Polaris 2008 Victory Vegas - Manual (Page 80)

75
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 entering 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 18 mph (29 km/h) O/D* to 5th 50 mph (80 km/h)
2nd to 3rd 30 mph (48 km/h) 5th to 4th 35 mph (56 km/h)
3rd to 4th 40 mph (64 km/h) 4th to 3rd 25 mph (40 km/h)
4th to 5th 50 mph (80 km/h) 3rd to 2nd 15 mph (24 km/h)
5th to O/D* 60 mph (97 km/h) 2nd to 1st 10 mph (16 km/h)
* 100/6 engine (6 Speed) only