A Better Way: How To Shift a Motorcycle (For Beginners)

[@jeffestrada6857]

As usual great information for the new rider. Totally without ego, something that doesnt happen very often on KZbin. Quite a credit! I am not a new rider but it’s great to see you supporting our newer riders and giving them clear and concise information. Thank you 👍

[@williamwintemberg]

@@jeffestrada6857 I agree 100%. Absolutely the best information I have run across to date.

[@kzz907]

Best comprehensive and practical beginner-rider clutch-throttle-gear presentation I’ve ever seen. MSF should use this. I will remember this for those students that struggle.

[@soujrnr]

Although I've been riding many years, refreshers like this are always beneficial! Thanks so much, Dave! As you said, we really do develop a "feel" for what gear we are in without having to resort to looking at gauges and doing calculations, but the parameters you gave are excellent for new riders learning how to deal with a clutch. As always, a fantastic video that steps through what might seem complicated and gets right to the meat and potatoes of it for riders to grasp and practice!

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you so much. I really wanted to break it down and make it understandable for a rider who has probably never thought much about the mechanics of what’s happening.

[@cyrilcooper4173]

This was AWESOME!!! The simplicity and clarity you used to teach this really made it so simple to absorb. You can literally spend years asking different riders this question and never get an answer as clear, detailed and complete as this one. This is my favorite channel to watch and learn from, thank you Dave for the way you teach and the super chill energy you teach with. Right on Bro! btw the train in the background was cool also 😁

[@deauvilledad07]

I remember about 9 or 10 years ago trying to teach my son to ride his first motorbike with a clutch and he found it hard to understand. With your knowledge and the simplicity of this video it makes it so much easier. Super video Dave. Well done, stay safe and ride well 🤓

[@diyeveryday67]

Great video. Personally have been using manual transmissions for to many decades to admit to and you did a great job of breaking down all the “feels” that have become second nature to me. My new rider with no previous manual experience will find this VERY helpful. Great video!

[@CanyonChasers]

Awesome. Thats my hope, that you guys can send this to folks you're trying to help get into riding!

[@patricktipton6048]

I feel like I’m in chemistry class again in high school. This guy is super sharp super smart I trust everything this man says. Completely

[@CanyonChasers]

wow. Thats very kind. Thank you

[@williamwintemberg]

Definitely a video every new rider should watch. Beautiful!

[@CanyonChasers]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@a9entjones]

Thanks Dave...and now we finally have an explanation of why the miles per hour scale was invented! It all makes sense to me now! Now, how am I going to convince Australia and the rest of the world that isn't living in the 1800's to convert back to miles per hour... ;-)

[@AtimatikArmy]

Truly, an excellent teacher.

[@jkunz27]

Thanks for this video Dave! Your videos are great and I always recommend new (and experienced) riders watch your channel! I almost didn't watch this video because I have been riding for 40 years, and most of my cars (including my current Jeep Wrangler) have been stick-shift, but I'm glad I watched, because I learned how torque converters work! I always assumed they had some sort of centrifugal clutch in them!

[@CanyonChasers]

Everything I own also has a clutch, but torque converters are amazing things!

[@samanthagregoryurich4167]

I learned how to use a clutch on my aunt's tractor when I was 7...and drove straight into a fence. Don't forget to steer!

[@CanyonChasers]

Aaaa. I love it!

[@diegolopezzz18]

I’m an aspirational rider and I bailed out of my first attempt at an MSF course because the clutch was so overwhelming. Thanks so much for making this video, it really helped put so many different pieces of the clutch puzzle together.

[@sleemanman9188]

When i started driving big trucks over 20 years ago, i learned how to match engine speed to road speed when downshifting before a red light so that i could "anticipate" the green light and be ready for it... so as a new rider (4 months now), it was easy for me to do the same on my motorcycle. However, i didn't know that i couldn't hold the clutch and coast to a stop sign without also doing the "engine speed road speed matching" thing. Many times during the 1st 2-3 weeks, i would hold the clutch while in 4th gear and just coast to the stop sign. But then, i found it hard to do my 3 downshifts to get back in 1st gear and didn't know why... until now. I didn't know that it was "designed to shift better when the rear wheel is moving". Now i know... so thanks 🙂 But i did learn (by myself) to hold the clutch + do the engine - road speed matching when downshifting to a stop sign (like for a red light) and saw how everything was smooth and easy.

