Transcript

Hi, guys. My name is Joonil Park and I am the motorcycle expert for Howcast.com.

I’ve been a motorcycle instructor in New York seven years. I also work as a product specialist for Ducati Triumph New York in Manhattan. I have worked as a motorcycle journalist, as a motorcycle courier, as well as escort. I have worked in several different fields in the motorcycle industry and I am happy to be here to give you some pointers on how to ride a motorcycle safely, and how to be an excellent motorcyclist. Growing up in New York, it’s a little touch to get into motorcycling at an early age.

When I did strike out on my own essentially the flood gates opened. I immersed myself in everything in motorcycling. Kind of jumped in with both feet. I’ve done everything from long distance motorcycle touring, track riding on road race motorcycles, dirt biking, enduro, ridden overseas in southeast Asia and Europe. I love being on a bike. It gives you the freedom to be independent. In Manhattan for example, I can be anywhere I need to be in 10, 15 minutes. All my buds when they call out to come out at night I don’t really need to prepare I can be there in 15-20 minutes, don’t have to worry about parking.

And as far as traveling I believe seeing a new country by motorcycle is hands down the best experience possible. When learning to ride it is really important that you do it the right way, as with any new venture. Rock climbing or sky diving are things you would not try to learn yourself. I work for motorcycle safety school here in New York City. You can contact them at ridemss.com. And when you’re ready you can come see me at Ducati Triumph New York here in Soho, Manhattan. DucattiTriumphNYC.com

Transcript

Hey Howcasters, this is Joonil Park, with how to get your motorcycle license. Now rules and regulations vary depending on state and even country, on getting your motorcycle endorsement. Here in New York State the test is a two part program. Once you get your motorcycle permit with a quick multiple choice knowledge test at a Department of Motor Vehicles office, you can set up an appointment for a motorcycle skill exam, which involves two parts.

One, is demonstrating control during slow speed maneuvers. You will do slow speed circles and figure eight maneuvers. The second part is a road test. Much like a car licensing test, you are observed riding around in the street, observing right of way, traffic signals, laws and regulations and demonstrating overall control of your motorcycle.

Every state varies. Refer to your local state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for your state’s process on how to get your motorcycle endorsement. There is always a basic rider course or new rider program in your home state. Refer to Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s web site, to find the training site closest to you.

Transcript

Owning and parking a motorcycle in a city like New York leaves it vulnerable to lots of incidentals like thieves and parking mishaps. Resist the urge to park your motorcycles between two tightly spaced cars. A lot of people are not used to looking out for motorcycles and may accidentally or purposefully knock it over. Making sure there is space for your bike will help keep it safe.

Also while parking, try to use a cover if possible. A lock and chain will always help, but the combination of two will help to deter thieves better than one by itself. When choosing a parking spot, try to select a place that will either have very high foot traffic that will deter a thief, or a very low active area so that it is not visible and vulnerable to potential thievery.

Some other tips when parking a motorcycle is to make sure that you back it into a spot with your rear tire to the curb. Not only does it make it easier when it’s time to leave, but here in New York, it’s required by law. Making sure you park it at an angle so the front wheel is tucked in away from traffic will also keep to deter it from getting knocked over by passing cars.

Another handy tip is to carry a kickstand puck or, here in New York, you can find any number of crushed soda cans or bottles to put underneath your kickstand. On a hot day like today, asphalt tends to warm up and get soft. Coming back to your bike and finding it on its side is not a happy experience for a new rider.

Transcript

I don’t mean offensively in the term that you are giving people the bird, or cutting people off. The term refers to moving forward in relation to surrounding traffic. Many motorcyclists believe this is safer than riding defensively. I feel it depends on the situation.

However, there are certain instances where moving forward through traffic will allow for more focus on what’s ahead of you, instead of worrying about traffic behind you. Keep in mind you still want to maintain your space cushions and distances from surrounding traffic and hazards, all the while moving steadily forward ahead of the pace of traffic, so you can concentrate on what’s going on ahead of you. That does not mean, you don’t have to check your mirrors every once in a while to see what’s going on, and be aware of your surroundings.

