17. Changing gear

CHANGE GEAR SMOOTHLY

You must learn how to change gear correctly to be able to ride on the public road. Selecting the correct gear for the speed of the bike is imperative to riding smoothly and being in control at all times. You need to be aware of how gears are matched to the road speed, it is also important for you to understand how gears are selected in relation to varying road conditions. So that you do not become confused in which way to operate the gears, a nice way to remember this is:

• Speed up - change up
• Slow down - change down

CHANGING UP THROUGH THE GEARS

• Throttle off before each gear change
• Pull the clutch fully in
• Push gear lever up to select the next highest gear
• Don’t rush the gear change
• Release the gear lever
• Release the clutch fully
• As clutch is released open the throttle

CHANGING DOWN THROUGH THE GEARS

• Throttle off before each gear change
• Use the brakes to slow down
• Bring the bike to the desired lower speed
• Pull the fully clutch in
• Push down to select the next lowest gear
• Don’t rush the gear change
• Release the clutch slowly to take up the drive
• At desired speed release the brakes and continue riding