[@Jeremybaland]

Best explanation in the transmissions I have seen yet. Outstanding video!

[@CanyonChasers]

Wow, thanks!

[@davidpshaw1969]

The best advice I got when i rode my first bike was feel the clutch. Dont try to do the robot thing. increase the power and let out the clutch, FEEL THE CLUTCH. Great video.

[@richardvarnold6245]

Thanks for a great video, it reminds me of learning the clutch when I first started to drive in the 70's. My friend had his first motorcycle which was a Honda CL100, I think a 72' model. That was my first experience with a clutch. Later when I was getting my driver's license, Dad had an old 63' Ford Galaxie 500 with a three speed on the tree. Even later I had a 75' Kawasaki H-2 750 3 cylinder 2- stroke with the 5-speed and neutral was on the bottom of the shift pattern. All of my vehicles were clutches until I bought a 2010 Silverado which has an automatic transmission, and I still have it today. I even learned how to drive a Semi, tractor trailer with the 5-speed and the dual speed which made it a 10-speed and you definitely have to remember what gear you are in! One thing I have to say about clutches and stick shifts is that they are so much more versatile.

[@CanyonChasers]

I love stick shifts and clutches. I hate how sometimes you'll be rolling up to an overpass and the automatic will downshift twice and reve the motor to get up the hill and I'm like "Chill out! I know more than you!"

[@IvorMarshall]

Great video for new riders who are unfamiliar with clutches. Well done Dave.

[@CanyonChasers]

Thanks 👍

[@SQUID_Road_Glide]

Taking a maintenance day. I learned the hard way that maintenance days are necessary for the rider and the bike. Through Beartooth Pass I screamed, "I am a real Canyon Chaser!!!!!" I met Evolution Industries clutch mechanic who gave me a comprehensive clutch adjustment to address great lock-up off the line...even breaking away when not loaded down with gear, but slipping from 4th to 5th at 90mph. I remember watching you an Bret Tkacs in 2017, wondering what a Canyon Chaser is then learning how to ride in 2021. The world looks differently now. SKWID "Riders' Shipmate" ET1(SS/SW/MTS) US Navy, Ret. Kilmonger 2020 Fat Boy Stage II by Blockhead Garage SilverBAK 2021 Road Glide Stage IV by Rider's Shipmate

[@rodintoulouse3054]

Fantastic background explanation and very good practice ideas and tips.

[@glynhannaford7332]

Excellent knowledge and presentation. 👏

[@CanyonChasers]

Thank you kindly!

[@phantomcruizer]

Excellent and very informative video. Please do another video covering engine and trail braking. Thanks 😎

[@besimgungor724]

Hi, thanks for the video, some say that it is not necessary to squeeze the completely in the clutch to shift, they say squeeze half (adventure bikes) is enough. What do you recommend?

[@coveherbert6035]

7:24 when he moves the bike without throttle, you can see how the bike only starts moving when the clutch is about halfway released. That’s called the “friction zone”, and is the point at which your clutch plates touch and the engine starts delivering power to your rear wheel. You don’t need to pull the clutch lever all the way in to separate the clutch plates, in fact you can pull the lever just past the “friction zone” and shift with no risk/damage at all. All it requires is a finer input and your shifting will be quicker. Shifting gears without pulling the clutch in all the way may feel strange at first, but once you practice and master the technique you’ll never want to ride the old way again :)

[@CanyonChasers]

That is totally correct but I’d recommend not worrying about that just yet. You can ride a lifetime squeezing the clutch all the way and still be awesome at shifting. If you watch the riding sequences you’ll notice that most of the time when I shift I’m only using two fingers on the clutch lever and only squeezing half-way. But you have to switch up your hand position often for situations when you need to squeeze it all the way.

[@johnsaporta4633]

Nicely done. In city driving, I like to find neutral and release the clutch while at a red light. Japanese motorcycle transmissions make this EASY. My Ducati makes this HARD. How do I make it easier? Yes, I have often been that lazy guy clicking down through all gears after I have stopped. I will pay better attention to the speed match fundamental.

[@carver7689]

The sequential gearboxes on bikes can be a new experience even for people who are familiar with other manual-shift vehicles. This video is a great introduction to the process. If you're learning how to ride right now, then bookmark this video and come back to it as you practice. Everything Dave talked about here is useful information.

[@CanyonChasers]

Wow. Thanks!

