What are the speed ranges for each of the 6 gears on a motorcycle?
3 Answers
The speed ranges for gears 1 to 5 on a motorcycle are as follows: 1st gear (climbing speed) is between 10 to 20 km/h, 2nd gear between 20 to 30 km/h, 3rd gear between 30 to 50 km/h, 4th gear between 50 to 60 km/h, and 5th gear between 60 to over 100 km/h. Below are some tips for motorcycle gear shifting: 1. Starting: After starting the engine, allow it to warm up for 3-5 minutes before beginning to ride. Engine warm-up is an essential task, especially in low ambient temperatures, but avoid revving the throttle excessively to speed up the process. The key to starting smoothly lies in coordinating the throttle and clutch actions. 2. Gear Shifting: During gear changes, the period when the clutch is 'disengaged' is a 'free-running interval' where neither acceleration nor throttle control affects the motorcycle's speed—it moves purely by inertia. Therefore, aim to minimize the 'disengagement' time of the clutch. 3. Stopping: When operating the brake system, apply gradual and gentle pressure, especially on wet, slippery surfaces or during turns. For high-speed emergency braking, first lightly squeeze and press the brakes quickly and release, then apply the brakes firmly.
The speed range for the six gears of a motorcycle isn't fixed—it largely depends on your bike's displacement and engine type. I usually ride a mid-range 400cc bike. First gear is for starting off, around 15 to 20 km/h; second gear is good for slow city riding, about 20 to 30 km/h; third gear feels comfortable around 40 km/h; fourth gear can take you to 50 to 60 km/h, which feels the most fuel-efficient; fifth gear offers a wide acceleration range, from 65 to 90 km/h; and sixth gear is purely for high-speed cruising, stable at 100 km/h and above. Remember, don't just watch the speedometer—shift up when the engine reaches 5,000 to 6,000 RPM to avoid that annoying buzzing sound. Each bike's gear ratio is designed differently, so it's best to test your own bike's RPM range.
My shifting habits when riding a 650cc street bike: First gear is used for starting and climbing steep hills, mostly within 15 mph; Second gear is most commonly used for city riding, flexibly adjusted between 20 to 35 mph; Third gear can handle 40 to 50 mph, which is very suitable for commuting; Fourth gear smoothly transitions between 55 to 70 mph; Fifth gear is used for high-speed sections between 70 to 90 mph; Sixth gear is reserved specifically for highway cruising, only used above 90 mph. The key is to observe the tachometer needle. The beginner's guide suggests shifting up when the RPM reaches two-thirds of the red zone, and using lower gears for engine braking is safer when going down long slopes.
