| WARNING Downshifting to a lower gear at high speed causes engine rpm to increase excessively, potentially damaging the engine and it may also cause the rear wheel to skid and cause an accident. |
Vehicle speed when shifting

NOTE
The transmission is equipped with a positive neutral finder. When the motorcycle is standing still, the transmission cannot be shifted past neutral from 1st gear. To use the positive neutral finder, shift down to 1st gear, then lift up on the shift pedal while standing still. The transmission will shift only into neutral.
Moving Off
BrakingSpark Plug Condition Inspection
Remove the spark plugs (see Spark Plug Replacement in
the Periodic Maintenance chapter).
Visually inspect the spark plugs.
If the spark plug center electrode [A] and/or side electrode
[B] are corroded or damaged, or if the insulator [C]
is cracked, replace the plug.
If the spark plug is ...
Alternator Inspection
There are three types of alternator failures: short, open
(wire burned out), or loss in rotor magnetism. A short or
open in one of the coil wires will result in either a low output,
or no output at all. A loss in rotor magnetism, which may be
caused by dropping or hitting the alternator, by leav ...
Starter Relay Inspection
Remove the front seat (see Front Seat Removal in the
Frame chapter).
Remove the battery negative (–) cable from the battery
negative (–) terminal (see Battery Removal).
Take the starter relay [A] off the rear fender.
Remove the cover [B].
Remove:
Starter Motor Cable [A] ...