Another important aspect of riding offensively is lane protection. The entire width of the lane is something that you need to utilize as a motorcyclist. Make sure you position yourself to keep other cars and motorists, and making it too enticing for them to drift over into your lane.

Lane positioning is an important part of riding offensively, and when done right, can help keep you safer, and maintain distances from surrounding traffic.

Transcript

My name is Joonil Park, and here are some tips on how to ride a motorcycle defensively.

When riding defensively, you want to make sure that you position yourself with enough space cushion to allow for variations in traffic and changes in road terrain. If you are too close to the car in front of you, you will not be able to see a pothole it passes over until it’s too late and you’re already on top of it.

Make sure you maintain a healthy following distance by counting off on a static point as the car ahead of you passes it. The minimum recommended two second following distance will usually suffice for most situations. Of course, if you’re riding in the rain, riding at night, or in compromised conditions, allow for a little bit more of a space cushion in front of you, but also keep in mind space cushions next to you and behind you. So check your mirrors, check your blind spot and check your surroundings.

An important part of riding defensively is not only how you ride, but how you prepare for the ride. Make sure you wear high vis clothing. Stay conspicuous. Bright colors, reflective materials at night will help you get noticed, and position yourself where you will be visible to other cars and motorists around you.

Transcript

Here are some hand signals when riding in groups that’ll help communicate with your fellow riders. We have stop, and keep in mind that you always use your left hand for signals. Always throwing it to the left as your right hand will need to be used for the throttle hand to keep moving. We have speed up and slow down. Start your engines. Shut them down. We have a pull over or pull off exit signal, throwing your hand and finger over your head. Not to be confused with the single file single. When going from a staggered group riding formation to a single file.

Let’s say on a narrower more twisted road. We have the refreshment or pull off for a drink signal. Your thumb down, tilting towards your helmet. Your gas pull over signal will be a finger pointing over to your gas tank. Over to the top of your gas cap. We have a pull forward or take the lead signal. Taking your left hand from the back and sweeping it over in front of you. We have a follow signal where you would reach behind and tap your passenger seat or the back of the seat section on your motorcycle.

Again, reaching over with your left hand and tapping the back of your bike will tell your rider behind you to follow closely or follow your line let’s say around a race track or tight bend. There’s a couple other signals pointing out a hazard in the ground. You would either take your left hand and point it to the ground or if it’s on your right side or your hands are not available. we’ll take your foot and point your foot towards the ground at the incoming hazard.

There is always the ubiquitous head top, which would signal to other riders either behind your or oncoming, to give them the heads up or warning as to a speed trap or a police officer/law enforcement officer in the area. So mind your speed and ride cautiously. Use these hands signals because obviously it can get tricky riding in groups. And riding in groups can be some of the most rewarding experiences you can have on a motorcycle. Use these signals effectively for a great group ride.

Transcript

Having friends with motorcycles and riding together is one of the most rewarding experience for a new motorcyclist. But keep in mind when riding in big groups, some of the benefits of safety are lost.

Being nimble and agile can be cumbersome and restricted when riding with other motorcyclists. Riding in formation or staggering yourselves within a lane will help give you guys enough space to address any hazard you guys may encounter while riding on the road together. Make sure you guys keep at least a two second space margin from the rider directly in front of you, and work out your destinations ahead of time.

Having a lead rider in the front, and having a sweep rider in the back of the group, who both know the destination, will help to keep everyone together and to maintain a safe and comfortable ride.

Big groups will never really have riders of different skill levels, focus on your own ride. If you’re a new rider, almost guaranteed that the other riders in your group will be faster and more experienced than you. Don’t try to keep up. If they’re people worth riding with, they will wait for you at the next turn. Maintain your pace, stay with your group, don’t ride beyond your limits, and of course, have fun.

Transcript

When touring or riding long distance on a motorcycle, preparedness is the name of the game. You want to make that sure you run through a list of things to pack, and secure them properly on your motorcycle for the trip ahead.

