While learning the technique of how to shift on a motorcycle is important, it is also critical to know when to shift gears. With more experience, riders develop a solid intuition as to when they need to shift gears. While there is no mathematical equation for the optimal time to shift gears, as a beginner there are a few signs and signals you can keep in mind:
1. When accelerating in low gears, you can rapidly reach peak torque, which is usually around 75% to 90% of the total RPM (revolutions per minute) available. Not shifting gears will result in your engine not being able to provide sufficient thrust in order to accelerate further. The general rule of thumb is, the higher the gear the longer the gap between gear changes.
2. There are also simple sound cues to keep in mind. Listen to your motorcycle, if the engine sounds high pitched, shift gears up. Similarly, if the engine low pitched and slow, down-shift the gears.
3. It is not necessary to shift one gear at a time. As long as the clutch lever is disengaged you can up-shift or down-shift as many times as you like.
4. The most important tip is to practice, familiarize yourself with the controls, and sharpen your instincts. Practice in a safe environment with abundant open spaces and no traffic or obstacles. Safety is crucial.
Smooth-shifting is all about orchestrating the three controls, the clutch, the gear shift, and the throttle in perfect harmony. This comes with a lot of practice as shifting gears is one of the most complicated aspects of riding a motorcycle. To become an elegant and effortless rider, you must focus on your shifting technique.
However, this does not need to be daunting as even new riders with zero experience with manual transmission can learn how to shift gears on a motorcycle in no time. We hope this article helped you grasp the nuances of shifting gears and will help you become a better motorcyclist overall.