The ignition key is on the center of the bike under the gauge cluster. When you’re sitting on the motorcycle, look down below the speedometer in front of you. That’s where the ignition key is located. The engine start button is on the right handlebar. If you grab the handlebar with your right hand, the button will be near your thumb.

When pulled, the clutch disengages the engine and allows you to shift gears. Getting a feel for using the clutch is essential for driving a manual motorcycle.

The throttle works by twisting the right handlebar backward. Practice this motion while stationary to avoid giving the engine too much gas, which will cause your motorcycle to lurch forward.

Some motorcycle models are different, but usually pushing the pedal up causes an upshift and pushing it down causes a downshift. Don’t keep your foot resting on this pedal while driving. If you hit it by accident you could damage your engine and transmission. Keep your foot on the footrest behind it and only hit the shift pedal when shifting gears.

Downshift to Neutral if your bike is in gear. Remember that Neutral is in between gears 1 and 2. Hold the clutch and hit the engine start button. Release the button when you hear the engine fire. Push the gear shift pedal down into first gear while you’re still pressing the clutch down, then release the pedal to begin moving. If the weather is cold, you may have to adjust your choke lever. This level is on the left handlebar. Sliding the level backwards opens the choke and pushing it forward closes the choke. If the engine won’t catch, try fully opening the choke, and then slowly close it to help the engine fire. [6] X Research source

To visualize a flat wrist position, lay your arm on a table in front of you while sitting with your palm down. Then make a fist. This is a flat wrist position.

Releasing the clutch without hitting the throttle will cause the bike to stop abruptly because the engine has no gas. This could throw you from the bike. Remember to release the clutch and push the throttle gently. If you do either too fast, the bike will lurch forward and you could lose control.

To get a feel for pushing the throttle gently, start the bike and keep the clutch pressed down. Then gradually give the throttle some pressure. The bike won’t move if your hand is on the clutch. This way, you can practice rolling on the throttle without worrying about losing control.

At this point, keep your speed below 10 kilometres (6. 2 mi) per hour. If you go faster you’ll have to shift up to second gear or risk damaging your engine.

0-10 kilometres (6. 2 mi) per hour for first gear. 10–30 kilometres (6. 2–18. 6 mi) per hour for second gear. 30–50 kilometres (19–31 mi) per hour for third gear. 50–80 kilometres (31–50 mi) per hour for fourth gear.

Remember to use all 4 fingers to push the clutch down. This will avoid your hand from slipping off.

Power shifting is when you change gears while keeping the engine at full throttle. It’s usually done in racing situations. This puts a lot of stress on your engine and transmission, and is not recommended. [14] X Research source

Remember to push until you feel this click. Letting go before will cause your motorcycle to slip into the previous gear. Stop pushing when you feel the click or your bike will skip a gear, stressing your transmission. Keep track of the gear you’re in. Not all motorcycles have a display showing what gear you’re currently in. This means that while you’re driving, remember what gear you’re in to avoid shifting into the wrong gear. [16] X Research source

Releasing the clutch quickly, or “popping the clutch,” will give you a fast burst of speed. This could cause you to lose control and the bike can also stall. Make sure you remember to release the clutch slowly.

Begin the downshift by grabbing the clutch, the same as you did during an upshift. But instead of rolling off the throttle after pressing the clutch, this time you’ll gently roll on the throttle. [19] X Research source Then use your left foot to push the gear shift pedal down until it clicks, indicating that you’ve downshifted. Release the clutch slowly and continue riding. Pay attention to your speed as you drive. Use the same speed chart from above to know when you should downshift.

Remember that the neutral gear is between first and second gear on your motorcycle. When you’re ready to move again, hold the clutch and push the gear shift pedal down into first gear. Then slowly release the clutch and roll the throttle on gently. [21] X Research source