When riding, make sure you plan stops for gas and refreshments. You don’t want to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere, and have nowhere to use the bathroom, get a drink of water, or fill your bike up. Don’t push yourself, if you feel yourself getting tired, pull over and take a rest. Most people overlook how tired your eyes can get when riding a motorcycle long distance, so make sure you bring sunglasses and pack and be ready.

When taking breaks and stopping for food, a good tip is not overeat. Riding a motorcycle for long distance does take its toll, and I’m sure you’ll be hungry at your stop, but overeating can cause fatigue, also known as itis among certain circles, and that will take your focus away from the road, and cause you to slip up and maybe make some mistakes that can cost you not only money, to damage your bike, but also skin off your back.

Keep these tips in mind when riding long distance, and you’ll have many, many fun trips and experiences ahead.

Transcript

This is Joonil Park with some finer tips for riding your motorcycle on the highway. Scary proposition for a lot of newbs on motorcycles.

When getting on the highway for the first time, try to stay focused and relaxed, make sure you’re geared appropriately. A large, loose fitting jacket will flap in the wind and be uncomfortable and distracting.

When approaching an on-ramp, make sure you get off the pace smoothly, and check your shoulders and your mirrors, so that you can merge safely and smoothly into traffic. The farthest left lane is actually safest, even though the pace is supposed to be faster in the far left lane. There are less incidence for cars changing lanes into you. The furthest right lane, even though it is slowest, will have the highest chance of cars trying to change lanes and merge into your path. Try to say focused and stay calm. A motorcycle at a smooth higher rate of speed is much more stable than trying to maneuver a motorcycle at a low, walking pace.

Lane positioning is also a very important point. Try not to stay in the middle of a lane, as a lot of cars will drip oily fluids. Try to stay off-center, and make sure to protect your lane position. Giving a car a wide berth will encourage them, and will make it very tempting for them to try to occupy that space. Use the whole width of your lane to your advantage. Make sure to maintain your spacing amongst other cars and traffic. If you are too close to a car in front of you, you will not be able to notice debris or pothole on the highway in time to avoid it safely.

Make your lane changes smoothly and assertively. If you take too much time, it may give a car too much of an opportunity to try to occupy that space. Keep you wits about you, your head and eyes up, and try to position your lane also so that you can see beyond the immediate traffic in front of your.

Transcript

Juno Park here. Here are some tips for riding your motorcycle in the rain. Keep in mind, like the apparel that you wear when riding at night still apply for low visibility conditions like riding in the rain. You want to make sure that your gear has retro-reflective materials as well as bright and noticeable colors.

Of course, having waterproof gear helps keep you comfortable and focused and goes hand in hand. If you’re focused on your motorcycle you’re safe. If you’re wet, cold, uncomfortable, and you cannot focus, you cannot concentrate on your ride and maintain your safety.

As far as riding techniques go, make sure that when riding in the rain behind other vehicles, try to position yourself in your lane to ride behind the tire tracks. The cars in front of you have already pushed that water aside and you will gain more traction when riding within those tread tracks.

If you are encountering a big puddle, try to slow down as much as possible. And if you can, if conditions permit, squeeze in your clutch and coast through larger puddles. If you find yourself on the highway at higher speed conditions, try to maintain your speed and avoid abrupt changes as abrupt changes in speed will tax the traction of your tires. You want to try to maintain as solid of a contact patch of the tires to the road as possible.

Again, keep your eyes up. Avoid looking and focusing at hazards. Sight your path as far ahead as possible. Don’t fret. Your tires still have the majority of traction in the wet. What you want to try to avoid, again, is abrupt changes in speed. So try to keep your braking smooth and try not to be heavy handed on the throttle.

Transcript

One of the biggest things you can do for yourself to stay safe while on your bike at night is the gear that you wear. The temptation to wear all black and be cool motorcycle guy is of course great. However, there’s plenty of motorcycling apparel out there that will include retroreflective materials that will help you stay conspicuous at night.

The single most noticeable piece of equipment that a motorcyclist wears is the helmet, so if you are going to wear something menacing in black, make sure it’s got at least one or two pieces of high vis color, to help other motorcyclists, other car drivers, truckers, pedestrians, notice you as you approach them down the road.

