A text book gear change should be smooth, so smooth in fact that if you had a pillion on the back they wouldn't even realise you'd changed gear, this takes a lot of practice and you will have to adjust how you handle the clutch differently from bike to bike.
The keys aspects to getting a smooth gear change right, are good clutch control and being in the right gear to start with.
Many riders will often believe they are changing smoothly when in fact as they are supporting themselves with the handlebars and don't feel the jolt, carrying a pillion or holding the bars very lightly will give you a true assessment of how smooth you are really changing.
When changing up, generally you should shut off the throttle whilst pulling in the clutch at the same time, flick up a gear, then come back on the throttle as you let the clutch out.
It is the timing of this process that will achieve silky smooth changes.
When changing down it is advisable to give the throttle a little blip when the clutch is in as this will help maintain the engine speed and in turn your smoothness when you let the clutch back out.
The benefits of these techniques not only make for a more comfortable ride, but they will also prolong the life of your bike, as poor gear changing and 'riding the clutch' cause premature very expensive wear and tear.
GETTING THE RIGHT GEAR You should always select a gear which matches your need for performance and economy.
You should stay within the middle of your power band when riding about town or in demanding situations, this allows you the greatest level of control, should the unexpected arise it will give you the opportunity to accelerate or decelerate efficiently at a moments notice without having to shift.
When cruising on motorways or dual carriage ways select a higher gear, as keeping the revs low and improving fuel economy.
BLOCK CHANGING This is quite an advanced technique and can take some getting used to before making it work, say for example you've been through a fast 3rd gear overtake or you are still in 3rdafter accelerating away form the lights.
It may be best to change up 2 or 3 gears at once, this is done by pulling in the clutch as normal, but then flicking up through multiple gears before releasing the clutch.
Why change through 4th, 5th and 6th to maintain the same speed when you can do it all at once and save the strain on the gears GEARS FOR BRAKING Optimal use of gears can reduce the need for using your brakes, in turn making them last longer, it can also add more stability to your ride, using a lower gear when riding down a hill will allow you to use engine breaking and a good rule of thumb to achieve this, is to use the same gear going down a hill as you would riding up it.
Remember, smooth and practice makes perfect.
The keys aspects to getting a smooth gear change right, are good clutch control and being in the right gear to start with.
Many riders will often believe they are changing smoothly when in fact as they are supporting themselves with the handlebars and don't feel the jolt, carrying a pillion or holding the bars very lightly will give you a true assessment of how smooth you are really changing.
When changing up, generally you should shut off the throttle whilst pulling in the clutch at the same time, flick up a gear, then come back on the throttle as you let the clutch out.
It is the timing of this process that will achieve silky smooth changes.
When changing down it is advisable to give the throttle a little blip when the clutch is in as this will help maintain the engine speed and in turn your smoothness when you let the clutch back out.
The benefits of these techniques not only make for a more comfortable ride, but they will also prolong the life of your bike, as poor gear changing and 'riding the clutch' cause premature very expensive wear and tear.
GETTING THE RIGHT GEAR You should always select a gear which matches your need for performance and economy.
You should stay within the middle of your power band when riding about town or in demanding situations, this allows you the greatest level of control, should the unexpected arise it will give you the opportunity to accelerate or decelerate efficiently at a moments notice without having to shift.
When cruising on motorways or dual carriage ways select a higher gear, as keeping the revs low and improving fuel economy.
BLOCK CHANGING This is quite an advanced technique and can take some getting used to before making it work, say for example you've been through a fast 3rd gear overtake or you are still in 3rdafter accelerating away form the lights.
It may be best to change up 2 or 3 gears at once, this is done by pulling in the clutch as normal, but then flicking up through multiple gears before releasing the clutch.
Why change through 4th, 5th and 6th to maintain the same speed when you can do it all at once and save the strain on the gears GEARS FOR BRAKING Optimal use of gears can reduce the need for using your brakes, in turn making them last longer, it can also add more stability to your ride, using a lower gear when riding down a hill will allow you to use engine breaking and a good rule of thumb to achieve this, is to use the same gear going down a hill as you would riding up it.
Remember, smooth and practice makes perfect.
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