How do you change gears on a motorcycle?

i know its embarrassing but Im new to anything with switch gears in vehicles. The things i do know is to hold the clutch and lift the shift lever and release the throttle slowly. Then to switch to lower gear you do the same but you shift it down. Can anyone give me any good advice who rides a motorcycle?How do you change gears on a motorcycle?
To start off theres

5th

4th

3rd

2nd

neutral

1st

When you start the bike, it should be in neutral. To get to neutral, click the gears all the way down to first, then half a click up to neutral. To half click, you just slowly lift the lever until you hear 1 click. It's in neutral if the tires roll. To get to higher gears hold the clutch and click up. Lower gears hold clutch and click down. Now you only downshift gears when coming into a turn. You don't release the throttle slowly, you can just shift real fast and full throttle it. Now for when you get better at shifting, theres speed shifting. You can shift while holding the throttle in. You just pull the clutch in really fast, upshift, then let go of the clutch, while your going full throttle.How do you change gears on a motorcycle?
One of the most challenging aspects of learning to ride a motorcycle is how to shift gears. The task adds a layer of complexity for those already familiar with how to drive a manual transmission car, and can be especially daunting for new riders who have zero experience with a manual transmission. But have no fear: shifting a bike can be easily mastered with practice, and is much simpler than it looks.



The Basics

There are three basic controls to operate when it comes to shifting a motorcycle: 1) the throttle, 2) the clutch, and 3) the gear selector. The throttle revs the engine, the clutch engages and disengages the transmission, and the gear selector-- you guessed it-- selects the gear. Pull the clutch towards you using your left hand, and you can rev the engine without moving the bike forward. But release the clutch while the transmission is ';in gear'; (ie, not in neutral), and you'll move the bike forward.



The gear pattern is selected by clicking a lever with your left foot, and is typically laid out as follows:



6th gear (if applicable)

5th gear

4th gear

3rd gear

2nd gear

NEUTRAL

1st gear

The Technique

Proper shifting technique requires the following maneuvers to be performed smoothly and deliberately:

Engaging the clutch (using your left hand to pull it towards you)

Selecting the appropriate gear using the shift lever (with your left foot)

Slightly revving the engine (twisting the throttle with your right hand)

Gradually releasing the clutch (and not ';popping'; it suddenly)

Feathering the throttle while releasing the clutch, which will accelerate the bike

Revving the engine for acceleration until another shift is needed

The mechanics of shifting a motorcycle is as easy as those six steps, but doing so smoothly requires practice, practice, practice! Know your controls inside and out, and get a feel for how they work. Practice riding in an environment like an abandoned parking lot, so you don't have to deal with traffic or other distractions. And most importantly, stay safe and aware during the learning process so you're able to focus all of your attention on the task at hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll probably find that shifting a motorcycle is easier than it sounds; once you get a feel for where and the how the clutch engages, how much throttle is required for smooth acceleration, and how much effort the shifter needs, the whole process will become easier and require less concentration.



Here are a few common questions and answers about shifting:



Q: How do I know when to shift gears?

A: There is no mathematical equation for optimum shift points. Revving high is not required for most onroad riding conditions, and should generally be avoided, as should shifting so early that the engine can't produce enough power for adequate acceleration. Typically, the sweet spot of the engine's powerband-- ie, where it produces enough torque to provide the most efficient acceleration-- is the point at which most engines ';want'; to be shifted. Because engines deliver their most effective power at considerably different rpms, use your instinct to decide when it's time to shift.



Q: How do I find neutral?

Finding neutral is one of the most common difficulties faced by new riders. ';Finding'; neutral might take extra effort with some gearboxes, but a bit of patience and a gentle touch makes the task easier. Gently nudge the shifter downwards from second gear, while pulling the clutch all the way in. If you're not pulling the clutch all the way, it might be harder to get into neutral. Look to the instrument panel for a neutral indicator light, which is usually green in color. If you're overshooting neutral and going into first gear (which is a very common), use the edge of your boot so you don't apply too much pressure to the shifter... with enough practice, you'll get a feel for how to find neutral without even thinking about it!





Q: How can I shift more smoothly?

A: The most effective way to shift smoothly is to pay attention to your bike's behavior: if your motorcycle jerks while you're letting out the clutch, you're probably doing too abrupt with your left hand. If you're lurching ahead during shifts, you might be applying too much throttle. And if your motorcycle slows down during shifts, you might not be revving the engine enough between gear changes, which will allow the engine to actually slow down the bike. Smooth shifting is all about paying attention to the way the clutch, the throttle, and the gear selector interact, and orchestrating the three with each other.





Q: How do I slow down for a red light or a stop sign?

A: Because each gear operates within a certain range of speeds, you'll need to downshift if you end up going too slow for the gear you've selected. Let's say you're cruising along at 50 mph in 5th gear and need to come to a complete stop: the proper way to slow down is to downshift as you decelerate, selecting a lower gear and letting out t
I think you would be better posting this type of question in the street section rather then this, the racing forum.



You can find it under Transport.



Good luck.