VENGEANCE 2007 Hotrod Bones Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 48 / 78

American Hotrod Manufacturing, LLC • 2220 Eastridge Avenue Riverside, CA 92507

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OPERATION

SHIFTING GEARS

There is more to shifting gears than simply getting the motorcycle to accelerate smoothly. Accidents can occur if the
gears are used incorrectly when you downshift, turn or start on hills.

With the motorcycle standing (engine off), proceed as follows to get underway:

1.  Determine that the transmission is in neutral and clutch is fully disengaged.
2.  Start the engine
3.  Fully depress the clutch
4.  Shift into first gear and slowly engage the clutch
5.  After desired speed is attained in first gear, fully disengage the clutch and shift into second gear.
6.  Shift in like manner for third, fourth and fifth gears.

DO NOT SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT FULLY DISENGAGING THE CLUTCH.

CAUTION:

•

DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE AT EXTREMELY HIGH RPM WITH THE CLUTCH DISENGAGED OR THE
TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL.

•

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM SAFE RPM SPECIFIED PREVIOUSLY UNDER ANY CONDITIONS.

•

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED SAFE ENGINE SPEED.

•

DO NOT IDLE THE ENGINE UNNECESSARILY FOR MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES WITH THE
MOTORCYCLE STANDING STILL.

As speed increases, it will be necessary to up-shift to higher gears; as speed decreases, it will be necessary to down-
shift to lower gears. To shift to a higher gear, simultaneously reduce the throttle (reduce engine speed) and pull the
clutch lever in toward the left handlebar. Move the gearshift lever upward with the toe of the left foot. Release clutch
lever smoothly and apply the correct amount of throttle after each gearshift.

DOWNSHIFTING

Make sure you are going slowly enough when shifting into a lower gear. If you are going too fast, the motorcycle will
lurch and the rear wheel may skid. This is more likely to happen under the following conditions.

•

Going downhill - the motorcycle tends to pick up speed on a downgrade.

•

Shifting into first gear - on many motorcycles, the speed range for first gear is very low.

Under these conditions, you may need to use the brakes in order to slow down enough to shift safely. To shift to a
lower gear, simultaneously reduce the throttle (reduce engine speed) and pull the clutch lever in toward the left
handlebar. Move the gearshift lever downward with the toe of the left foot. Release the clutch lever smoothly and
apply the correct amount of throttle after each gearshift. It is important to shift down through all the gears as you slow
down or stop. Remain in first gear while you are stopped so that you can move out quickly, if needed.

CAUTION: WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN MOTION AND IT IS DESIRED TO SHIFT TO LOWER GEARS, DO
NOT SHIFT FROM "THIRD" TO "SECOND" UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED TO 20 MPH OR LESS; DO NOT SHIFT
FROM SECOND TO FIRST UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED BELOW 10 MPH. SHIFTING TO LOWER GEARS WHEN
SPEEDS ARE TOO HIGH MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH
WHEN STOPPING THE MOTORCYCLE TO PREVENT STALLING THE ENGINE.

SHIFTING IN A TURN

Do not upshift or downshift in a turn unless it can be done very smoothly. A sudden change in power to the rear wheel
can cause it to lock or spin, resulting in a skid. It is best to change gears before entering a turn.