Trouble shifting as beginner?
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Trouble shifting as beginner?
Hey guys just wondering if you guys ever had trouble shifting when you first started riding? i havent started yet but am taking the course within the next month and was just curious
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,759
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From: NCWV
I had no problems at all.
I took the Riders Edge class at my local dealership. I had never been on a motorcycle before. Never. Not even as a passenger as a little kid. Nothing.
I picked it up in heartbeat. The instructor was blown away that this was my first experience on a motorcycle and told me he'd had people with years of riding experience that didn't seem as natural on a bike as I did.
Now I've got my Night Train (first bike).
I think it's just in some people's blood.
If you're comfortable driving a car with a manual shift you should be able to pick up the shifting on the bike.
I took the Riders Edge class at my local dealership. I had never been on a motorcycle before. Never. Not even as a passenger as a little kid. Nothing.
I picked it up in heartbeat. The instructor was blown away that this was my first experience on a motorcycle and told me he'd had people with years of riding experience that didn't seem as natural on a bike as I did.
Now I've got my Night Train (first bike).
I think it's just in some people's blood.
If you're comfortable driving a car with a manual shift you should be able to pick up the shifting on the bike.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
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From: Rolla
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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eh never driven a manual. tried about 3 times but never got it to really move. ive driven a dirtbike before but never shifted out of 1st. just went up and down a hill all in first
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
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From: Escondido, CA
Sit on the bike, start it up, pull in the clutch and shift it through the gears without moving. Do it two or three times or until it feels more natural. When you start moving don't worry about anything more than shifting from first to second, the other gears will come easier after you've mastered first and second. Go for it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 204
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From: Forest Lake MN
If you could start and stop without killing the motor you have, in my opinion, mastered the most difficult part for beginners. Most people that haven't driven a manual transmission have trouble with that friction zone. The rest will come easy, don't worry about it.
