How To SMOOTHLY Shift Gears On A Motorcycle

MotoJitsuยฎ
6 Jan 202319:59
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis instructional video offers a detailed guide on how to shift gears smoothly on a motorcycle. It emphasizes the importance of coordination, as both hands and feet are engaged simultaneously without visual confirmation. The narrator explains the gear shifting process, from starting in first gear to upshifting and downshifting, highlighting the need for a slow and controlled approach to ensure a smooth ride. The video also touches on the significance of practicing in a safe environment before hitting public roads and stresses the impact of a rider's control on passenger comfort.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿ˜€ Always use your left hand and foot for clutch and shifting operations, and your right hand and foot for braking.
  • ๐Ÿšฆ Ensure the motorcycle is in neutral, the engine cutoff switch is on, and the key is turned on before starting.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก To start the bike, pull the clutch fully, hit the start button, and gently release the clutch to avoid sudden power delivery.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Understand the friction zone of the clutch where the bike starts to move, which is crucial for slow-speed maneuvers.
  • ๐Ÿ›  Adjust clutch lever position for comfort and control, using the clicker or sliding mechanism provided on the bike.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Shift gears smoothly by rolling off the throttle, pulling the clutch, shifting, slowly releasing the clutch, and then applying the throttle again.
  • โ†•๏ธ When shifting gears, whether upshifting or downshifting, the process of releasing the throttle and clutch operation remains the same.
  • ๐Ÿ” Practice shifting gears in a parking lot to get a feel for the bike's responses before riding on public roads.
  • ๐Ÿ‘‹ Emphasize the importance of 'slow hands' for smooth operation of the clutch, throttle, and brakes to ensure a comfortable ride for the rider and passenger.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ To downshift, roll off the throttle, pull the clutch, shift down, slowly release the clutch, and then get back on the gas.
  • ๐Ÿ›‘ When stopping, pull the clutch and continue to kick down through the gears until you reach first gear or can no longer shift lower.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Learn to feel for neutral without relying on the bike's indicators or lights by using the clutch and understanding the bike's movement.
Q & A

  • What are the primary controls for gear shifting on a motorcycle?

    -The primary controls for gear shifting on a motorcycle are the left hand and left foot. The left hand operates the clutch, while the left foot is used for shifting gears.

  • Why is motorcycle riding considered to require a lot of coordination?

    -Motorcycle riding requires a lot of coordination because you are using both hands and both feet at the same time, and you cannot look down to see what you're doing while riding.

  • How do you know if your motorcycle is in neutral?

    -You can know if your motorcycle is in neutral by pulling the clutch all the way in and then giving it a half click up. If the bike rolls freely without resistance, it's in neutral.

  • What does the green light on the motorcycle dashboard indicate?

    -The green light on the motorcycle dashboard indicates that the bike is in neutral.

  • How do you adjust the clutch lever on a motorcycle?

    -You can adjust the clutch lever on a motorcycle by either using the clicker mechanism or by pulling back the rubber piece and adjusting the slider mechanism.

  • What is the correct procedure for starting a motorcycle?

    -The correct procedure for starting a motorcycle involves ensuring the bike is in neutral, the engine cutoff switch is on, the key is on, and then pulling the clutch in and hitting the start button.

  • Why is it important to roll off the throttle before shifting gears?

    -Rolling off the throttle before shifting gears is important to prevent the RPMs from revving up too high, which could cause the bike to jerk or behave unpredictably when the clutch is released.

  • What is the basic process for upshifting gears on a motorcycle?

    -The basic process for upshifting gears on a motorcycle is to first roll off the throttle, pull in the clutch, lift the gear shift up one notch, slowly ease out the clutch, and then get back on the gas.

  • How can you ensure a smooth ride for a passenger on the back of your motorcycle?

    -To ensure a smooth ride for a passenger, you should move your hands slowly and deliberately when controlling the throttle, clutch, and brakes, making the bike feel like an automatic to avoid any jerky movements.

  • What is the significance of practicing slow and controlled movements when riding a motorcycle?

    -Practicing slow and controlled movements when riding a motorcycle helps to prevent unexpected reactions from the bike, allows for better control, and contributes to a more comfortable and safer ride for both the rider and any passengers.

  • Why is it recommended to not rely solely on the motorcycle's gear indicator?

    -It is recommended to not rely solely on the motorcycle's gear indicator because you should develop the skill to know your gear position by feel, which is especially useful if the technology fails or in situations where you cannot see the indicator.

Outlines
00:00
๐Ÿ๏ธ Motorcycle Gear Shifting Basics

This paragraph introduces the fundamental concepts of gear shifting on a motorcycle. The instructor explains the role of the left hand and foot in controlling the clutch and shift lever, while the right side is dedicated to braking. The importance of coordination and not looking down while riding is emphasized. The process of finding the neutral position and first gear is described, including the use of the engine cutoff switch and the key. The instructor also discusses how to start the bike, the significance of the friction zone, and the necessity of memorizing it for slow-speed maneuvering.

05:01
๐Ÿšฆ Smooth Gear Shifting Techniques

The second paragraph delves into the techniques for smooth gear shifting. It details the steps for shifting gears, emphasizing the sequence of rolling off the throttle, pulling the clutch, easing the clutch out, and then applying gas. The instructor advises to avoid jerky movements and to maintain control by moving slowly and deliberately. The explanation includes how to shift from first to second gear and the importance of not rushing the process. The paragraph also touches on the potential dangers of not releasing the throttle during gear shifts, which can lead to high RPMs and loss of control.

