Section 4.2 - 4.3

 4.2 – Riding in a Straight Line

Riding Posture

To properly control a motorcycle:

• Posture – Keep your back straight and head and eyes up. Sit so you can use your arms to steer the motorcycle rather than to hold yourself up.
• Hands – Hold the handgrips firmly. Start with your right wrist flat. This will help you to control the throttle.
• Knees – Keep your knees close to the gas tank when the motorcycle is moving.
• Feet – Keep your feet on the footrests when the motorcycle is moving and avoid pointing your toes down. Keep your feet near the controls so you can easily and quickly use them.

Handgrip Position 

Friction Zone

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Friction Zone

Since most motorcycles have a manual transmission, you will need to use the “friction zone” to start the motorcycle moving and to prevent stalling. The friction zone is the point on the clutch where the engine’s power begins to transmit to the rear wheel. As you reach the friction zone, roll on the throttle and the motorcycle will start moving forward. Do not fully release the clutch lever until your motorcycle is moving and stable.

4.3 – Shifting Gears

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Gearshift Pattern

There is more to shifting gears than simply getting the motorcycle to pick up speed smoothly. Learning to use the gears when downshifting, turning, or starting on hills is important for safe motorcycle operation.

To upshift to a higher gear:

• Roll off or close the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever.
• Lift the shift lever. Use firm pressure. Release the shift lever after each shift is completed.
• Ease the clutch out as you roll on the throttle.

To downshift to a lower gear:

• Roll off or close the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever.
• Press down firmly (but don’t stomp) on the shift lever. Release the shift lever after completing the downshift.
• Ease the clutch out smoothly to avoid skidding the rear tire.

Starting on an Incline

Here are some important tips to remember when starting on a hill:

• Use the front brake to hold the motorcycle while you start the engine and shift into first gear.
• Change to the foot brake to hold the motorcycle while you operate the throttle with your right hand.
• Open the throttle a little bit for more power.
• Release the clutch gradually.
• Release the foot brake when the engine begins to slow down. This means the clutch is beginning to transmit power.
• Continue to release the clutch gradually. If you release it too quickly, the front wheel may come off the ground, the engine may stop, or both.
• Continue to open the throttle gradually, as needed.

It is more difficult to start the motorcycle moving on an upgrade than on flat ground. There is always the danger of rolling backwards into a vehicle behind you.