How does changing gears work on a motorcycle?

Question

I had a bike when I was younger but I was never showed how to change gears, I'm going to be sitting my bike theory soon and then I'm going to do my CBT and I know they'll show me then but I'd like to have at least some prior knowledge on changing gear please.

I know it's controlled using a clutch on the left handlebar and a lever/switch next to the left foot.

But how do you know which gear you are in?

is it a case of tapping the lever down if you want to go to the next gear down and tapping up to go to the next gear up?

how would you select neutral?

thanks in advance, please be clear in your answers :)

Answer 1

The gears do indeed work with a foot lever and clutch on the left grip.
The set up tends to be, if you imagine the gears as a ladder
At the bottom is 1st, half a lift is neutral, a whole lift up is 2nd, another lift up is 3rd, another lift 4th etc etc
Called 1 down 6 up.
Neutral is selected by lifting half up from first or pushing half down from second, clicking into a midway point. A green light will show on the clock when you hit neutral.
I hope that makes sense and it does fall into place when you're on the bike. You know instinctively what gear you're in and if you're lost, tap down a few to find first, then half up
Proper embarassing when you hit neutral when aiming for 2nd pulling away from lights (you've all done it!)

Answer 2

It varies from bike to bike some bikes have upside down gearboxes enabling you to change up the gears easier while going through a long corner.Most bikes however are usually 1 gear down (from neutral) and 4 or 5 gears up.Some bikes have gear indicators on the dash others you have to remember which gear you are in. The more you ride the easier it becomes to figure out what gear you are in by the speed you are travelling and the revs the engine is at.Finding neutral can be tricky and I have seen experianced riders struggle to find neutral, the best tip is to slip the bike into 1st gear and gently tap the gear lever up it will usually find neutral on it's own.Gentle is the secret.You genrally know when you are in neutral as there is normally a light on the dash that lets you know you are in neutral. If in doubt let the clutch out slowly untl you reach a biting point or the lever releases completely.

Answer 3

Motorcycle Gear Change

Answer 4

Neutral is usually indicated by a (typically green) light in the clocks. From there, clutch lever in, build a few revs and slowly release the clutch when you feel a slight 'clunk' and the light goes out. Tap the gear lever down for 1st. After that, tap up for the others. A 'firm' tap between 1st and 2nd will take you through neutral without even noticing it. When changing down, again tap the lever, Boxes are designed to work as soon as they are pushed in a particular direction be it up or down and it will do most of the work for you to allow you to concentrate on where you are putting the bike. Enjoy!

Answer 5

The fastest way of finding neutral from any gear is to tap down all the way until you reach the stop and then tap up once.
Most bikes from bottom to top are 1 N 2 3 4 (5) (6)

Answer 6

On MOST bikes, the gear selection is as follows.
First gear is selected by pushing the front of the lever down with your toes.

Second gear is selected by pushing the BACK of the lever with your heel, or by lifting the front of the lever with the toes.

Each subsequent gear higher is acheived by repeating this step until the highers gear is reached.

The rider gears DOWN by depressing the front of the lever down with the toe, repeating until the desired gear is reached.

Neutral is in a very delicate spot between first and second gear. With practice, the rider can "feel" where this neutral position is, but will still let the clutch out gently to verify the position.

This sequence, let's say in a 4 speed as "one front and three back." or, for example in a 6 speed bike as, "one front and five back."

Answer 7

The bike should be in neutral to start.
To engage first gear pull in the clutch (left hand lever) and depress the left (gear) pedal
To pull away increase revs while slowly letting out the clutch.
To change up pull in the clutch lift the gear lever with your toe and release the clutch. Repeat for other up changes.
To change down pull in the clutch blip the throttle and press down the gear pedal release the clutch gently.

There is a lot of "feel" involved and getting to know the bike.

Answer 8

so here is the thing. you only have a true neutral between 1st and 2nd. however there can be some false neutral betwen higher gears. I ride a honda vtx 1300 and occasionaly hit a neatral space between 4th and 5th. so you kick the shifter again and move on. you have bigger worries riding a motorcycle and don't want to spend all you time stressing about the shifter and not looking out for some jerk about to slam into you. shift with authority , keep your eyes on the road be preparred for the un expected and dont sweat the small stuff, you will be ok

Answer 9

This is a bit difficult to answer in text form. I've been biking for years now and as I remember it sort of came naturally as I had older brothers and perhaps I just followed. The best advise I can give you is really to wait until you get your CBT day. These guy are the professionals and you are about to pay them good money to ensure that you are safe to go out on the road. If you are still unsure after completing the CBT they should give you that bit extra time to explain this fully and to try and pass you. Explain to them that you have this worry before the day and they might be able to help in a more practical way
Good luck and try to ride safely. Not only for you but for all of us

Answer 10

Its easy all you do is push down for first then put your foot under the pedal and lift up to get second and third and so on.
For neutral its in between first and second most bike have a green light which will come on when neutral is selected.
New bikes come with a gear display on the dash.