How Many Gears Does a Motorcycle Have?
2 Answers
Motorcycles currently have two main types of gear systems: the rotary gear system and the sequential gear system (also known as the international gear system). The rotary gear system cycles through 0－1－2－3－4－5－0, while the international gear system follows 1－0－2－3－4－5 without cycling, with neutral positioned between 1st and 2nd gear. For motorcycles with a clutch, after starting the engine, shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch lever, and gently apply the throttle. Precautions for rotary gear motorcycles: Be mindful of when you are in the highest gear. When the gear is in the highest position, do not shift up further, as shifting up from the highest gear will engage neutral. If this happens during situations like overtaking, suddenly transitioning from a powered gear to a non-powered one can be extremely dangerous. Avoid shifting directly from a high gear to a low gear: This primarily concerns the shifting process. If you are in 5th gear, do not skip neutral and shift directly to 1st or 2nd gear for convenience. If the speed is not sufficiently reduced, forcing the bike into a lower gear can cause the wheels to lock up, potentially leading to a crash.
Hey, speaking of motorcycle gears, I have to share the common configurations. Most manual transmission motorcycles have 5 to 6 gears, depending on the model. For example, sport bikes usually feature 6 gears, which allows for smoother engine RPM at high speeds and better fuel efficiency; while some classic or cruiser models like Harley-Davidson may only have 5 gears, simplifying operation for urban commuting. Starting from 1st gear, you gently press the shift lever to upshift, gradually reaching the highest gear. The key is to match speed and RPM to avoid engine stalling or jerking. If the chain is loose or the transmission oil is old, it can affect shifting smoothness, so I always pay attention to maintenance. In short, the number of gears makes the riding experience more diverse, and beginners can practice in open areas a few times.
