How to Shift to 6th Gear on an International Gearbox Motorcycle?

[StCourtney]

When you can't press the gear lever further, you must lift it back to shift back to neutral, one gear at a time. For a 5-speed rotary gearbox, shifting to neutral only requires one more press. Shifting from 5th gear to 1st gear is a very dangerous situation, but it can happen due to misoperation when the road is bumpy or there is significant vibration. The international gearbox can prevent this situation.

[JessicaLynn]

When I first started riding, I also couldn't quite figure out the international gear pattern, especially the 6th gear. To start, pull the clutch and press down for first gear, then each subsequent upshift is done by lightly hooking the shift lever upward with the toe. The key is that 5th-to-6th shift: when cruising in 5th at a slightly high RPM, a gentle upward hook on the shift lever feels like pushing a drawer with a satisfying 'click' into place, and the engine sound suddenly lightens. I remember once riding on mountain roads—after shifting to 6th, the displayed fuel consumption dropped by 0.8 liters instantly. Never stomp on it; this gear is designed for cruising above 80 km/h. If you force it into 6th at 30 km/h, the engine will shake like it's coughing.

[Collin]

After riding a Kawasaki Ninja for three years, I finally grasped the essence of the international gear pattern. The key to shifting to 6th gear lies in rhythm: step down to 1st gear at start, lightly tap up consecutively for 2nd and 3rd, then after reaching 4th gear, rev up to 6000 rpm before tapping up to 5th. Once speed exceeds 70 km/h, slightly lift your toe for the final tap. Beginners often rush to shift to 6th from 4th, accidentally hitting neutral and getting startled. Once while wearing Bluetooth earbuds for navigation, I identified successful 6th gear engagement by the engine's abrupt change - exhaust note transitions from a roar to a deep hum, with the tachometer needle stabilizing around 5000 rpm.

[MacGraham]

Shifting to the international 6th gear is actually a matter of muscle memory. After pulling in the clutch to start, press down with your left foot to engage 1st gear, then release the clutch to begin moving. Accelerate to around 40 km/h and lift your toes to shift up to 2nd gear. Subsequently, lift your toes every additional 15 km/h, paying special attention to the fifth lift to shift up to 5th gear. Wait until the speedometer passes 75 km/h before performing the sixth gentle lift to engage 6th gear. When I worked as an assistant instructor at the driving school, I often reminded students to use the top of their foot to lightly tap the gear lever—like touching a hot cup—quickly and gently when shifting to 6th gear. Pressing too hard might skip the gear. Downshifting, on the other hand, is simpler—just press down with your heel as the speed decreases.