How to Switch Gears on a Motorcycle
Learning how to switch gears (or shift) on a motorcycle is not difficult. The hard part is learning how to do it smoothly. Most motorcycles have a linear shifting pattern of "1 down, 5 up." This means that, when the motorcycle is in neutral, you shift down to reach first gear and up to reach the higher gears.
These instructions will work for most standard motorcycles. Racing motorcycles have what is known as a GP, or reverse-shift pattern: 1up, 5 down.
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Instructions
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How to Shift to First Gear
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1
Locate your clutch lever, gearshift and throttle. The clutch lever is located on the left handle bar. (The lever on the right handle bar controls the front brake.) The gearshift is located on the left side, by your foot. (Again, the pedal on the right controls the right brake.) The throttle is usually controlled by turning the right handle.
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2
Place your motorcycle in neutral, release the kickstand and start the engine.
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3
Squeeze the clutch lever.
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4
Press down on the gear shift.
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5
Slowly add throttle while, at the same time, easing off your clutch. You do not want to quickly release the clutch. Do it gradually. If you release your clutch too quickly, you could stall. If you add throttle too quickly, you could over-rev.
How to Shift Up
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6
Speed up your motorcycle. When you feel that your engine won't go any faster, it is time to shift up.
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7
Move your left toe so that it is under the gear shift.
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8
Simultaneously squeeze the clutch and release the throttle.
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9
Lift your toe until the gear shift has moved up one notch. If your are switching from first to second, make sure you didn't put the motorcycle into neutral.
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10
Slowly add throttle, while at the same time easing off your clutch. Again, do it gradually. If the motorcycle lurches or doesn't feel right, you may have shifted up too soon. Try down-shifting.
How to Shift Down
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Ease up on the throttle. It is important that you are going slow enough before you downshift; otherwise, your motorcycle could lurch or your back wheel could skid.
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12
Gently squeeze the clutch.
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13
Slightly apply some throttle to allow the lower gear to catch smoothly.
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14
Press down on the gear shift.
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15
Gently release your clutch.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice shifting gears on your motorcycle in an area with little or no traffic. Switch gears before entering a turn.
