The first gear can only go up to 100mph, meaning that your bike will only move at 10-15mph when in this gear. The main function of the first gear is to move your motorcycle from rest to start and it is therefore designed to provide the maximum power. Use of this gear is not recommended unless the motorcycle is stuck in a very steep uphill because smooth running starts from the second gear.
Unfortunately, most riders do not know when to change from this gear to the second. Some only shift to the second gear after their motorbike engine starts roaring or the stalls. So, when should you shift gears, and at what speed?
Even though you should base your gear changing decision on the situation at hand, the speed range for the first gear is 0km/h to 15km/h. That means you should shift to the second gear if the speed increases to 15km-30km/h and the third gear after it increases to a point between 30km/h and 40km/h. Further, you should shift to the fourth gear after the speed increases from 40km/h to 55km/h. Shift to the fifth or sixth gear when your bike attains a speed higher than 55km/h.
Understanding the Motorcycle Gears
Smooth gear changing, clutch control, and braking are among the important skills you should learn as a motorcycle rider. Basically, you should shift to a higher gear when the speed of your motorcycle increases and shift to a lower one when the engine demands more power. For example, you can shift to a lower gear when pulling away or when climbing a steep hill. Here is a brief introduction to the gears of a motorcycle.
The First Gear
The first gear offers the highest pulling power but the least speed. As we have already stated, the ideal speed for this gear should be between 0Km/h and 15km/h and most riders rarely use it unless they are climbing a steep hill. So, when possible, use the gear only to start the motorcycle from a resting position and move forward. Starting from the second gear is the best idea when driving.
The Second Gear
The motorcycle driving begins at the second gear. The speed range for this gear starts at 15km/h and ends at 30km/h. For that reason, motorcycle riders highly use the gear when traveling on crowded and busy roads. Even more, the gear does not have the turbulence associated with the first gear and it is more comfortable to ride on including in crowded places.
The Third Gear
Generally, you should shift to the third gear when your bike attains a speed between 30km/ h and 40km/h after switching to this gear. The speed range will be an approximate guide and not something to follow strictly. Furthermore, the speed and rpm of gears on the higher end vary for different motorcycle makes and models.
The Fourth Gear
The gear range for motorcycle fourth gear is usually between 40km/h and 55km/h but some motorcycle riders will even shift to the fifth ear after attaining a 50km/h speed. After shifting to the fourth gear, your motorcycle will start generating power ideal for a speed range between 40km/h and 55km/h. It is therefore the gear to shift to when you start speeding the bike.
A speed above 40km/h may not sound high for some people but it is substantial and any accident involved at the speed may result in injuries. So, the fourth gear is not a good choice in crowded places and high traffic places.
The Fifth and Sixth Gears
The power that the fifth and sixth gears provide is ideal for speeds above 55km/h. However, you can still shift to the sixth gear after your motorcycle attains the 50km/h speed. Usually, you should only shift to the fifth gear if the road is smooth, there is no traffic, or when driving the motorcycle on a highway.
Keep in mind that riding on the fifth and sixth gear carries more risk of injuries in event of an accident or crash. In other words, you have to be cautious and be always ready to shift to a lower gear or apply the brakes fast.
Why Change the Gear According to the Change of Your Motorcycle Speed
Changing the motorcycle gears according to the speed comes with many benefits. First, the clutch plates will stay in a healthy condition. Failure to change the gears smoothly results in easy burning and damage to the plates. Secondly, the gear will rarely get stuck and the motorcycle transmission will work smoothly for a long time.
Thirdly, the engine components will function smoothly without erratic loads coming from the transmission and gear. Lastly, your motorcycle mileage will be higher when you base the gear shifting on the speed. The mileage or fuel economy is known to improve when the gear ratio matches the speed.
Gear Shifting Issues and How to Solve Them
One of the common motorcycle problems is the gear not shifting smoothly. The primary reasons behind the issue include problems in the chain and sprockets, engine oil, clutch cable, and the motorcycle gear shift lever. Here are the things to check if the problem arises.
- The Clutch: too much or inadequate slack in the clutch cable can lead to gear shifting problems.
- Oil/Lubrication: low oil level or deteriorated oil quality can affect the gear shifting.
- Transmission Gear: foreign objects in the gear assembly or seized transmission can also cause gear shifting problems.
- Chain: A loosened chain or worn-out chain sprockets can lead to gear shifting problems.
Furthermore, failure to base the gear shifting on the speed range can lead to gear problems. The bike may also stall very many times.
Conclusion
The first gear only goes up to around 100mph, meaning that you can only move at 10-15mph when in this gear. You can start your motorcycle in this gear by disengaging the clutch. The motorcycle can also start in high gear but it will die down immediately you engage the clutch to start moving forward. Your motorcycle will not start if the clutch malfunctions.