10:02
๐Ÿ”„ Mastering Upshifting and Downshifting

This paragraph focuses on the mechanics of upshifting and downshifting, providing a step-by-step guide for both processes. The instructor stresses the importance of removing one's foot from the throttle before initiating a shift and the gradual release of the clutch. The concept of rev-matching is introduced, explaining its purpose and when it is necessary, such as preventing the rear wheel from hopping during downshifts. The paragraph also offers practical advice on how to ensure a smooth ride, regardless of the rider's experience level, by emphasizing the importance of slow and controlled movements.

15:03
๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ Achieving a Smooth Riding Experience

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of a smooth riding experience, especially when carrying a passenger. The instructor provides tips on how to make the motorcycle feel like an automatic to passengers by maintaining a slow and steady hand movement when controlling the throttle, clutch, and brakes. The analogy of making the passenger feel comfortable and not sensing the gear shifts is used to illustrate the concept of smoothness. The paragraph concludes with the idea that slowing down hand movements dramatically can lead to a more controlled and enjoyable ride, and it encourages practice in a parking lot before hitting public roads.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กClutch
The clutch is a device that engages and disengages the power transmission from the engine to the transmission system. In the context of the video, it is crucial for shifting gears on a motorcycle. The script mentions pulling the clutch in fully to select gears and releasing it slowly to avoid jerks, which is essential for smooth gear changes and a comfortable ride.
๐Ÿ’กShift Lever
The shift lever is a control used to change gears on a motorcycle. It is operated by the left foot and is connected to the transmission. The script explains that shifting gears involves using the shift lever in conjunction with the clutch to move from one gear to another, which is a fundamental skill for motorcycle operation.
๐Ÿ’กGear
In the video, a gear refers to the different levels of mechanical advantage provided by the transmission system of a motorcycle. Shifting to a higher gear allows for higher speeds, while lower gears are used for slower speeds and more torque. The script emphasizes the importance of understanding and controlling gear shifts for smooth operation.
๐Ÿ’กThrottle
The throttle is the control that governs the amount of air and fuel entering the engine, which in turn controls the motorcycle's speed. The script mentions rolling off the throttle when shifting gears to prevent the RPMs from increasing too quickly and causing a jerky motion.
๐Ÿ’กNeutral
Neutral is a position in the transmission where the engine is disengaged from the drivetrain, allowing the motorcycle to coast without power. The script describes how to find neutral by pulling the clutch in and giving a half click up from the first gear position, which is important for starting and stopping smoothly.
๐Ÿ’กRPMs (Revolutions Per Minute)
RPMs indicate the number of rotations the engine makes per minute. In the script, it is mentioned that if the clutch is released while the RPMs are high without the throttle being rolled off, the motorcycle could lurch forward or behave unpredictably, highlighting the need for coordinated throttle and clutch control.
๐Ÿ’กFriction Zone
The friction zone refers to the point in the clutch release where the engine begins to engage with the transmission. The script describes finding the friction zone as a critical part of slow-speed maneuvering and emphasizes the importance of memorizing this point for smooth gear changes.
๐Ÿ’กUpshifting
Upshifting is the process of moving to a higher gear, which is necessary for increasing speed. The script provides a step-by-step guide on how to upshift smoothly by coordinating the throttle, clutch, and shift lever, which is essential for maintaining control and comfort while riding.
๐Ÿ’กDownshifting
Downshifting involves moving to a lower gear, typically done to reduce speed or prepare for a turn. The video script explains the process of downshifting, emphasizing the importance of releasing the throttle, pulling the clutch, and shifting down while maintaining control over the motorcycle's speed.
๐Ÿ’กRev Matching
Rev matching is the technique of raising the engine's RPMs to match the lower gear's speed before downshifting, preventing the rear wheel from skipping or hopping. The script mentions that while rev matching can be useful, it is often unnecessary if the rider slows down sufficiently before shifting gears.
๐Ÿ’กSmoothness
Smoothness in the context of the video refers to the fluid and controlled operation of the motorcycle, particularly when shifting gears, accelerating, and braking. The script stresses the importance of smoothness for a comfortable ride, especially when carrying a passenger, and provides tips on how to achieve it through slow and deliberate hand movements.
Highlights

Explaining the basics of shifting gears on a motorcycle, emphasizing the importance of coordination between hands and feet.

Identifying the left hand and left foot as the primary controls for shifting and clutching.

Describing the right side controls for braking and the inherent challenges of motorcycling.

Teaching how to find neutral and first gear by pulling the clutch and shifting.

Demonstrating the use of the engine cutoff switch and key to ensure the motorcycle is in neutral before starting.

Illustrating the process of starting the motorcycle with the clutch pulled and engine cutoff switch on.

Discussing the importance of memorizing the friction zone for slow speed maneuvering.

Showing how to adjust clutch levers for a smoother ride and personalized control.

Instructing to roll off the throttle before shifting gears to prevent RPMs from revving up.

Detailing the step-by-step process of upshifting gears smoothly on a motorcycle.

Highlighting the need for slow and controlled movements when releasing the clutch and applying the throttle.

Explaining the process of downshifting gears and the importance of matching engine speed to wheel speed.

Discussing the concept of 'slow hands' for a smoother and more controlled riding experience.

Advising against relying solely on technology and emphasizing the rider's responsibility to know the gear position.

Providing tips for a comfortable ride, especially when carrying a passenger, by maintaining a smooth operation of the controls.

Encouraging practice in a parking lot before riding on public roads for better control and safety.

Stressing the importance of a relaxed posture and eyes up for better control and้ข„ๅˆค of the road conditions.

Concluding with the overarching theme of 'slow hands make happy riders' for a safe and enjoyable motorcycle experience.

Transcripts

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