Aside from actual driving techniques that keep you safe day to day, whether it’s night or during the day, certain techniques and equipment on your bike, like running your high beams during sunrise and sunset, or low light periods, will help you get noticed and safe from other motorists. Always make sure that you place yourself while riding in a position that keeps you noticed and visible, and making sure that your headlights illuminate far enough in front of you, and that you’re riding at a pace and speed that does not overrun what you can see from your motorcycle’s headlights.

If you can’t see far enough to what you’re going to avoid a hazard at night, then you are going too fast. Slow it down, make sure you are not overriding the beams of your motorcycle’s headlights.

Keep in mind that you are much smaller than a car to begin with, so everything that you can do to get yourself noticed, especially when it’s harder to see at night, goes a long way.

Transcript

Joonil Park here for Howcast. This next video is to give you some points about how to ride in the city.

Now as overwhelming as that task may seem, as long as you stay focused and smooth as always on a motorcycle, riding in a city can be one of the most rewarding and most efficient experiences on your bike. There are certainly things you may want to look out for while riding in a city like New York. Pedestrians, people crossing the street, jaywalking, bicyclists, car doors opening up on you, lots of things you’re going to have to look out for.

Other things like riding a bicycle in New York will help keep you on your toes and prepare you to look out for things. For example, a parked car with its wheels turned out into the street is a sure sign that it’s going to pull out in front of you very soon. A car that just parked is a telltale sign that a car door may open up on you as well. Make sure, also, when approaching an intersection you stay extra wary and on your toes as those are big areas for conflict as many cars are approaching in opposing directions. Keep in mind that spaces may be tight but your motorcycle is small and nimble. Using these advantages to your favor can help keep you safe.

Making sure you stay relaxed and practicing maneuvers like a hazard avoidant swerve will help prepare you and give you let’s say the arsenal that you can use every day to stay safe while riding in a city. Approaching intersections, you always want to make sure to never pass on the right. Keep in mind taxi cabs and other cars and motor vehicles will most likely, often than not, not signal and give you intention of their direction.

So it’s always on the motorcyclist to be prepared for last minute hazards that might approach you. Making sure your bike is properly maintained will also keep you safe and prepared for anything you may encounter. If you can ride in a big city like New York, you can ride almost anywhere.

Transcript

This is Joonil Park, and here’s a video referring to the term steering versus counter-steering. Now, counter-steering is a term used a lot in motorcycling and motorcycling education. The term counter-steering comes from the act of leaning, or initiating lean and go of a motorcycle.

A motorcycle traveling above eight, nine miles per hour uses lean angle to change directions and not steering. Steering is something you do in a car. On a motorcycle you initiate lean by pressing in the direction of the turn. You do not want to just press forward with a left-hand grip to turn left, you want to press in with your whole body and lean your body English into the turn, all the while keeping your throttle steady, as steady forward motion is when a motorcycle is most stable.

Do not confuse counter-steering with counter-weighting, however. Counter-weighting is opposing use of your body weight, and body English, to help stabilize a motorcycle’s weight when going slow, for U-turns and figure eights, for example, that is steering. Counter-steering is what you do in a higher speed corner. You can almost think of counter-steering like turning a motorcycle’s lower half by rotating the front wheel to the right, making the top half lean to the left, and lean angle again is what dictates the direction change of a motorcycle. Keep that in mind.

Transcript

Hi guys, I’m Joonil Park, and here’s a video with shifting a motorcycle’s gears without the clutch.

Now, the term power shifting, or shifting without the clutch, refers only to upshifts. Ask any qualified motorcycle technician, and they will tell you, downshifting without the clutch is very bad for your motorcycle’s transmission.

Power shifting is accomplished by preloading upwards on the shifter. Do not move your shifter, just weight your foot against the bottom of the shifter, lifting up slightly without moving it. When riding steadily forward, quickly roll off the throttle. The cutting of the fueling will allow the gears to fall into the next higher gear, thereby enabling a power shift, or an upshift.

