Why is the gear pattern on motorcycles the way they are?

Question

the pattern goes like this, 1-N-2-3-4-5, why are they arranged like that?

Answer 1

That's the way the industry decided to do it. Most bikes years ago used the pattern because it was easier to get into first gear

Answer 2

A simple explanation. Before the '70s motorcycles used to have
a shift pattern N-1-2-3-4. When downshifting, the trani would end in neutral.
Now when downshifting, in case you forgot what gear you were in, the bike will always be in gear when you get to the end of the shift pattern.

Answer 3

Sequential gear boxes are a touchy thing. The space the first gear away from the others so that while downshifting you don't accidentally shift into first from third, which would pitch you over the bike. First gear is really just to get the bike rolling, then there is a jump in ratio to 2, a smaller jump to 3, etc. It is the same with race cars.

Answer 4

Thats standard pattern since early/mid 1970's. British/european bikes quite often had right foot gearchange, caused 'problems' switching feet. think it became law mid 70's. Road racers use opposite, one up 4or 5 down, easier to change gear while accellerating. Right or left side gearchange depending on rider preference and riding (flat track tends to use right foot change as the left foot is near the ground)

Answer 5

Tradition, and if you always go all the way down when stopping, you don't look foolish revving it and not going anywhere when the light turns green!

Answer 6

I have wondered that for years, maybe it has something to do with the mechanics involved inside??