What are the different gears on a motorcycle?
2 Answers
Motorcycle gears are mainly divided into two types: sequential shifting (also known as international shifting) and rotary shifting. Here are the details: 1. International shifting: Wide-range shifting involves pressing down for first gear and lifting up for fourth gear, while narrow-range shifting involves pressing down for first gear and lifting up for fifth gear. 2. Rotary shifting: It can be either five-speed or four-speed. Continuously pressing down will cycle through gears 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 0, with neutral located between first and second gears. The Honda 500cc model uses a press-down-for-first, lift-up-for-fourth shifting pattern. Rotary shifting is generally used on motorcycles below 150CC, and these models often have a gear display. For beginners, continuously pressing down is easier, and there are fewer situations where downshifting is required on the road.
When I talk about riding motorcycles, the gear system is one of the aspects that fascinates me the most. When I first started learning to ride, I noticed that the gear sequence on most motorcycles is quite straightforward: step down to shift into first gear for starting, then lift up to engage second, third, fourth, or higher gears. Neutral is usually in the middle position, making it convenient to keep the engine running when parked. During rides, I prefer to upshift gradually – first gear is ideal for low-speed starts, second and third gears provide smooth transitions for acceleration, while fourth gear and above are for maintaining higher cruising speeds. Using too high a gear at too low a speed can strain the engine and potentially cause wear; conversely, riding at high speeds in low gears wastes fuel. I recommend beginners practice in open areas to master timely gear shifts, which improves control and fuel efficiency, making the ride smoother and safer. Remember, the number of gears varies by motorcycle model – my small-displacement bike only has four gears, while my friend’s sports bike has six.
