Things You'll Need:
- Motorcycle
- Practice
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Step 1
Most street bikes are 5 speeds. The clutch is the lever located on the left handlebar. Pull it in.
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Step 2
Apply the front brake so you don't roll forward. With the clutch still pulled in, gently tap the gear shift down. Do this repeatedly until it won't go down any more.
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Step 3
When it is down the whole way, that is first gear. Pull the gear shift up lightly one click to put it in neutral. Keep the clutch pulled in and start the bike.
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Step 4
Push the gear shift lever down a click. You should feel it jerk go into gear. Ease the clutch out slowly; giving it fuel as you go just like you would in a car with stick shift.
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Step 5
Pull the throttle back, until you can tell you need a higher gear. Watch the "red line" area on the tachometer. Usually about three quarters of the way to the red is a good shifting point.
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Step 6
Pull it up into second gear. It is a little farther pull since you are going to go past neutral.
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Step 7
Shift up as you pick up speed. In town at 35, most bikes cruise good in third or fourth. On the open highway at 55 or more, you want to be in the top gear.
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Step 8
Shifting down; you need to be in a low enough gear that it won't choke out. At the same time, don't go down too fast or it will rev the bike up and throw you around a bit.
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Step 9
Practice with your bike and you will automatically know when to shift into which gear. To be safe on a bike, you need to ride often until your bike becomes an extension of your body. It's a great feeling of oneness and freedom!
Comments
Mindee94 said
on 5/25/2009 Great points especially locking the ride so it does not move when working on it. Great information, with these directions this DIY project will be a breeze thanks!