2002 Honda BF25A BF30A Outboards Owner's Manual, Page 48Get this manual
OPERATION GEARSHIFTING AND THROTTLE OPERATION
To shift gears, turn the throttle grip to the SLOW position, then move the gearshift lever to select (forward), (neutral) or (reverse) gearsThe engine can be started with the gearshift lever in the (neutral) position onlyThe throttle grip can be turned to the FAST position only when the gearshift lever is in the (forward) positionTHROTTLE