How to Shift Gears on the 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT

With a little practice, shifting your Vulcan 900's gears will become effortless.

Kawasaki's Vulcan 900 Classic LT was the smallest model in the 2007 Vulcan lineup, making it light enough for a new motorcycle rider to control while retaining enough big bike power and character to entertain seasoned riders. One of the more puzzling aspects of the motorcycle, at least in the eyes of a new rider, is the Vulcan's heel-toe shifter lever. While a typical motorcycle shifter requires the rider to push down to shift to a lower gear or up for higher gears, the heel-toe shifter allows the rider to select a gear by pushing down on either lever.

Instructions

1. Pull in the clutch lever and start the motorcycle. A green indicator should illuminate on the motorcycle's instrument cluster, located on the fuel tank, signifying that the motorcycle is in neutral.

2. Push the front shifter lever down with the ball of your left foot to shift out of neutral and into first gear. Slowly release the clutch lever until the motorcycle begins to roll forward slightly. Twist the throttle grip back slowly with your right hand to accelerate to 20 mph.

3. Pull in the clutch lever and roll the throttle grip forward slightly to partially close the throttle. Push down on the rear shifter-lever with your heel to shift into second gear. Release the clutch lever slowly and roll the throttle grip back slightly to accelerate forward to 30 mph. Shift into third gear, fourth and fifth gear as your speeds increase, using the same method.

4. Downshift into a lower gear as your speed decreases. Pull the clutch lever in and roll the throttle grip forward slightly. Push down on the front shifter-lever with the ball of your foot to shift into a lower gear. Quickly open, or blip, the throttle a bit to raise the engine speed as you release the clutch lever. This slight increase in engine speed will help the rear wheel compensate for the change in gearing and reduce the possibility of the motorcycle lurching as you release the clutch. Repeat as needed until you have shifted into first gear.

5. Pull in the clutch lever and close the throttle. Apply both brakes to come to a complete stop. Support the motorcycle on your right foot. Shift into first gear, using the front shifter-lever. Lightly tap the rear shifter-lever with your heel to shift into neutral, indicated by the green indicator on the motorcycle's instrument cluster.

Tips & Warnings

• Select an empty parking lot to practice shifting in and out of gear until it feels natural. You must be comfortable with this technique before riding your Vulcan on a public road.

References

• "Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT Motorcycle Owner's Manual"; Kawasaki Heavy Industries; 2007