You should change gear on a motorbike primarily by listening to the engine's sound and feeling the bike's response.
According to one easy rule, if the engine sounds high then shift up a gear, if the engine sounds slow and has a low pitch then shift down a gear. This simple method relies on the engine's natural rhythm and is a fundamental technique for new riders. While it sounds straightforward, mastering it takes practice and experience to get the timing just right.
Understanding Engine Sound and Gearing
Every engine has an optimal range of revolutions per minute (RPM) where it performs best. When the engine sounds high-pitched, it usually means the RPM is high, indicating it's working hard in its current gear and could benefit from a higher gear to run more smoothly and efficiently at speed. Conversely, a low-pitched or struggling sound means the RPM is low, and the engine might need a lower gear to gain power or maintain momentum.
Why Listen to the Engine?
- Performance: Shifting at the right time keeps the engine within its power band.
- Efficiency: Riding in the correct gear can improve fuel economy.
- Smoothness: Proper shifting results in a smoother ride for both the rider and the bike.
- Engine Health: Avoiding excessively high or low RPMs can help maintain the engine over time.
Practical Guide to Shifting Gears
Beyond just sound, several factors influence when you should change gears.
Shifting Up (Higher Gear)
Shift up when:
- The engine sounds like it's revving high (as per the reference).
- You are increasing speed significantly.
- The engine feels like it's reaching its limit in the current gear.
- You want to cruise at a steady speed.
- You are riding downhill and want engine braking but less aggressive deceleration.
Shifting Down (Lower Gear)
Shift down when:
- The engine sounds slow or 'lugging' (low pitch, as per the reference).
- You are decreasing speed or slowing down.
- You need more power for acceleration (e.g., overtaking).
- You are approaching a hill and need more torque to climb.
- You are using engine braking to slow down (especially before corners or stops).
Visual Cues and Feel
While sound is a key indicator, don't forget other cues:
- Speedometer: As your speed increases, you'll typically shift up. As it decreases, you'll shift down.
- Tachometer (RPM gauge): This provides a visual representation of engine speed. While the reference focuses on sound, observing the tach can confirm what you're hearing. High RPM = shift up; Low RPM = shift down.
- Feel: Pay attention to how the bike feels. Does it feel strained or is it running smoothly?
Summary Table: When to Shift
| Scenario | Engine Sound | Action | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increasing Speed Quickly | High Pitch | Shift Up | Match engine speed to road speed |
| Cruising at Steady Speed | Medium/Low | Maintain/Shift Up | Efficiency and comfort |
| Decreasing Speed | Varies | Shift Down | Prepare for slower speed, use engine braking |
| Accelerating (e.g., Overtake) | Varies | Shift Down | Get into power band for torque |
| Engine "Lugging" or Struggling | Low Pitch | Shift Down | Give engine more mechanical advantage |
| Engine Revving High Excessively | Very High Pitch | Shift Up | Avoid over-revving, match speed |
Changing gears effectively on a motorbike is a learned skill that combines listening, watching, and feeling the bike. Start by focusing on the engine sound rule, and with practice, the process will become intuitive.
