Shifting to a Higher Gear

• 1). Start the motorcycle in neutral then shift down to first gear. Roll on the throttle while slowly releasing the clutch. When the motorcycle begins to move forward, smoothly release the clutch as you increase the throttle.
  
  
• 2). As you pick up speed, roll off the throttle and squeeze the clutch. Lift the gearshift lever with your foot until it clicks past the half click of neutral and up to the next gear.
  
  
• 3). Ease out the clutch and adjust the throttle. You can feel the correct balance of throttle and clutch through the revving of the engine as well as through your hand on the throttle. Move your foot back to the footrest and away from the gearshift lever after shifting.
  
  
• 4). Move forward on the motorcycle with confidence and balance, knowing that the appropriate speed will keep you traveling.
  
  

Shifting to a Lower Gear

• 1). Roll off the throttle as you squeeze the clutch.
  
  
• 2). Press the gearshift lever down with your foot until it clicks into the next gear.
  
  
• 3). Ease out the clutch and adjust the throttle. Release the gearshift lever. Rolling on the throttle slightly will make the downshift smoother.
  
  
• 4). Shift down one gear at a time to match the deceleration of your motorcycle. Apply the brakes gently and smoothly to aid in stopping the motorcycle. Although you can shift through multiple gears while the clutch is squeezed, shifting gears one at a time is more desirable.