How to Switch Gears on a Dirtbike

Shift gears as needed to provide the most power at any given speed.

Shifting between a dirt bike's gears effectively is an acquired skill, requiring coordination between your hands and left foot. The actual mechanics involved are deceptively simple, but learning how to shift smoothly and when to do it can only be honed by countless hours of practice. Whether it's in your backyard or an open field, familiarize yourself with the dirt bike's "one-down, four-up" shift pattern until it feels like second nature.

Instructions

Learning the Shift Pattern

1. Pull in the clutch lever, using your left hand, and hold it in place for the remainder of this exercise. Push the shift lever, in front of your left foot, down to shift into first gear.

2. Lift the shift lever up, using your left foot, to up-shift into second gear. Push the shift lever up again to up-shift into third gear. Continue to lift the shift lever to up-shift into a higher gear. Stop when the lever no longer "clicks" into gear. This is the top gear. Make a mental note of which gear you are in as you up shift.

3. Push the shift lever down, using your left foot, to down-shift into a lower gear from top gear. Push the lever down repeatedly until you shift back into first gear. Make a mental note of which gear you are in as you down-shift.

4. Lift the shift lever with a quick tap of your left foot to shift from first gear into neutral. Let go of the clutch lever.

Shifting While Riding

1. Start the dirt bike's motor and pull in the clutch lever. Shift out of neutral and into first gear, using your left foot to press the shift lever down once. Release the clutch lever and accelerate to a moderate speed.

2. Pull in the clutch lever and let off the throttle slightly. Up-shift into second gear, using your left foot to lift the shift lever once. Let go of the clutch lever and accelerate away. Repeat as needed until you have up-shifted into top gear.

3. Brake as needed and pull in the clutch lever. Close the throttle completely. Down-shift out of top gear, using your left foot to push the shift lever down once. Open the throttle quickly, using a snap of the wrist, to increase the dirt bike's engine speed. Let go of the clutch lever and accelerate away. Repeat as needed to down-shift back into first gear.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice riding in different gears at varying speeds to learn which gear will provide the most power at any given speed.

• Keep your safety in mind. Always wear a helmet and goggles when riding your dirt bike.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles;" Holmstrom, Darwin; Alpha Books; 2001