Changing the right Gear

When riding a motorcycle, gear changing is a key factor and also a difficult one to master. Improper and lousy shifts will not only hamper your ride but they will also make you look like a noob. Incase you are riding with a pillion on-board, then it is all the more important to make smooth gear shifts as that can help your pillion remain calm and composed while riding with you. One bad shift and a racer can lose precious seconds costing him his position in the race.

Up-shifts:

First and foremost, you will need to figure out the 'biting point' on the clutch. 'Biting point' means the exact point on the clutch where the motorcycle will start moving as you slowly release the clutch lever. Once you know where the biting point of your motorcycle is, it will be a lot easier for you to change into higher gears without fully depressing the clutch and going completely off the throttle. A lot of beginners shut the throttle entirely before changing into a higher gear. But once you have realized where the 'biting point' is, all you need to do is, dab the clutch lever till half of its travel and slightly reduced the throttle, so that the revs are not climbing while you up-shift. Do not dump the clutch or you will get a jerky drive. Instead, let go off the clutch gradually like you would do when starting from a dead stop.

Down-shifts:

This needs more attention and alertness than up-shifting and one wrong down-shift will catch the new riders unaware, sending a strong jerk to their arms. If the rider shifts down too many gears and dumps the clutch rapidly, it will cause the rear wheel to lock up and the bike will start to skid. The only way to get back in control of the situation is to pull-in the clutch as soon as possible. The most sensible method and also a lot safer way to change into a lower gear is to blip the throttle before you change into a lower gear and letting off the clutch precisely at the 'biting point' to keep the power flowing smoothly. When you change into a lower gear the engine rpm climbs, so if you blip the throttle just before the down-shift, the rpm will climb and match the engine speed (revs) allowing you to engage the lower gear smoothly. Smooth release of the clutch lever is necessary as dumping it promptly after the shift will cause the rear wheel to lock up.

Up-shifting without the Clutch:

Ideally, this technique is followed by majority of drag racers and road-racers around the world. It is an advanced method and mostly only the experienced riders incorporate this into their street-riding. One should try this technique only after he has got the hang of shifting the gears by using the clutch. The technique is rather simplistic but needs thorough practice and understanding of the power delivery on one's motorcycle. When you are ready to up-shift, apply little pressure on the gear lever while slightly rolling off the throttle and the bike will get into the higher gear. Remember to gently roll off the throttle and do not shut it entirely. Up-shifting without using the clutch also preserves the clutch and the gearbox but it will require you to spend considerable hours on the saddle to master it. Also remember to avoid down-shifting minus the clutch because the sudden increase in the rpm as a result of the downshift puts a lot of strain on the gearbox and can heavily damage it.

In the daily grind of jobs, household chores and regular commute, these riding tips will make traveling on a motorcycle through our gruelling road conditions less of an ordeal and also help in reducing the fatigue. If you are new to motorcycle riding and have a query about riding techniques, drop us a line at feedback@zigwheels.com and we will answer it in our next issue.