How to Shift a Motorcycle

First, be sure you have a helmet and all recommended saftey gear.

Next, when seated the a motorcycle, be sure sure that it is in neutral. Then start the motorcycle. While holding down the clutch lever all the way, shift down with your left foot until you reach first gear.

Next you will want to give it a touch of throttle while gradually releasing the clutch. Be sure not to over rev the RPMs, yet give it enough throttle to prevent your motorcycle from stalling. When you find the friction point, your motorcycle will start to move forward. As you begin to move forward, place your feet onto the foot pegs while balancing your motorcycle.

After you pick up some speed, place your left toe under the gear shift, then pull in the clutch again while you release the throttle. Move the gear shift up one notch, which will put you in second gear. Next let out the clutch in a smooth movement, and gradually apply increased throttle. In order to learn how to shift a motorcycle correctly, you must use smooth, controlled movements.

You will use the same series of steps to upshift into 3rd gear, 4th gear, and beyond. After some practice you will see yourself improve at using the clutch and throttle in an smooth, integrated manner without stalling. After a while, you will know how to shift a motorcycle through the proper gears without even giving it any thought at all.

This is a quick summary of the motorcycle shifting process, but don't stop here -- find some resources (like the one linked in the box below) and keep learning, to have a safe and fun riding experience.