[@DarkmoonHooligans]

These videos are great, enjoying them a lot man! Keep it up 🙏

[@Jarvis_aka_UgunnH8This]

Great video, using this video as a first watch for my son so it will make my job easier for me to teach him once we are in an open lot. Thanks again

[@wunderbarewelt]

nice nostalgia :) DCT, ASA, Y-AMT... more and more manufacturers offer automatic for motorcycles. I have given up on grinding the gears myself almost 10 years ago (Honda DCT) and don't want to go back :)

[@discoveror9576]

EXCELLENT: the most COMPREHENSIVE explanation, I've seen.

[@CanyonChasers]

Thanks!

[@WRW9751]

Grumpy old uncle here! Been driving a standard transmission on my everyday driver for longer than I can remember. Except for city driving limitations I’d prefer it. Way more control! I live in Iowa so winter driving comes into play.

[@CanyonChasers]

I'm a gumpy uncle too. I prefer MT for all things. In fact there isn't a single "slush box" in our fleet.

[@xnuke1]

Great advice Dave!

[@duroxkilo]

for new riders, make a habit of keeping the bike in gear when stationary at a stop light, doing parking lot maneuvers, etc... it is tempting to have the bike in neutral while backing out of a parking spot for example or waiting for a green light. but you may need to immediately start moving and being in neutral will take you a few extra seconds (especially when backing up a bike and you're on your left foot). i've only needed it a few times over the decades of riding but it's a good habit. (same could happen when coasting in neutral. depending on the speed, you may not be able to put it in 2nd or 1st without some effort. it is safer to always have the bike in the appropriate gear even when coasting w/ the clutch pulled in. the motif is 'be ready to get going quick is needed') also i didn't catch it mentioned, finding yourself in an upper gear at a complete stop, you have two options to change gears: rock the bike back and forth a little or use the clutch to 'barely' engage the gears, pull the clutch in change the gear, repeat. most times the gears will make a click as you slowly release the clutch signaling you may pull it in and change the gear.

[@bikegirl649]

Excellent explanation and demonstration! Thank you!!😊

[@KimcheeOnATaco]

Very clear explanations!

[@JosiahYoder-z4z]

Great video man

[@WJRobbins125]

My car is a 6-speed. :P (I've been looking forward to being a grumpy old man for a long time) That said, shifting gears in traffic is a real PITA, and that Honda E-Clutch is really interesting to me. These are excellent guidelines for beginners I wish I'd had to not learn the hard way..

[@CanyonChasers]

I know. I love my manual transmissions. I love my quickshifter. I think it's the direct connection. Most automatics I feel like its a pretty significant separation from what it does and what i want it to do. My last automatic would downshift twice to get over a normal overpass and I was like "its okay... it goes back down again, relax"

[@WJRobbins125]

@@CanyonChasers I don't mind 'normal' automatic transmissions, but I don't care for CVT. That just feels wrong all the time.

[@CanyonChasers]

Seriously. CVTs are the WORST!!

[@johndavis2399]

Great presentation. Note that the camera coupon code is far too complicated

[@tomytable1753]

Thank you for this video and a better understanding on the used of a clutch.

[@CanyonChasers]

Happy to hear it!

[@tomspideydeadpool3382]

I'm almost embarrassed because your explanation was so simple and straightforward... Also, because it makes perfect sense. I have asked several people and even a couple of mechanics if they thought something was wrong with transmission or shifter but no one actually explained how the gearbox works. I grew up driving manual cars but this part is completely different. I could not figure out why, especially in an emergency braking situation, it was so hard to get back into first if I was in say, third gear. Thank you for that and you have saved me a lot of frustration. I did figure out that I could gently rock the bike and get it to knuckle into gears, but it's good to know that it's operating the way it should. Keep doing what you're doing and answering the questions that some of us might be afraid to ask

[@tomspideydeadpool3382]

Edit: The reason I thought it was damaged is because I blip shift a lot. I know I'm doing it correctly, but I'm going back to primarily using the clutch now

[@CanyonChasers]

There’s nothing wrong with clutch less shifting if it’s done well.

