How to change gear?

[Fifteen15]

When I change gear, I tend to let my grip go on the throttle so it pulls back, then catch it and pull it back again. Obviously it's all done in a split second. Anyway I was watching a YouTube video of someone changing gear and they just 'flicked' their wrist when changing gear. This seems the better way of doing it however I can't get to grips with it.

Is the way I'm doing it a bad habit that I need to stamp out? The only disadvantage I can think of is when I momentarily let go of the throttle, I am effectively riding with one hand for that split second.
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"Pain is weakness leaving the body, and blood makes the grass grow faster...but I'll wear my gear anyway"

[Matt06]

Are you quite new to riding?

To be honest its just something you will getting better with after more time.

Should learn to blip the throttle with downshifts as well.
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Current: MT-10, Bandit, Grom, GPZ500
Previous: YBR125, GSXR400, ZXR400, MT-03, NTV650, R6, z750, ZX6R, MT-09

[johnsmith222]

Please don't let go of your handlebar.

Shut throttle - clutch in - click up - release clutch - open throttle.

[5150]

Wow, my first post after a lot of lurking!

Try imagining you're wringing out a towel. Your right hand rolls forward while the fingers on your left hand come in on the clutch. Then do it the other way once you've clicked into the next gear. Just keep it all nice and smooth and you'll be fine; the quick wrist-flick comes with practice.

It's good you're trying to stamp out the habit; if you muck it up and don't pull the clutch in when you let the throttle snap shut, you'll be at risk of locking the back wheel - which could prove a bit nasty, especially on a V-twin.

[evoboy]

Just preload the lever with your foot by putting a bit of pressure under it, then roll the throttle forward/shut quickly, or pull the clutch in.

Youll find itll just drop into the next gear.
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

[Dan_Davies]

reading this makes me think i actually dont know which way i do it it just happens
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current ride: 07 suzuki sv650s
ex rides : lifan mirage 125

[HD]

Surely when you let go, you roll your hand forawrd anyway to grab the throttle, otherwise by the time your in 3rd, your arm would be underneath

So instead of letting go and grabbing (while you roll your hand forward), keeo hold of it as you roll forward.

HTH
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Rusty '02 Vito Camper + CBR600F3

[JoeDougieDoug...]

[GrantT]

[Glenben92]

If you're riding a small capacity bike and therefore do most of your acceleration at full throttle, it can be awkward to twist your wrist that far. I think as soon as you move onto something which has more power, the wrist flick will come naturally as it's easier.

I do sometimes do the let go and re-catch myself on the GPZ but only if i'm accelerating at full pelt because i simply can't bend that way. I wouldn't say it's unsafe, just not ideal. Also, try clutchless shifting, might work out a little better for you as the throttle won't have to be FULLY closed for the gears to change
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57 Huoniao HN125-8 - , 97 Kawasaki GPZ500S -
99 Yamaha FZS 600 -
Mod 2 Passed - 01/10/2010

[supZ]

[Atomic Punk]

Are these posts a windup?

There seems to be a few from the same poster.
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I may have lost my way but I'm way ahead of schedule.

[fatjames]

[Fairies attack]

Toes on the gear lever, push up/down then snap the throttle off and back on, and it will go in to gear.

It's all about getting the timing right. There is only a split second where the gear box goes from pushing the back wheel to pushing the engine. That is the point that it slips in.

The only time I use the clutch is when setting off.