throttle.
5. Shift into second gear and release
the shift pedal.
6. Open the throttle gradually.
7. Follow the same procedure when
shifting to the next higher gear.
EAU16710
To decelerate
1. Close the throttle and apply both
the front and the rear brakes to
slow the motorcycle.
2. Downshift through the gears and
shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position when the motorcycle
is almost completely stopped.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral positionU3P281E0.book Page 3 Monday, April 17, 2006 11:26 AM
MOTORCYCLE CARE AND STORAGE
7-1
7
EAU40461
Care While the open design of a motorcycle
reveals the attractiveness of the tech-
nology, it also makes it more vulnera-
ble. Rust and corrosion can develop
even if high-quality components are
used. A rusty exhaust pipe may go un-
noticed on a car, however, it detracts
from the overall appearance of a motor-
cycle. Frequent and proper care does
not only comply with the terms of the
warranty, but it will also keep your
motorcycle looking good, extend its life
and optimize its performance.
Before cleaning
1. Cover the muffler outlet with a
plastic bag after the engine has
cooled down.
2. Make sure that all caps and covers
as well as all electrical couplers
and connectors, including the
spark plug cap, are tightly in-
stalled.
3. Remove extremely stubborn dirt,
like oil burnt onto the crankcase,
with a degreasing agent and a
brush, but never apply such prod-ucts onto seals, gaskets, sprock-
ets, the drive chain and wheel
axles. Always rinse the dirt and de-
greaser off with water.
Cleaning
CAUTION:
ECA10770
Avoid using strong acidic wheel
cleaners, especially on spoked
wheels. If such products are
used on hard-to-remove dirt, do
not leave the cleaner on the af-
fected area any longer than in-
structed. Also, thoroughly rinse
the area off with water, immedi-
ately dry it, and then apply a cor-
rosion protection spray.
Improper cleaning can damage
windshields, cowlings, panels
and other plastic parts. Use only
a soft, clean cloth or sponge
with mild detergent and water to
clean plastic.
Do not use any harsh chemical
products on plastic parts. Be
sure to avoid using cloths or
sponges which have been in
contact with strong or abrasivecleaning products, solvent or
thinner, fuel (gasoline), rust re-
movers or inhibitors, brake flu-
id, antifreeze or electrolyte.
Do not use high-pressure wash-
ers or steam-jet cleaners since
they cause water seepage and
deterioration in the following ar-
eas: seals (of wheel and swing-
arm bearings, fork and brakes),
electric components (couplers,
connectors, instruments,
switches and lights), breather
hoses and vents.
For motorcycles equipped with
a windshield: Do not use strong
cleaners or hard sponges as
they will cause dulling or
scratching. Some cleaning com-
pounds for plastic may leave
scratches on the windshield.
Test the product on a small hid-
den part of the windshield to
make sure that it does not leave
any marks. If the windshield is
scratched, use a quality plastic
polishing compound afterwashing.
U3P281E0.book Page 1 Monday, April 17, 2006 11:26 AM
