74
Basic Operation & Riding
Shifting Gears
Your motorcycle has five forward gears in a one-down, four-up shift pattern
which is coordinated with a hydraulically actuated clutch system.
Learning when to shift gears comes with experience. Keep the following tips in
mind:
• As a general rule, shift while moving in a straight line.
• Close the throttle and pull the clutch lever in completely before shifting. Improper
shifting may damage the engine, transmission, and drive train.
• Learn to recognize the engagement point as you release the clutch lever. It is
at this point the transmission of power to the rear wheel resumes.
• Upshift to a higher gear or reduce throttle before engine rpm (speed) gets too
high. Learn the relationship between engine sound and the normal shifting
points.
• Downshift to a lower gear before you feel the engine laboring (lugging) at
low rpm.
• Avoid downshifting to help slow your motorcycle when engine rpm is near its
allowable maximum (near the tachometer red zone). In this situation, the rev
limiter in the engine ignition control module may not prevent excessive
engine speed which could damage the engine.
• To prevent transmission damage, do not coast or tow the motorcycle for long
distances with the engine off.
Summary of Contents for GOLDWING GL1800/A 2015
Page 3: ...2015 Honda GL1800 A GOLDWING OWNER S MANUAL ...
Page 13: ...Motorcycle Safety 7 Safety Labels ...
Page 14: ...8 Motorcycle Safety Safety Labels ...
Page 15: ...Motorcycle Safety 9 Safety Labels ...
Page 236: ... Models equipped with ABS 234 Taking Care of the Unexpected If You Have a Flat Tire ...
Page 241: ...Taking Care of the Unexpected 239 If You Have a Flat Tire ...