Owning a motorcycle is perhaps the coolest thing in the universe. It's a symbol of independence, a gateway to a life of travel and adventure, a link to our nation's outlaw predecessors. Also, chicks dig riders.
But a motorcycle is more than just a chick magnet: it's a complex piece of machinery and requires skilled operation to handle safely. First and foremost is the ability to safely control the bike's speed and power. Few people enjoy grinding their gears, and nobody likes getting pitched off or skidding out on their bikes. Fortunately, years of engineering refinement have created an easyuse gear system that connects rider to machine through the shifter.
How Shifter Work
Shifters operate the gearbox and are part of your motorcycle drivetrain. They are found on the left side of the motorcycle and are controlled by the rider's foot. In the simplest terms, they connect the engine crankshaft to the transmission using a series of different sized gears to control the motorcycle's rate of speed. As a rider accelerates or decelerates, they move from gear to gear as appropriate for conditions. Once a new gear is selected, it reestablishes connection to the crankshaft and the motorcycle will continue along at the new gear.
Riding motorcycles is roughly akin to driving a manual transmission motorcycle. The rider, rather than the motorcycle, controls when the gears shift. This aspect of motorcycle riding is often the most difficult for new riders to become accustomed to. Learning to shift gears correctly is essential for the safe operation of your motorcycle. Winding up skidded out on a turn pike somewhere isn't a good look for anyone. Here are the basics of how to correctly shift gears on your bike:
# When it's time for the rider to switch gears, they release the throttle with their right hand and pull on the clutch with their left.
# Once the clutch has been pulled, the gears connecting the crankshaft and the transmission are no longer there and the back wheel is receiving no power. The rider then switches gears, either pressing down for first gear or moving the shifter up for the other gears.
# Once the gear has been selected, the rider lets go of the clutch and pulls the throttle again, returning energy back to the rear wheel.
Shopping For A Shifter
First, a word of warning. If you are planning a major overhaul of your vehicle's transmission or crankshaft, you'd best know what you're doing. Improperly repaired or maintained shifters can break your transmission and leave you with a glorified lawn ornament. Having said that, many people replace their shifters for something that fits more comfortably with their body and the way they prefer to control their bike. When shopping around for a shifter, it usually pays to read reviews by fellow motorcyclists or talk to your trusted dealer or mechanic. They'll point you toward the shifter that's right for you.
