2003 Polaris Vegas Owners Manual - Page 72

2003 Polaris Vegas Manual

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OPERATION Shifting Gears WARNING • Downshifting at a speed in excess of the recommended downshift point may severely damage the transmission or cause the rear wheel to lose traction. It could also result in engine damage from running at excessive rpm. Reduce speed before downshifting and do not downshift at a speed above that in the table of recommended shift points. • Downshifting abruptly on wet, rough, loose, or slippery surfaces can cause the motorcycle to skid. When downshifting while passing over such surfaces, release the clutch lever very gradually. • Downshifting in a curve may cause the rear wheel to lose traction. Downshift before you enter a curve. Recommended Shift Points The following table shows the appropriate speed at which to shift up or down to each gear. Upshift (Acceleration) Gear Change Upshift Speed Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Change Downshift Speed 1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 70 15 mph (24 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 35 mph (56 km/h) 45 mph (72 km/h) 5th to 4th 4th to 3rd 3rd to 2nd 2nd to 1st 35 mph (56 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 15 mph (24 km/h) 10 mph (16 km/h)

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70
OPERATION
Shifting Gears
•
Downshifting at a speed in excess of the recommended downshift point may severely damage the
transmission or cause the rear wheel to lose traction. It could also result in engine damage from
running at excessive rpm. Reduce speed before downshifting and do not downshift at a speed
above that in the table of recommended shift points.
•
Downshifting abruptly on wet, rough, loose, or slippery surfaces can cause the motorcycle to
skid. When downshifting while passing over such surfaces, release the clutch lever very
gradually.
•
Downshifting in a curve may cause the rear wheel to lose traction. Downshift before you enter a
curve.
WARNING
Recommended Shift Points
The following table shows the appropriate speed at which to shift up or down to each gear.
Upshift (Acceleration)
Gear Change
Upshift Speed
Downshift (Deceleration)
Gear Change
Downshift Speed
1st to 2nd
15 mph (24 km/h)
5th to 4th
35 mph (56 km/h)
2nd to 3rd
25 mph (40 km/h)
4th to 3rd
25 mph (40 km/h)
3rd to 4th
35 mph (56 km/h)
3rd to 2nd
15 mph (24 km/h)
4th to 5th
45 mph (72 km/h)
2nd to 1st
10 mph (16 km/h)