This is a more advanced technique, use it with discretion. It is used mostly in performance and competition to shave off lap times. However, if done properly, it can be a very rewarding and fun aspect of motorcycling.

So that again is steady throttle, preloading up on the shifter, rolling off and on, utilizing the cutting of the throttle to left the shifter move upwards into the next higher gear. Repeat as necessary, and enjoy.

Transcript

This is Joonil Park with Howcast and this is video is how to ride a motorcycle with a passenger. There are certain considerations to make when taking a passenger on a motorcycle. Because of the added weight and momentum, you want to allow for added distances for breaking, as well as make considerations for loss of acceleration. You want to drive to be as smooth as possible when taking a passenger as to make sure they’re comfortable. And if you want that passenger to come with you again, try to be as smooth as possible. Always make sure that the passenger is geared up appropriately.

God forbid you guys go down, your passenger is going to be in the same situation as you are. You want to make sure they’re safe as well. Once the operator has started the motorcycle. Gesture to the passenger to properly mount the bike. Just like an operator, you always mount from the left side. The passenger should grab the operator’s left should with their left hand. And then place their left foot on the left passenger foot peg. Standing up on the peg, swing your leg back and over placing your seat on the pillion accommodations and then placing the right foot on the right foot rest. Try to be as smooth as possible when starting.

When taking turns and negotiating curves, have the passenger follow the weight and momentum, trying not to resist the lean angle of the bike and looking through over the right shoulder. If the passenger needs to make any adjustments, let them know to try to save it for stops as it can imbalance the rider’s operation of the bike if the passenger needs to move around and make adjustments. When coming to stops, again be extra careful and smooth with application of the breaks. Taking care to always look straight and straighten the bars so that you come to a stop smoothly and balanced. When dismounting, make sure the passenger is aware the rider needs to be ready. Signal to them and dismount in the reverse order that they mounted up.

Hopefully you will follow these directions properly and everyone will have a great time riding with a passenger.

Transcript

Cornering is arguably the most rewarding experience in motorcycling. To properly do so, keep some things in mind. You want to make sure you slow down before the turn while you’re still straight. Any reduction in speed on a motorcycle inherently destabilizes it, so you want to make sure you do that while you’re straight up and down, not while you’re already leaned over.

Make sure you sight and look through your turn. A, it’ll make sure that your path is clear and safe, but B, it’ll also keep your bike’s trajectory on target and smooth through your intended path.

Make sure you have your throttle application smooth and steady, rolling on progressively as you make your way through the curve. Any abrupt changes in speed and application of the throttle will destabilize the bike and compromise traction. All the while looking through the curve, roll on your throttle for the exit, enjoy, and repeat as necessary.

Transcript

This is Joonil Park, and here’s some tips for leaning a motorcycle.

Motorcycles change directions with lean angles at speeds faster than nine or ten miles per hour. To properly do this, you want to use your posture or body English to help maintain the bike’s stability and traction while cornering. When leaning a motorcycle, you want to keep your torso and body weight, at minimum, with the center line of the motorcycle. Do not fight the lean of the bike.

When leaning and changing directions at higher speeds, using your body weight and posturing into the turn will help keep the motorcycle as upright as possible, thereby maintaining as much traction as possible. In regards to motorcycle safety, traction is the name of the game. Everything you can do to maintain traction will keep you safer. Lean over the bike, further into the turn, like many competition-level road racers, will let you keep the motorcycle upright and stable while cornering through turns.

As always, remember to stay relaxed and smooth, turn your head and look as far into the turn as possible, and don’t be afraid to lean into curves. Something that can produce as much anxiety for a new rider can someday become the most rewarding experience of riding a motorcycle, like banking an airplane into a curve like a fighter pilot. Eventually, it’ll become second nature.

Transcript

Hi guys, this is Joonil Park for Howcast, and this video is to help you avoid hazards while riding your motorcycle.

