How easy is it to shift gears on a motorcycle?

Riding a motorcycle requires shifting gears using selector... Unlike a car, these gear changes are made using motley... It may seem difficult at first, but it quickly becomes natural. However, in order to learn how to master it perfectly, you will have to take into account the type Transmission is present on your bike.

Indeed, the transmission can be semiautomatic ou Manual... To help you understand this tutorial better, we've written a guide of sorts filled with information and tips. This way you will be ready to get behind the wheel of your two-wheeled bike to experience exciting adventures !

What is a transmission?

On a motorcycle, the transmission allows transfer engine rotation to the rear wheel... By increasing the engine torque, it allows the motorcycle to overcome resistances that block its movement (weight, wind, etc.). It is thanks to the transmission that the motorcycle can stop without stopping the engine.

Manual Transmission

If your motorcycle is equipped with a manual transmission, you will need to operateclutch left hand and shift gears with your left foot using the selector.

Semi-automatic transmission

It is a clutchless transmission manual. It is always a selector that will allow you switch speedsbut you do not need to control the clutch. The gears will not shift automatically, but it will be easier to shift them.

Shifting with a manual transmission

With a manual transmission, you have to operate the clutch with one hand and the shift lever with one foot.

To get started, take some time to get used to the various controls on your bike. Also find throttle... Located on the right handlebar, it increases engine revs. The clutch lever is located on the left handlebar grip. It is he who will transfer power from the engine to the transmission.

You can change gear by activating the selector in front of the left footrest. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Fully tighten the clutch lever located to the left of the handlebars.
2. Give a little boost only if you want to downshift
3. Lower the selector lever with your left foot one step down to change gear, or one step up for a higher gear.

You have just started the motorcycle, so you are standing still. dead point... The first gear is lower than the last. To shift it and start driving, all you have to do is activate the clutch, lower the selector up a notch and slowly release the clutch at the same time as you. accelerate gradually so as not to stall... Probably, it will be so from the first attempts. Rest assured you will get there after a few tries. This is a simple helping hand, as if you drove first in the car.

And the higher the speed?

When you pass the second and other subsequent gears, you will be driving. With practice, you will determine the best time to shift gears. You just needengage the clutch again, move the selector up one notch and increase the speed.

The moment will come when it will be necessary to slow down and therefore demote... If you want to shift from fifth gear to fourth, you will first slow down and then engage the clutch. Before letting go of the latter, remember to raise the accelerator a little so that the motorcycle does not jerk after downshifting with the selector. Once the clutch is released, you can accelerate again to continue driving at a suitable speed.

Neutral is accessible via the gear selector. It sits between the first and the second. When you come to a stop in first gear with the clutch engaged to keep from stalling, all you have to do is lift the selector up slightly with your foot. Then you can release the clutch.

If you go deaf, then you are in second place. If the engine continues to run, you have indeed found neutral. A little trick to make it easier to find: move the bike forward slightly by pushing the ground with your other foot while raising the selector. The latter will be easier to enter into neutral.

Gear shifting with semi-automatic transmission

With ипе semi-automatic transmissionyou just need move the gear selector... Indeed, the clutch will be directly connected to the gearbox. As for the selector control, it will act on both organs at the same time.

When you are riding a motorcycle at a stop, you must be on dead point... You can do this with a selector. To shift into first gear, all you have to do is accelerate and lower the selector up a notch with your foot.

To reach higher speeds, you will accelerate and set selector one step higher with your foot. To downgrade you will need relax the selector and thus access lower speeds.

Some tips for riding your motorcycle at high speeds

Now that you know how to shift gears on a motorcycle, here are some tips to help you learn quickly and easily. master your two-wheeled vehicle... Please note that most motorcycles are equipped with Manual Transmission... Therefore, there is a good chance that you will have to engage the clutch to be able to move the selector up or down with your foot.

For your first attempts, practice Safe environment to limit risks. A smooth, barrier-free space is ideal. Thus, you can mobilize all your attention to the passage of the first and next programs. Take time to explore and master all the controls.

Never forget that the key word in motorsport isexpectation ! Indeed, your gaze should be all over the place so that you can anticipate every difficulty and respond accordingly.

Concerning brakes, keep in mind that this element in front must be used with care at high speed. Indeed, the front brake is used to slow the motorcycle down and the rear brake is used to stabilize it. When driving fast, you will need to brake from the front to progressive so as not to put yourself in danger.

If you plan to ride all year round, you will need to start the bike in the cold. Do not fully accelerate at startup, let the engine warm up so as not to damage it.

You are now ready to experience the fun of motorcycle riding! But before you start, be sure to fully equip yourself. Security is priceless!

If the dial hurts your foot

We often hear motorcyclists complain about a selector that calls leg pain after prolonged use. This happens when the shoes you are using are not insufficiently strengthened.

To solve this problem, we suggest you two solutions :

Inexpensive solution

Remove the selector cover as shown below, made of foam or rubber for a more pleasant gear shifting experience.

Long term solution

I choose approved motorcycle shoes... This is usually more hard and better reinforcedthus making it easier to use the selector. Aside from the practical aspect, permitted motorcycle shoes are often reinforced at the ankles or pegs and on the side of the foot for increased security.

Plus, motorcycle shoes are becoming more stylish, so much so that some of them go unnoticed in the city!