It’s okay not to know the way the gear shifter works. Nevertheless, gears are not something we are used to thinking about every time we hop on our bikes. That is why it is so curious to know How do Motorcycle Gears Work on a motorcycle. By the way, different types of motorcycle gear are available on the market. Not only for riding on a road but also for off-road riding or racing.
You use your left pedal to engage and disengage the gear lever inside the transmission. It moves forks that control which gear your motorcycle is in. The transmission is a crucial part of a motorcycle that separates the engine from its wheels and transmits the power to them.
The gear shifting is one of the most important things you’ll do on a motorcycle. Well-maintained motorcycle gear is key to a smooth ride. While you might think it’s all about finding the proper ratios for your tastes, there are a few crucial things to consider that motorcyclists often overlook. We’ve put together this page to help you understand what’s involved with the proper setup and maintenance of gears on a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Gears Explained
A motorcycle gear shifter is a component that allows riders to change their gears. Instead of changing gears with a hand like in cars, a motorcycle gear shifter features an upshift of gears and downshift. It allows you to take control of the speed.
Gears are the secret to a smooth ride and are essential when riding a motorcycle. They are located around the back of your engine and consist of an axle shaft and driving gear, which provide power and torque to drive the rear wheel.
Shift happens when you turn the handlebars. The handlebars are connected to levers held by cables that move along pulleys. From the shafts at the back of your motorcycle, these levers pull and release lines that control the mechanism of your motorcycle’s transmission system.
Unfortunately, many riders wrongly use motorcycle gear. As a result, this crucial component sometimes wears out after some months.
The Correct Way of Gear Shifting
When you start up your motorcycle, it will usually be in neutral (the gearbox is either not in gear or has been disengaged). To get it moving, you need to push down on the left pedal and shift into first gear by turning the crank handle on top of the transmission.
Keep pushing down on that pedal as you go until you reach second or third gear depending upon what type of motorcycle you have.
Once in gear, you can ride at a speed appropriate for the conditions. If you need to change gears quickly, use your quick-shifting capability by pushing down on the left pedal and then hitting the gas as soon as it goes into gear. This will engage your overdrive and give you more power when needed.
Motorcycles with automatic transmissions generally have five or six gears (depending upon model). In contrast, those with manual transmissions typically have seven or eight gears. Be sure to shift into what feels comfortable for you during rides and ensure that all of your motorcycle gear is in good condition to enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride.
Now, let’s dig into how the motorcycle gears work on a motorcycle in combination with the transmission.
Transmission And Gear Works in a Combination
A motorcycle transmission is a drive system component that powers the machine. It includes a shaft, gears, and an input clutch, which transfers power from your engine to the rear wheel. It is a piece of the puzzle that allows you to change gears. The motorcycle gears work in a very strategic way with the transmission.
When you push down the shifter to start your bike, the crank handle connects with one or more shift valves that open or close according to your gear. This allows a cable connected to a lever on top of the transmission shaft to move along a pulley.
The transmission transmits the power from the gearbox to the rear wheel through a fluid-filled casing. In most motorcycles, two shifts allow the bike to shift between forward and reverse gear.
As this lever moves, it pushes against another lever located on top of the next gearbox Shift has a different number of teeth, which creates a shift.
This process repeats until you reach the highest gear possible. When you lower the shifter, any residual power helps to disengage gears and stop your motorcycle.
Reading and understanding the owner’s manual is essential when using your motorbike. This includes information on how to shift gears properly. Additionally, use a Practice Gear Index Card (available from most dealerships) to become familiar with the gears and their appropriate use while riding in urban or rural areas.
Remember: Use your quick-shifting ability by pushing down the left pedal and hitting the gas as soon as it goes into gear to engage your overdrive when needed.