Hazards are something you will inevitably encounter while riding your bike. It is important to remember rule number one when riding a motorcycle, always look where you’re headed, not where you’re going. What that means is always sight through your state route, do not look at the hazard itself. Naturally and instinctively, your body will follow where you look, that includes the motorcycle that you’re riding. So use your peripheral vision, or even better, sight your hazard as far down as your path as you can, and when you approach, keep it in mind with your peripherals, but always again focus where you want to look. A bright yellow taxi cab is a tempting target for your eyesight, but it’s very important you look through your intended path, and not down at a pothole or a pedestrian crossing the street.

A handy technique to learn how to use is a swerve. It is two quick changes of directions, trying to keep your body straight, and moving the motorcycle underneath you, so that you can A, get out of the way of the hazard, and B, realign yourself in your intended path so you don’t stray off the road.

Sight your hazard as early as possible, try to keep your throttle steady, look beyond the hazard, keeping your focus on your intended path, change directions by using a smooth press of your handlebars, while again keeping your body straight, changing directions to avoid a hazard, and realigning yourself with pressing the other direction, getting yourself back on your intended trajectory, and keeping your eyes sighted for . . .

Transcript

Hi, I’m Joonil Park for Howcast, and this video will help you to do figure eight maneuvers on your motorcycle.

The figure eight move is utilized in many states’ motorcycle licensing tests. However, after this test you’ll probably never have to do a figure eight again. Still, an important technique to master.

You can use it for U-turns after you finish your test, you can use a lot of the same techniques. Remember, you want to turn your head as far into your path as possible. It will create balance. It will also sharpen your turn, because the further you rotate your head, and the farther you focus your eyes, the sharper your turn will be.

Begin your maneuver by turning your head to the left, starting your figure eight pattern. Use steady application of the throttle, you want to make sure you listen for it, keep your RPM steady, and use the middle part of your clutch, utilize the clutch levers travel, and keep that range in the sweet spot, slow speed, and fine control. Use the middle part of the figure eight to transition from left to right, making sure you turn your head ahead of your path, before your handlebars get rotated.

As you practice this maneuver, you can incorporate counterbalancing, using your body weight in the opposite direction of the turn to offset the motorcycle’s weight, leaning into the turn. Practice this technique several times, and passing your motorcycle test will be a breeze.

Transcript

This is Joonil Park for Howcast, and this video will show you how to properly do a U-turn on a motorcycle. U-turns are a necessary maneuver when riding a motorcycle in streets.

Couple pointers to look out for, make sure you pull over completely and safely, and before you attempt the maneuver, make sure you check the mirrors, and check over your left shoulder to make sure the path is clear to do your U-turn. It helps to slip your clutch within its sweet spot instead of letting the clutch all the way out and using only the throttle, as it gives you more slow speed control.

The most important technique to keep in mind is to try to turn your head as far as possible looking into the path of your direction. Not only will it make sure that the path is clear and safe for you to complete your U-turn, but your body will naturally follow where you focus your eyes. The further you turn your head, and the further you look into the turn, the more balance and sharper your U-turn will be. Keep the throttle steady, smooth application of the clutch, and turning your head will accomplish your U-turn safely, and in the smallest space allowable.

When you feel comfortable with this technique, add a counterweighting into your maneuver. This will help stabilize the motorcycle, and offset the motorcycle weight leaning into the turn, with your body weight offsetting and balancing it out to maintain stability. Practice this technique, and sooner or later it will become second nature to you. Thanks.

Transcript

I’m Joonil Park and this video will help to keep you from stalling your motorcycle. Stalling a motorcycle happens when the engine slows down because of insufficient throttle application. To remedy that you can give it more throttle. As a motorcycle instructor I advise my students to roll the throttle open and hold the RPMs steady so that there is ample engine speed to keep the engine from stalling as you smoothly release the clutch into its sweet spot. That friction zone will slowly get the bike to start rolling and as you release the clutch further into engagement, roll on the throttle more progressively in direct relationship to the release of the clutch.

Another point of anxiety for a new motorcyclist stalling out is ending up at a stop pointing uphill. To help alleviate stalling in this situation try to hold one of the brakes applied while feeding in throttle and releasing in clutch in the friction zone. Once you feel the motorcycle preload its power against the brakes you can release the brakes and the motorcycle will smoothly roll forward from there.

