How to Switch Gears on Motorcycle

There is nothing like the freedom of riding your motorcycle on lovely day. One of the main parts of learning to ride your motorcycle safely is learning how to shift gears. Just like on a manual car or truck, slower speeds require a lower gear while speeding up requires a higher gear. The usual gear pattern is 1-N-2-3-4-5. The gearshift lever is on the left side of the motorcycle in front of the footrest. Use your left foot to lift up for a higher gear and down for a lower gear. The gears cannot shift unless the clutch is depressed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle

Shifting to a Higher Gear

1. Start the motorcycle in neutral then shift down to first gear. Roll on the throttle while slowly releasing the clutch. When the motorcycle begins to move forward, smoothly release the clutch as you increase the throttle.

2. As you pick up speed, roll off the throttle and squeeze the clutch. Lift the gearshift lever with your foot until it clicks past the half click of neutral and up to the next gear.

3. Ease out the clutch and adjust the throttle. You can feel the correct balance of throttle and clutch through the revving of the engine as well as through your hand on the throttle. Move your foot back to the footrest and away from the gearshift lever after shifting.

4. Move forward on the motorcycle with confidence and balance, knowing that the appropriate speed will keep you traveling.

Shifting to a Lower Gear

5. Roll off the throttle as you squeeze the clutch.

6. Press the gearshift lever down with your foot until it clicks into the next gear.

7. Ease out the clutch and adjust the throttle. Release the gearshift lever. Rolling on the throttle slightly will make the downshift smoother.

8. Shift down one gear at a time to match the deceleration of your motorcycle. Apply the brakes gently and smoothly to aid in stopping the motorcycle. Although you can shift through multiple gears while the clutch is squeezed, shifting gears one at a time is more desirable.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a motorcycle safety course in your area. Safety courses are a great way to meet other new motorcycle enthusiasts and learn some crucial safety techniques for riding motorcycles. The course may even cut down the cost of your insurance. When you are first learning to operate your motorcycle, keep your hand near or over the clutch so that you can quickly squeeze it to remove power to the rear wheel. Always consult your operating manual for instructions relating specifically to your motorcycle.
• If you stall the bike, try to keep the front wheel straight so that you don't lose your balance on the bike and lay it down. If you do lay it down, know that this is very common for new riders. Get some help picking the bike up so that you don't injure yourself. Always wear appropriate protective gear when riding a motorcycle.

Resources

• Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• American Motorcyclists Association