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Transcript:How you can Shift on a MotorcycleHello, I'm Matt Ediger from Downforce Motoring for About.com and I’m here at Northern Pacific here in Portland, Oregon and this is how to shift a motorcycle.What to Know Before You Go on a MotorcycleRiding a motorcycle requires focus, and the ability to operate the controls smoothly. If you're familiar with manual transmissions on cars you should have a good understanding regarding the mechanics of using a manual transmission. On motorcycles, instead of a pedal, typically the clutch is a lever located on your left handlebar. And your shifter is a small lever located under your left foot. On older European motorcycles it can sometimes be found on the right side.Tips for Ways to Shift on the MotorcycleIf you've never ridden a motorcycle before, or never used a manual transmission before spend some time in an open area free of potential hazards getting a feel for how your motorcycles clutch works. It can be a little intimidating at first but, you should soon get the hang of it.\How to Shift on the Motorcycle CorrectlyThe key is feeling for the friction point. That is, when the clutch begins to engage, it's different for all motorcycles. For first timers it's wise not to use any throttle while learning this step, especially if you have a larger displacement engine ninja 250 fairing. Don't be surprised if your kill the bike’s engine a few times while learning. This happens to even the most experienced riders from time to time. Some motorcycles utilize what’s known as a wet clutch. Which is to say there is a lubricant between the friction surfaces. What that does is prolong the life of the clutch, what it also means is that allowing the clutch to "slip" will not do as much harm to the clutch components as it would if there was no lubricant.

Once you've found the friction point of your particular motorcycle and you’ve located your shifter it's time to put the motorcycle in gear. Again, typically on most motorcycles they use what’s known as a one down five up pattern with neutral being between first and the remaining gears. When you want to engage first gear you should do the following. With the engine running and the bike in neutral pull in your clutch lever and step down on your shifter, you should feel a positive click when the gear is fully engaged. At this point if you want to move forward you should slowly let out the clutch while applying a moderate amount of throttle enough so that the engine does not die and you maintain a safe and stable speed.

Now that you are moving forward under power, should you need to change gear the steps are the same, except that instead of stepping down on the shifter you will place your toe under the shifter and lift up into the next gear be sure to feel for a positive click this lets you know you are not in neutral. This lifting up procedure is the same for the remaining gears. Down shifting can be done using the same technique just remember to shift down you must step down on the shifter, make sure to remember to down shift one gear at a time otherwise your could cause the bikes rear wheel to lock up and cause a crash. Be sure to take your time learning how your bike reacts and feels. If you are uncomfortable at any time it's okay to walk away.

Thank you for watching. If you would like to know more visit us on the web at About.com

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