[@duroxkilo]

:) yes that happens a lot, i'm not sure many auto mechanics are aware that bikes use sequential gear boxes.. anyways, another technique to change gears w/ a stationary bike is to use the clutch (say you're on an incline and rocking the bike is not an option): release the clutch just enough for it to start engaging and pull it back in, change a gear, repeat. you will often hear a click when releasing the clutch, that's a sign you may proceed to change another gear. be safe, have fun

[@elonmust7470]

OOH NO!! I, after much deliberation, just days ago bought an x4 camera! Murphy never misses me with his law... Really enjoyed the show, as always.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

Very good presentation on the operation of the clutch. Let me point out one thing. Your bike has to have enough power at idle to release the clutch at idle without adding throttle. My 250 dual sport will stall every time!

[@CanyonChasers]

Try turning up the idle a smidgen. This is how i taught it in basic riding courses where all the bikes were 250s.

[@Kevin-mm6xm]

@@CanyonChasers I don't need to as I can control my starts quite smoothly using the throttle and slipping the clutch. My comment was for the guys just learning on a low powered bike, and wondering why they keep stalling!

[@malelezac9836]

Thanks for the video. Concerning blip shifting, does it damage the transmission? Lee Parks and couple of other motorcycles instructors teach the blip shifting. Any resources i can l browse to read more facts about this.

[@izzysykopth]

Blip shifting (rev matching) saves wear and tear on the clutch transmission and engine as the load transfer isn’t dumped on the clutch…it also makes corner entry safer as the compression of the engine won’t make the bike step out…

[@defaultuser3410]

My speedometer is in kilometers, I have to convert it: Let's see...40 kph x 0.62...oh, I'm going 50 now, so 50 x 0.62...I just wanna ride, I don't want to have to do math! I'm kidding...great advice, very clear, I especially liked the fan demonstration!

[@CanyonChasers]

Right. I did a lot of mental gymnastics trying to see if it would work in Km.

[@RichardSpensley]

I know it’s different for each bike but my 5 speed 900cc Bonneville I think does each gear in approx 20km/h segments. So… 1st gear up to 20kph 2nd gear up to 40kph 3rd gear up to 60 kph 4th gear up to 80kph 5th gear up to 100kph+ (speeding) But that’s low in the rev range running at 2500-3000 at those speeds as it has so much torque. Bike can easily go faster in each gear at higher revs. I guess those are the minimum speeds I would feel comfortable changing up a gear.

[@teltwosheds2972]

Great explanations. Would have been useful to me as an early teen,but. I learned the hard way 😅👍

[@weaponson3-158]

Question, sir. How come we learn shifting the way you teach it, but as soon as you get any experience, everyone around, you is shifting very jerky? Lightning fast twitches of the feet and hands and I don’t know every time I try that the bike jerks too. Once or twice, I’ve tried to rev match and blip the throttle and the bike just blips too.

[@mikec1254]

Both my 1st car and my 1st motorcycle i bought. i learned how to shift and use the clutch on the way home. car 16 year old, motorcycle @18 how else do you learn back in the 70's

[@ExaltedDuck]

clutches are easy to understand. It's a just brake with the pedal reversed. A brake normally slips until you engage it, then it clamps fixed pads to a disc to stop the disc. A clutch is just one disc on the engine and another on the transmission, normally clamped together to spin together, but slip when engaged.

[@CanyonChasers]

Well said. But keep in mind that most drivers in the US have never seen a clutch before. So the whole thing is pretty alien.

[@ExaltedDuck]

@@CanyonChasers truth. That's why I like this analogy. Everyone knows brakes, at least from a "push pedal to stop" perspective so relating to a clutch's "release pedal to go" concept only requires a tiny bit of technical visualization.

[@RemingtinArms]

I've been clutching the same way since day 1. I'm sure every guru and weirdo who watches too much KZbin would say "ermagerd tchur doin it wrong." But 8 years and over 150k miles later i haven't had any problems with it, so it's fine.

[@CanyonChasers]

I am pretty sure you've got the technique dialed in.

[@pedesmolen]

Great content, although I don't get the part about 2,000 rpm = 2nd gear, 3,000 rpm = 3rd gear. I find my bike runs best between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. So when I'm in 2nd gear and speeding up, when I'm around 3,500 rpm I'll shift up to 3rd gear and maintain the engine between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. Same for shifting up from 3rd to 4th gear. I always maintain the engine in that range, so the gears are related to the speed I'm going at.

[@CanyonChasers]

There's a lot of room for interpretation here. This is really intended for a brand new rider who has never used a manual transmission on anything.

[@adrianbuda3522]

Great video. As a follow-up video it would be nice to develop on the idea of clutchless up and down shifting.

