Polaris 2003 Victory Classic Cruiser - Manual (Page 87)

85
OPERATION
Shifting Gears
To engage first gear, start the engine (see “Starting the Engine” on page 82). With the engine at idle speed, engage
the front brake (squeeze the brake lever) and disengage the clutch (squeeze the clutch lever). Push the shift pedal
down until you feel it stop in first gear. Disengage the front brake (release the brake lever). Simultaneously moving
both the clutch lever and the throttle control grip with a smooth, gentle motion, gradually engage the clutch (release
the clutch lever) and open the throttle (roll the throttle control grip toward you). As the clutch begins to engage, the
motorcycle begins to move forward.
To shift to the next higher gear, accelerate smoothly and easily to the recommended shift point (see “Recommended
Shift Points” on page 86). With a quick motion, simultaneously close the throttle completely and disengage the
clutch. Raise the shift pedal with your toe, or depress it with your heel, until you feel it stop at the next gear.
Simultaneously moving both the clutch lever and the throttle with a smooth, gentle motion, gradually release the
clutch lever and open the throttle.
Within the recommended speed ranges (see “Recommended Shift Points” on page 86), you can downshift (shift to a
lower gear) to slow the motorcycle or to increase the available power. You may want to downshift when climbing a
hill or passing. Downshifting also helps to decrease your speed when combined with closing the throttle.
To shift to a lower gear, simultaneously pull in the clutch lever and close the throttle. Shift into the next lower gear
by depressing the shift pedal with your toe. Simultaneously release the clutch lever and open the throttle.