Squeeze the clutch lever in, then slowly ease it out. Roll the throttle towards the back of the motorcycle (“roll on”) to go faster. Roll the throttle towards the front of the motorcycle (“roll off”) to go slower. Press down on the gear shift to put the motorcycle into first gear. This only works if you are in neutral or second gear, otherwise, pressing down the gear shift will only take you to a lower gear. Move the gear shift upwards to reach the remaining gears. The predominant gear pattern for manual motorcycles is one down, and four or five up. Neutral is found between first and second gear.
Do not be in a hurry to release the clutch lever, continue to coordinate the throttle and the clutch until the motorcycle is moving. As the motorcycle increases speed, continue to ease the clutch lever out smoothly and slowly. [3] X Research source
If you are in first gear and you lift half way, you will find neutral. If you release the clutch and roll on the throttle and nothing happens, you’re in neutral, squeeze the clutch and lift again. If you skip a gear by accident, don’t worry. It won’t damage the bike as long as you make sure to match the throttle to the gear you have shifted to. [4] X Research source
