A smoother & quicker way to shift your motorcycle.

Here is a simple clutch tip that will make your shifts on the motorcycle both quicker and smoother.

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[MCrider]

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[beepbop]

The key is to put pressure on the shift lever before clutching. As you bring in the clutch, it'll automatically shift once you've clutched enough.

[mikluvin]

This is one of the BEST tips that most beginner riders should see and practice. It’s crazy to me that no one ever talks about it in videos when giving advice to beginners. I would be willing say one of the most important things to learn to give yourself more control over your bike.

[billdickinson]

I rarely use the clutch for upshifts. I find it quicker and easier to simply apply a little pressure on the shift lever during acceleration, then shifting to the next gear only takes a momentary unloading of the transmission by just quickly backing the throttle a small amount. When done properly it almost sounds like an automatic and is not harmful to your transmission unless you're really applying a lot of pressure to the shift lever.

[RJMStraya]

Dude i cant thank you enough! This has taken me from clumsy gear changes to being smooth like a pro!! Thankyou!!!!

[petevatistas]

Thanks for this tip! I've been riding for DECADES and always pulled completely back. Due to my engrained muscle memory it took me a few weeks to get to the point where this tip made me smoother when shifting, but I just kept at it because it is intuitively better. Now I use this "just outside the friction zone" technique and not only am I just as smooth as ever, but it oddly made my ride more pleasurable. Again.... THANK YOU!

[timparker]

I already do this and I thought I was doing it wrong but yes it does make for a much smoother change - I'm also gonna try the preload of the shifter others mension - good explanation!

[davidruggles]

Great tips Kevin. I try to keep my shifts so smooth that my passenger can't tell when I change gears. Friction zone and a tiny bit of preload on the shifter are key for my klonky old 08 Victory Vision 😜✌️

[WhackBytch]

If you release the throttle accurately (upshifting), those plates won’t even need to slip.

[DSmith]

Thanks for the tip as always Kevin and see you out on the road!

[jacksgl]

Thank you ! I’ve always doubted myself just a bit when I didn’t bring that clutch all the way back when shifting but never asked if that was okay 😅

[Bill-cklo]

Great advice and great video. I learned this the hard way when I went to the hydraulic clutch Harley bagger. It seems more pronounced if you pull it all the way in when shifting. Better to ease into friction zone, shift and release...no clunking or slamming this way. Always great advice on this channel @MCRider Thank you!

[RawsBee]

I think it depends on your bike. The friction zone can be located different depending on the bike and whether or not the owner or shop have made adjustments.

[beadie]

With my bike - a 2019 Kawasaki Vulcan 650 - I find I can't do this from 1-2-3, but can for 3-4-5-6!! Maybe just one of those things!!! It did take me a while to get to this stage...

[joepeters]

Thank you Kevin! I've never heard of this being brought up before. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I've learned a lot from you!

[ddekeno]

The pursuit if smooth riding is a constant!

[rosewood]

And as you transition to the ready position you will have your right hand on the front brake and your foot on the back brake. So you automatically should be shifting into 1st and just below friction zone. So when you stop your ready to go instantly. Which might save your life when you realise that the dude in the Tesla behind you isn't stopping!

[thedude]

Yes, you can feel the resistance/pressure zone in the clutch lever and get in the habit of not squeezing the lever all the way. Thanks!

[wildcard]

I do same, just enough to almost bareley release clutch to shift up or down makes the shifts shorter and smoother.
Another great vid, Thank You

[DarkHorseParatrooper]

On the Challenger, with my fingers at least, the friction zone is just right where I can leave my ring and pinky on the grip, pull clutch with 2 fingers, and shift.