How to Change Gears on a Motorcycle

Get to know the clutch, throttle, and gear shifter. The clutch is located in front of the left handgrip and is responsible for transferring torque from the engine to the transmission. The throttle, situated on the right hand grip, increases the engine RPM when rolled on to prevent stalling. The gear shift, a bar in front of the left foot pedal, facilitates gear changes. Practice the following:

• Squeeze the clutch lever in, then gradually release it.
• Roll the throttle backward ('roll on') to accelerate.
• Roll the throttle forward ('roll off') to decelerate.
• Depress the gear shift to engage first gear. This action is effective only in neutral or second gear; otherwise, it shifts down to a lower gear.
• Shift the gear shift upward to access higher gears. The standard gear pattern for manual motorcycles is one down, and four or five up. Neutral is located between first and second gears.

Initiate the motorcycle's engine by engaging the clutch, then pressing the starter button. Ensure that the motorcycle is in neutral. Neutral is indicated by a green 'N' light on the meter console; this feature is present in all new bikes. At this juncture, you should be seated on the bike's saddle.

Transition into first gear. Begin by closing the throttle, then fully pull in the clutch. Simultaneously, shift the gear lever into first gear by pushing downward. Subsequently, gradually apply throttle while gently releasing the clutch until the motorcycle begins to move slowly. Once this occurs, increase throttle input and fully release the clutch.

• Take your time releasing the clutch lever; continue coordinating the throttle and clutch until the motorcycle is in motion. As the motorcycle gains speed, smoothly and gradually release the clutch lever.

Progress to higher gears. Once you have reached a suitable speed to warrant shifting to a higher gear, close the throttle and engage the clutch. Position your left foot's toes under the gear lever, then elevate the lever as high as possible. You can shift into higher gears by gently pushing the gear lever upward. Each upward movement shifts to the next higher gear (e.g., second, third, fourth, and so forth). NOTE: Experienced riders can upshift without using the clutch by lightly lifting the lever with their foot and matching the throttle to engage the next higher gear. This technique, while requiring practice, saves time during shifting and prolongs the clutch plates' lifespan slightly.

• If the lever is lifted halfway while in first gear, you will enter neutral.
• If you release the clutch and throttle but the motorcycle remains in neutral, squeeze the clutch and lift the lever again.
• If you accidentally skip a gear, do not panic. It will not harm the motorcycle as long as you ensure that the throttle matches the shifted gear.

Shift to a lower gear. Reduce throttle input ('close' the throttle) while engaging the clutch. Depress the gear lever, then release it. Gradually adjust the clutch and throttle together to match your current speed. If you are decelerating to a stop, keep the throttle closed, engage the clutch, and continue pressing and releasing the gear lever until first gear is engaged.

Familiarize yourself with the necessary controls. To shift gears on a motorcycle with a semi-automatic transmission, simply control the engine's throttle and utilize the gear shift. In a semi-automatic system, the clutch is integrated with the gear shift, so using the gear shift activates both controls simultaneously.

Start the motorcycle. Position yourself on the bike and ensure it is in neutral before proceeding to shift gears.

Transition into first gear. This process is straightforward; throttle the engine and depress the gear shift downward one notch. First gear is always accessed by shifting the gear shift downward, while higher gears can be engaged by shifting the gear shift upward.

Engage higher gears. Follow the same procedure as shifting into first gear. Control the engine's throttle and elevate the gear shift with your toe. Each click upward on the gear shift advances to the next gear; one click for 2nd gear, another for 3rd, and so forth.

Shift into lower gears. To decelerate and eventually stop, downshift into lower gears by pressing down on the gear shift. Always shift your bike into neutral when coming to a stop.

• Ensure your knuckles are oriented upwards towards the sky, particularly crucial for novices to avoid excessive throttle in first gear.
• Motorcycling requires your full concentration at all times. Develop muscle memory for operating all controls by familiarizing yourself with your motorcycle in a safe environment.
• When the traffic light changes to green, double-check left and right and left again to ensure no one is attempting to beat the yellow light. Being cautious can prevent accidents and preserve a pleasant day.

• Pay attention to the engine sound when shifting up. If it emits a low grumble, downshift. If it whines loudly, upshift.
• When downshifting, only shift down one gear at a time.
• When shifting into neutral from first gear, ensure you release the clutch gradually to confirm neutral. Releasing the clutch quickly while still in gear can cause the vehicle to stall or lurch forward unexpectedly.
• If you notice a slight 'clunk' during shifts, adjust your jetting settings to achieve optimal performance.
• Failing to upshift when the engine hits the rev limiter may lead to engine damage over time.