As a rider, once you learn shifting gears you will know your training is over and you are all set to ride along like a pro. It is the most challenging aspect of motorcycle riding and something you have to master in order to make your ride safe and smooth. You will have to practice a lot and the more you do the quicker you will learn. During the first few days, it may seem to be a bit daunting especially to new riders who have no experience in gear shifting but you need not worry as it is not as complex as it looks and we will guide to become a gear changing maestro.
When you need to shift a motorcycle then you will have to use the gear selector to change gears. To move the bike forward you will have to release the clutch while the transmission is in gear. The lever is on the left side of your bike. You can change gears by using your left foot. When you change your gears it is important to know where they are located. Your first gear is located at the bottom which is followed by the neutral, second, third, fourth, fifth and in some bikes the sixth. You can shift to a higher gear by putting your left foot under the shift lever and apply pressure to lift it upward. With each click, you will be shifted to a higher gear. When you stop you are at the first gear which will let you change your way in case the one behind you doesn’t stop. You can move the lever down till it doesn’t go any further to locate the first gear. Finding your neutral gear can be a bit tricky. To find it you need to pull the clutch completely else it may be difficult. Move the shifter downwards from the second while you are pulling the clutch. On the panel, you should find an indicator light which will be green. Most riders often overdo and with a bit of extra pressure you may go to the first gear directly from the second. To avoid it you may use the tip of your boot. You must remember here that as you practice you will gradually get used to finding the neutral very easily without even bothering.
When you are operating the throttle then make sure that when you start off it is not full. You can do that by keeping your wrist flat. The throttle is located on the right-hand side. When you move your wrist towards you provide more gas to the engine and thus your acceleration increases while when you move your wrist away you will decrease the amount of gas to the engine.
To have the best technique of shifting levers you should always disengage the clutch by moving it with your left hand. You will be able to squeeze it completely to pull it. Use the shift lever to select the gear. Move your right wrist towards you to roll the throttle. Now you can release slowly the clutch lever and simultaneously roll the throttle with your right hand. This will generate acceleration to your bike. Now release the clutch completely so that you are able to generate the required engine speed. Every time you shift to the other gear you will need to repeat the above process.
The best way to master the steps is to practice meticulously as it will help you to get a feel for the parts but you cannot do that on the busy roads. You will have to find desolate places like parking lots which are no longer in use every day and practice during the odd hours like early morning. Your clutch will often save you when you feel your
speed isn’t ideal and you are not able to control your bike. Hold it to reduce the power in the engine and move it to the rear wheel and also use the engine cutoff switch. Moreover, as you practice you will start getting the signals from your bike. The sounds from it will instantaneously help you to know that you have not shifted to the correct gear at the appropriate time. You must remember that going at a higher gear reduces engine performance as it can’t produce the power required to generate acceleration. Engines give their best power when you shift gears regularly as you accelerate so it is important for you to develop instincts to know the right time to shift.
The process is actually easier than it sounds. You only need to understand how much acceleration you need to provide, how much force is needed to change gears and how to disengage the clutch but for that reading, the article won’t be enough unless you use our suggestions to practice and become a gear changing maestro.
