Question about gear shifting on a motorcycle.....

I know, in theory, how to drive a motorcycle, but as I am on the brink of buying my first one, I am going to be learning the practical application of this stufff very soon. One thing I have not been able to get a stright answer about is...how do you keep track of what gear you're in so you don't accidentally downshift too far and throw yourself off the bike by way of sudden decelleration? I drive a manual transmission car (always have) but that's easy in a car since you can touch the shifter to see where it's at. With a MC you don't get that. I know I'll master this eventually considering that a LOT of boneheads out there way dumber than me have done it, but how?

Thanks

You know by feel. Or you can tell by looking at the rev counter. If it's screaming it's nutts off it's time to change up. If you open the throttle and not much happens it's time for a downshift. You don't really have to think about it. It's easy really. Bikes are bloody great. Welcome to the fold brother.
Ps. What are you thinking of buying?

it´s easy, when you learn the bike it will be a childs play, and what stuartmc18 said, the Feeling!

you can ease the clutch on and off, to see how much pull the gear is making... on my bike the spedometer and tach are broken so i just drive off the feel and sound of the bike...

de je vu

if your not sure let off the clutch a litttle and see what happens. it realy is just that simple. bikes are more forgiving than you think.

honda ct110

clutchless gear changing and RESPECT on the road!

Its one of those things that you really do pick up on how the bike feels and the way the engine sounds etc.. No one can tell u exactly what to do. You will learn in only a few days on what gear u need to be in. It's real simple and not that bad.

yeah, what he said.

it's like zen.

Okay, I'll take your word for it. I'm getting a very clean, good condition Honda CB 350. The seat doesn't even have cracks in it despite it's age and the chrome is spotless. About 11,00 miles.

I know I am about to invite a shit-storm by saying this, but why aren't bikes with auto transmisisons far more widely available? I know Honda long ago had the Hondamatic which wasn't exactly a flop, and today's mega-scooters which have MC-like performance and 500-plus cc engines have on-demand auto shifting which no one seems to complain about. There's also the massive Gold-Wing that has the option of an auto tranny. Seems so many out there would prefer it, since it would be one less thing to worry about. They can't be too heavy a thing to add if they put them on 50 cc scooters.

why take the fun out of it? i can see in a car one might have the need to hold their mocha latte or whateverthefuck it's called these days or text message(IDIOTS) but it just pure laziness, if you ask me. granted, i learnt how to drive an auto car but ever since i learnt to drive a stick in cali. in 2001 i get bored driving autos. if i'm in an auto my other hand is channel surfing or scratching my nuts. what ya wanna do with your other hand: have a wank while you drive?

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff613

Okay, I'll take your word for it. I'm getting a very clean, good condition Honda CB 350. The seat doesn't even have cracks in it despite it's age and the chrome is spotless. About 11,00 miles.

I know I am about to invite a shit-storm by saying this, but why aren't bikes with auto transmisisons far more widely available? I know Honda long ago had the Hondamatic which wasn't exactly a flop, and today's mega-scooters which have MC-like performance and 500-plus cc engines have on-demand auto shifting which no one seems to complain about. There's also the massive Gold-Wing that has the option of an auto tranny. Seems so many out there would prefer it, since it would be one less thing to worry about. They can't be too heavy a thing to add if they put them on 50 cc scooters.

how dare you suggest such a thing !!

hmmm, lets see, i'm behind an airhead hogging the road in their 4x4, so i want to drop a gear and get past, not possible on an automatic (i dont think) plus i'd want to be in control of what gear i'm in if i'm earholing down the country lanes in wales or cumbria or tootling round a city. u can do what you like with a scooter, its only a glorified hair-dryer in my eyes, but leave my motorbike alone!

After awhile with the same bike, you'll just know what gear you're in from the revs vs. how fast you're going.

When I first started years ago, I used to say the gear number when I shifted. It will really help you remember what gear you were in last. If you're not wearing a helmet, though, you'd look really stupid doing this.

memory and the rev counter

auto's are for wankers and people who shouldnt be allowed neara motorized vehicle

dont over think it, itll make riding harder to learn, but some models do have gear indacators, my first bike did and i found it helpful

If you have any questions about motorcycles, just ask this guy. He is very knowlegeable and looks like an expert rider

http://www.funnypictures.dk/data/media/10/crash.mpg

Quote:

Originally posted by twwain

honda ct110

clutchless gear changing and RESPECT on the road!

Hey, I have the trail version of this. 1 down 5 up

i think this should be in the car forum, its close enough


moved

Quote:

Originally posted by FeFeHumHum

i think this should be in the car forum, its close enough


moved

noooooooooo! that's like calling an aussie a kiwi

its all the same