Practice this technique and after repeated attempts and muscle memory conditioning it will be second nature.

Transcript

Hi guys! This is Joonil Park again for Howcast. This video is to show you how to use the clutch on your motorcycle. Once you get acquainted with the controls of your bike, it’s important to know what a clutch does and how it works before you use it. The function of a clutch is to connect the power from the engine to the rear drive wheel. An engine creates power by spinning and a motorcycle moves forward by spinning the back wheel. The clutch serves to connect the two.

You can almost think of the clutch lever as a backwards control. When you pull in a clutch lever, it disconnects the power from the engine to the rear wheel. You connect that power by releasing the clutch smoothly and slowly as to not overload the engine as the connection of an engine or RPMs while it spins and creates power to a back wheel, let’s say for example, when you’re standing still. The interaction of the two can cause a non-turning back wheel to shut off the engine if you make that connection too abruptly, so it’s important that you ease that clutch lever out nice and smooth.

You also use a clutch whenever changing gears. You want to make sure that the clutch is all the way in and held in whenever gears are changed. And after, when you want to propel yourself forward again, you release that clutch nice and smoothly and slowly. Now of course, as you get more acquainted with riding and you develop your own style, the actual use of that clutch can change.

There are three main reasons why you would use a clutch. A, releasing it nice and smoothly as you start out. B, before and during gear changes, and C, always pull your clutch in when you come to a full stop as to not stall your engine.

Transcript

Hi guys! I’m Joonil Park for Howcast and here are some motorcycle shifting basics. Motorcycle shifting is done with the left side of the primary controls. The left hand operates the clutch and your left foot operates the shifter. Never use the shifter without proper application of the clutch. You want to squeeze your clutch in, hold it in while changing gears, and smoothly release the clutch lever, reengaging power after your gear change. When starting from a standstill, of course you want to use first gear. It’s aptly named. Make sure you let your clutch out smoothly after engaging it to first gear from a standstill. However, once you’re already moving, say for example shifting from second into third, you can let your clutch out a little faster as the bike is already moving and less likely to bog down and stall out.

Most motorcycles have either five or six gears. As mentioned, first gear is on the bottom. Second gear is one full shift up from first. And, so on and so forth, moving your way up through the gears. Neutral setting, where it’s a setting in the transmission where the engine is not engaged with the back wheel, is located halfway between one and two. You can bypass neutral and go directly from first to second and vice versa. The shifter does not sit in a separate position for every gear. It always resets to its designated home position. It’s like pressing a button. You don’t press down and then press down harder to move down two gears. You press down, release letting the shifter re-center itself, and then shift again for repeated shifts.

Practice shifting and soon it’ll become second nature. The ultimate goal is to build the muscle memory so you don’t have to think about it. Ultimately, through feel and sound and feedback through the motorcycle’s chassis, you will know what gear you’re in and shift appropriately.

Transcript

My name is Juno Park and this video will help you learn to walk a motorcycle.

Walking a motorcycle is a great technique for a new rider to transition from, being at a standstill, to eventually riding your bike. Once you get your engine started, you’re going to put the motorcycle into first gear, making sure that you keep your eyes up for balance, feeding it a little bit of throttle to keep your RPMs up, and slowly releasing the clutch. You will not release the clutch all the way, only into the sweet spot where the motorcycle will slowly start to roll forward.

As the bike powers forward, you want to take steps with the motorcycle to maintain balance, being careful not to drag your feet, as that can cause undue injury. As you get more comfortable with power walking, you can give it more throttle, releasing the clutch further as the motorcycle gains speed. You can transition into eventually picking up your feet, placing them on the foot pegs, and now you’re riding the bike. As you come to a stop, as always, you want to keep your head and eyes up and square your bars for balance, applying both brakes smoothly, squeezing your clutch to come to a nice, smooth stop.

This technique, used properly, will help ease the transition from getting go and riding your motorcycle every time.