Honda Vtx 1300 C Owners Manual

shifting pattern
42
Shif ting Gears
Basic Operation & Riding
As a general rule, shif t while moving in
a straight line.
Close the throttle and pull the clutch
lever in completely bef ore shif ting.
Improper shif ting may damage the
engine, transmission, and drive train.
Learn to recognize the engagement
point as you release the clutch lever. It
is at this point the transmission of
power to the rear wheel resumes.
Upshif t to a higher gear or reduce
throttle bef ore engine rpm (speed) gets
too high. Learn...

43
Shif ting Gears
Basic Operation & Riding
Shif ting Up:
Shif ting Down: Avoid downshif ting to help slow your
motorcycle when engine rpm is high.
Downshif ting when engine speed is
near its allowable maximum may over-
rev the engine and cause possible
damage.
To prevent transmission damage, do not
coast or tow the motorcycle f or long
distances with the engine of f .
Recommended Shif t Points
Ride in the highest gear that lets the
engine run and accelerate smoothly. This
will give you good f uel...

44
Braking
Basic Operation & Riding
Applying the brakes too hard may cause
the wheels to lock and slide, reducing
control of your motorcycle. If this happens,
release the brake controls, steer straight
ahead until you regain control, then
reapply the brakes more gently. To prevent stalling the engine, pull the
clutch lever in before coming to a
complete stop. For support, put your lef t
f oot down f irst, then your right f oot when
you are through using the brake pedal. Your motorcycle is equipped with...

45
Braking
Basic Operation & Riding
When possible, reduce your speed or
complete braking bef ore entering a turn.
Avoid braking or closing the throttle
quickly while turning. Either action may
cause one or both wheels to slip and
reduce your control of your motorcycle.
Your ability to brake in a turn and to brake
hard in an emergency situation are
important riding skills. We suggest
attending a Motorcycle Safety Foundation
experienced rider training course
(page ) to retain these skills.
When riding in...

46
Parking
Basic Operation & Riding
Catalytic Converter Look f or a level parking area. If you
can’t park on a paved surf ace, make
sure the ground surf ace is f irm,
especially under the side stand.
If you must park on a hill, leave the
transmission in gear and position the
rear tire against the curb at a 45 degree
angle.To lower the side stand, use your f oot
to guide it down. Remember that
lowering the side stand with the
transmission in gear will stop the
engine, even if the clutch lever is
pulled...

(1) steering lock (2) ignition key(1)
(2) RIGHT FRONT
47
Parking
Basic Operation & Riding
Use the steering lock ( ), which locks
the handlebar in place. Turn the
handlebar all the way to the lef t. Insert
the ignition key ( ) in the lock and turn
it 180 degrees clockwise. Remove the
key.
(cont’d) 3. 1
2
03/03/07 13:06:34 31MEM600_056 

Riding with a helmet attached to
the holder can interfere with the
rear wheel or suspension and
could cause a crash in which you
can be seriously hurt or killed.
Use the helmet holder only while
parked. Do not ride with a helmet
secured by the holder.
(4)
(3)
(2) LEFT REAR
(2) ignition key
(3) helmet holder(4) holder pin
48
Parking
Basic Operation & Riding
Turn the f uel valve OFF. Use the helmet holder ( ) to secure
your helmet with your motorcycle:
Insert the ignition key ( ) and turn it...

49 Thef t-Prevention Tips
Parking
Basic Operation & Riding
If you decide to use an anti-thef t device,
select one of good quality and be sure to
f ollow the manuf acturer’s instructions.
Park your motorcycle in a locked
garage whenever possible. If a garage
isn’t available, park in a concealed area
or in a well-lit area with enough
pedestrian traf f ic to discourage a thief .
Always take the ignition key with you.
Always use the steering lock (page ),
even if you’re parking f or just a minute
or two. A...

50
Riding with a Passenger or Cargo
Basic Operation & Riding
Load Limits,
Loading Guidelines, Your motorcycle is designed to carry you
and one passenger. Whenever you add a
passenger or cargo, you must be caref ul
not to exceed the total load limits for this
vehicle ( page ). Make
sure your cargo is properly secured
(page).
Also consider adjusting the suspension
(page ) f or the extra load.
Be aware that carrying a passenger or
heavy cargo can affect acceleration,
braking, and handling.Bef ore riding...

51Servicing Your Honda
Servicing Your Honda
Maintenance, replacement or repair of
the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
motorcycle repair establishment or
individual using parts that are
‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards.
Bef ore You Service Your Honda To help keep your motorcycle in good
shape, this section includes a Maintenance
Schedule f or required service, a list of
periodic checks you should perf orm at
least once a month, and step-by-step
instructions for specific...