One of the most important processes in riding a motorcycle is changing gears. It may seem difficult to master, but changing gears can actually be done easily. However, how to change gears will depend on the motorcycle used, whether it is a manual or semi-automatic transmission type.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Changing Gears on a Manual Transmission
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the clutch, throttle and shift lever
The clutch is on the left handlebar, which functions to transfer torque from the engine to the transmission. The throttle is on the right handlebar. Turning the throttle will increase the engine's RPM, which will prevent the engine from stalling. The gear lever is a metal bar located in front of the left footrest. This lever is used to shift gears. Practice doing some of these things:
- Press the clutch lever, then release it slowly.
- Turn the throttle backwards (roll on) to increase the speed of the motorcycle.
- Turn the throttle forward (roll off) to reduce the speed of the motorcycle.
- Press the gear lever to get into first gear. This only applies when the gear is in neutral or in second gear. Otherwise, pressing the gear lever will lower the gear position.
- Lift the shift lever up to shift to a higher gear. The gearshift pattern commonly used on manual motorcycles is: first gear by pressing down, and the remaining four or five gears by leveraging. The neutral position is between first and second gear.
Step 2. Start the motorcycle by squeezing the clutch while pressing the starter button
Make sure the gear is in neutral. The neutral position is indicated by a green light that reads "N" on the meter panel. New motorcycles are equipped with this feature. At this point, you should be sitting in the saddle.
Step 3. Shift into first gear
Start by loosening the throttle, then fully pull the clutch lever. At the same time, shift into first gear by pressing the shift lever down. Next, turn the throttle slowly while releasing the clutch lever gently until the motorcycle runs slowly. After this point, start increasing the torque on the throttle and fully release the clutch handle.
Do not rush to release the clutch lever. You must equalize the twisting motion of the gas with releasing the clutch lever until the motorcycle moves. As the motorcycle accelerates, release the clutch lever slowly and gently
Step 4. Shift to a higher gear
When the motorcycle has reached sufficient speed to shift to a higher gear, loosen the throttle while pressing the clutch lever. Tuck the toe of your left foot under the shift lever, and lift the lever up as far as it will go. You can continue to shift to a higher gear by continuously lifting the shift lever up. One lift will go into second gear, another into third gear, another into fourth gear, and so on. NOTE: experienced motorcyclists do not need to depress the clutch to change gears. He would lightly lift the gear lever with his feet, and when he loosened the throttle, the motorcycle would go into a higher gear. You need practice to do this smoothly. This method can save time changing gears, and also make the clutch plate more durable.
- When the motorcycle is in first gear and you move the gear lever halfway, the motorcycle will go into neutral.
- If the motor does not move when you release the clutch and turn the throttle, it means that the gear is in neutral. Press the clutch lever and shift into first gear.
- If you accidentally skip a level of gear, you don't have to worry. This will not damage the motorcycle as long as you loosen the throttle when changing gears.
Step 5. Lower the gear to a lower level
Loosen the throttle while pressing the clutch lever. Press the gear lever down and release. Gently adjust the clutch pull and throttle simultaneously to match your current running speed. When you want to stop, fully release the throttle, depress the clutch lever, and keep pressing and releasing the gear lever until the motorcycle goes into first gear.
Method 2 of 2: Changing Gears on a Semiautomatic Transmission
Step 1. Learn the necessary controls
All you have to do to change gears from a motorcycle to a semi-automatic transmission is to fully loosen the throttle and press the gear lever. On a motorcycle with a semi-automatic transmission, the clutch has been combined with the gear so that when the shift lever is pressed, you will also activate the clutch.
Step 2. Start the motorcycle
Sit in the saddle of the motorcycle, and make sure the gear is in neutral before you proceed with the process of changing gears.
Step 3. Shift into first gear
This is a basic process, which is done by loosening the throttle and pressing the gear lever once. You can get into first gear by pressing the shift lever down in one stroke. Shifting to the next gear can be done by lifting the gear lever up.
Step 4. Switch to a higher gear
Do this in the same steps you went into first gear. Loosen the throttle and lift the shift lever up using the tips of your toes. By leveraging it one click, you will go into second gear, another click into third gear, and so on.
Step 5. Lower the gear to a lower level
To slow down and stop the motorcycle, lower the gear to a lower level by pressing the gear lever. When stopping, try to always place the bike in a neutral position.
Tips
- Keep your knuckles facing up (especially for beginners) so you don't overturn the throttle when it enters first gear.
- When riding a motorcycle, you have to concentrate 100% of the time. Learn to exercise all control from muscle memory by practicing riding a motorcycle in a safe place.
- When the traffic light turns green, look to the right and left twice to make sure no one is crossing the red light. Meeting people who like to run red lights can be a bad experience for you.
- The easiest way to avoid problems and accidents when riding a motorcycle is to recognize problems long before you approach them, or before they approach you.
- One lever, or one lever depressing, equals one shift. You can't go from first gear to fifth by simply lifting and holding the lever up for a long time. You must always press or lift the gear lever to change gears.
- When riding a motorcycle at a very high speed, apply the front brake gently first, and gradually press the brake firmly until the motorcycle slows down to the desired speed, then release the brake slowly. Use the rear brake only slightly to stabilize the motorcycle.
- When the engine is still cold, do not turn the throttle fully, as this can damage the engine. Warm up the engine first!
- When riding a motorcycle on the streets, always keep your attention focused, just in case there is a problem ahead of your lane. Check the rearview mirror regularly for people who are not paying attention to your presence.
- Modern motorcycles rely on the front brake to stop. The rear brake is not effective at stopping a motorcycle running at high speed.
- Get into the habit of lowering gears when the bike's wheels are turning. Sometimes, when the motorcycle stops, the "gears" in the gear are aligned so that they cannot be lowered to a lower position until you release the clutch.
- If your motorcycle doesn't have this feature, you'll need to form a "feel" habit in order to switch gears smoothly.
- A visibility vest (a vest that emits bright light) is a very important accessory if you are learning to ride a motorcycle, especially at night because other riders can have a hard time seeing you.
Warning
- Hear the sound of the engine as it shifts to a higher gear. Downshift if the engine makes a low rumbling sound. Gear up if the engine makes a loud, harsh sound.
- When downshifting, always downshift one gear at a time.
- When shifting from first gear to neutral, always release the clutch slowly to ensure that the motorcycle is completely in the neutral position. Quickly releasing the clutch when the motorcycle is not in neutral can cause the engine to stop (at best), or jump forward unexpectedly.
- If you don't shift gears when the motorcycle's engine reaches the rev limit, the engine may explode.
- If the gears make a low tinkling sound, try adjusting the carburetor settings to correct this.
