Why Timing Matters

The timing of gear changes is an important part of advanced riding because it affects smoothness, stability and the rider’s ability to apply the system of motorcycle control correctly.

A rider may choose the correct gear, but if the change happens too late, too early, or during the wrong part of a hazard, the benefit is reduced. Good timing means the gear change is completed before the motorcycle needs to be settled, balanced and ready for the next action.

At advanced level, gear changes should not feel rushed or reactive. The rider should not still be sorting the gearbox out when entering a bend, arriving at a junction, assessing a roundabout, or committing to an overtake. By that stage, the motorcycle should already be prepared.

Timing Within IPSGA

Timing of gear changes sits within the Gear phase of IPSGA. The rider gathers information, chooses the best position, sets the correct speed, selects the appropriate gear for the situation to be dealt with, then applies acceleration when it is safe and appropriate.

The Gear phase should not be squeezed into the last moment. If the rider has gathered information early and planned properly, there should be enough time to complete the gear change smoothly.

Poor timing often shows that something earlier in the system was weak. If the rider sees the hazard late, speed adjustment becomes late. If speed adjustment is late, gear selection becomes late. Good timing starts with good information by using good vision.

Speed Before Gear

One of the key principles in advanced riding is that speed should normally be set before gear is selected. The brakes and throttle should be used to establish the correct speed for the hazard. Once that speed has been achieved, the rider can select the gear that suits that speed and the next planned action.

If the rider changes down too early, before the speed has been properly set, they may end up in the wrong gear or use the gearbox as the main method of slowing the motorcycle. This can create harsh engine braking, poor smoothness and unnecessary strain through the machine.

The gearbox is not a replacement for good braking technique. Engine braking may assist, but the brakes are designed to set speed clearly and progressively.

The better approach is required so that you do not use a gear change down to force the bike to slow down. An earlier start to braking and using the brakes lightly will help, but also use the engine to slow down as you turn off the throttle and allow the bike to slow down naturally in the gear you are in. 

Once the bike reaches the required speed for the next lowest gear, change down. If more speed reduction is required, go through the same process again, this means good observation forward and a well orchestrated plan. Once the correct gear is selected the bike and suspension should be allowed to settle  before reaching the hazard. Then accelerate once through the hazard.

Gear Before Acceleration

Gear should be selected before acceleration is applied. Many riders try to accelerate while still completing the gear change, in other words, while the motorcycle is not yet settled. This creates a rushed, untidy feel and can affect stability.

Once the speed has been set and the correct gear selected, the rider should allow the clutch to be fully released and the motorcycle to settle before applying drive. This is especially important when exiting bends, joining traffic, moving through roundabouts or beginning an overtake.

Acceleration should be the final part of the plan, not something added while the rider is still catching up with the process.

Completing the Gear Change Before the Hazard

A key advanced riding principle is that the gear change should be completed before the hazard wherever possible. This does not mean rushing, it means planning early enough that the rider has time to complete the process smoothly. 

The motorcycle should be in the correct gear, the clutch released, the throttle settled, and the rider’s attention back on the road before the hazard becomes demanding.

If the rider is still changing gear while entering a bend, arriving at a junction, or assessing a roundabout, they are creating unnecessary workload. Good riders reduce workload so that the reaction never becomes urgent.

Timing Gear Changes for Hazards

When approaching a bend, you should aim to have speed and gear sorted out before entering the bend. The motorcycle should be settled before you commit to the corner. This allows you to maintain a balanced throttle, hold a stable line, and accelerate progressively when the view opens and it is safe to do so.

Junctions and roundabouts also require early planning because you may need to stop, slow down further, continue, or accelerate into a safe gap. If you arrive at a give-way line still braking, clutching, changing gear and making the final decision, the workload is too high.

Overtaking requires the motorcycle to be prepared before the rider commits. The correct gear should be selected before the overtake begins. You should not move out, begin the manoeuvre, and then realise the motorcycle needs a lower gear. That increases exposure time and creates unnecessary risk.

Gradients also affect timing. When climbing a hill, the rider should anticipate the need for a lower gear before the engine starts to labour. When descending a hill, you should select a lower gear that supports control before speed begins to build unnecessarily, while still using proper braking technique where required.

Timing and Engine Braking

Engine braking can assist control, but the timing of down change must be considered carefully. 

A rider who changes down too early or too aggressively may create excessive engine braking. This can cause the motorcycle to pitch forward, unsettle the rear tyre, or make the ride feel harsh. It may also fail to communicate clearly with following traffic if the brakes are not used and no brake light is shown.

You should normally use planned braking to set speed, then select the gear that is appropriate for the next phase. Engine braking may support the process, but it should not become the main method of slowing the motorcycle.

Common Faults Riders Make

There are several common faults linked to poor timing of gear changes.

Late or Rushed Gear Changes

Late gear changes create unnecessary workload and can leave the motorcycle unsettled at the point where it should already be prepared. This is often seen before bends, junctions, roundabouts and overtakes.

Changing Gear at the Wrong Point

Changing gear mid-bend without need, selecting gear before speed is set, or accelerating before the gear change is complete (bike not settled) can all interrupt the flow of the ride.

Using the Gearbox Instead of Planning

Over-reliance on changing to lower gears to slow the motorcycle can create harsh engine braking. Waiting until the engine struggles before changing gear also shows poor anticipation.

Developing Better Timing

Improving the timing of gear changes is not about changing gear quickly. It is about changing gear at the correct point in the riding plan.

You should understand why gear follows speed and why acceleration comes after gear. Every gear change should link back to IPSGA, so it becomes part of a structured system rather than a mechanical habit.

A useful way to develop this skill is to reflect on your own riding after each hazard. Asking yourself questions, makes you more honest about your riding performance.

Focus for Your Next Ride

On your next ride, begin to reflect on the timing of your gear changes and ask yourself:

1. Am I setting the correct speed before selecting gear?
2. Am I completing the gear change before the hazard?
3. Is the motorcycle settled before I enter the bend?
4. Am I ready for the opportunity when it appears?
5. Am I making the gear change calmly, or am I rushing?

Improving the timing of gear changes will make your riding smoother, more structured and more controlled.