[@CanyonChasers]

Thats the plan!

[@TheTacticalBarrage]

I use engine sound and power response to determine gear positions

[@CanyonChasers]

That works once you have some experience. But new riders with no background or experience need a starting point.

[@Cake...]

Excellent. In Australia though, we use km, so just need to remember to do the conversion to mph

[@CanyonChasers]

I did a lot of mental gymnastics to see if I could get this to work in KM.

[@robzecc]

6:30 to be honest the explanation of motorcycle transmission is wrong, you cant "grind gears" on a constant mesh transmission because they are always engaged. That's why it's possible to change with no clutch (which is also how quick shift work).

[@CanyonChasers]

Oh. You absolutely can grind gears. Come teach a new rider class with me and you’ll see and hear gears grinding in a way that will make you weep on the inside.

[@izzysykopth]

@@CanyonChasers😂😂😂 for sure! However using throttle to relieve the pressure on the gears correctly it’s way easy to upshift or downshift without any grinding or excessive wear on the transmission…

[@weaponson3-158]

@@CanyonChasers a couple times I accidentally screwed something up and I heard it grind. Hurt my soul.

[@robzecc]

@CanyonChasers no, it's not the gears that you hear, it's the "dogs"

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

A bit off topic, but I cannot wear my full face helmet ( street ) because in addition to mine ( HJC carbon fiber ) crushing my ears & skull, _( transmitting every sound and vibration through my head until I want to puke )_ there's no room for eyewear. What's the brand helmet that you wear? Any recommendations? _Maybe a helmet size that is more on the loose side, instead of so tight that it never gets worn?_

[@CanyonChasers]

It's an Arai XD4 but a lot of the "adventure" helmets with the peak tend to have more space in front of the chin to allow for breathing.

[@petervautmans199]

My kids and I learned to drive a farm tractor, on the field, the moment we could manipulate the clutch, at ages between 6 and 9. (sometimes with the use of wooden blocs). Nothing beats growing up on a farm. A couple a years later, the Honda MT50 turned up.

[@izzysykopth]

I get the idea this is directed at me Dave after my comments on the new blip shifters…🤣😂🤣

[@kuhndj67]

When I talk to a new rider the first thing I ask is if they rode a bike a lot as a kid... second thing is if they learned to drive stick (or drive an mini bike, atv or farm vehicle with a manual transmission). If they say no to either of those things I automatically shift to a "you need to build skills before jumping onto a road bike" mode. Things like dirt bikes, bicycles, or riding classes. I recommend MSF classes for all new riders (or returning riders) but I REALLY emphasize it for folks with those two issues. What I've noted is that the MSF class is a safe place for riders who don't know how to shift to practice the skill... but also to realize how important it is to have it mastered when riding on the street.

[@keithlillis7962]

Here in the UK, around 80% of cars are still stick shift.

[@marksmallman4572]

I would never buy an automatic, I enjoy driving too much, and will change gear when I want too...

[@CanyonChasers]

Lucky! Every vehicle I own has a traditional clutch (except the Zuma)

[@duroxkilo]

@@marksmallman4572 it goes both ways, for some long distance drivers i know the stick became a nuisance :)

[@IsaacLeighton]

Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open.

[@thomaslenzmeier183]

How do your point(s) affect quick shifters?

[@CanyonChasers]

Quick shifters are a race technology and are designed to work at high rpms and high loads and ideally wide open throttle. Even on the new bike the quick shifter is awful until I’m about 2000 rpm below redline at full throttle. Downshifts are even worse unless I’m charging hard into a slow corner. When I rode it like that (at the last track event) the quick shifter was excellent and allowed me to focus on being fast. However, In 99% of real world street riding I’m smoother and have more control if I use the clutch the old fashioned way. Even at the track I found myself using the clutch into corners. But to be honest, going WFO to pass a car in a short space, the quick shifter is a lot of fun. 🤩

[@thomaslenzmeier183]

@@CanyonChasers , well that explains why I sometimes encounter a "clunking" sound when shifting. I think I'll be sticking with using the clutch. Who remembers "popping" the clutch to start your car?

[@warmad2596]

New Learning Rider here... 11:30, seriously? That simple? I recently took a basic riders course and was always struggling when I should try and shift up into 2nd and just thinking about when to shift always gave me a headache... Random Question for anyone with experience really... Any tips or tricks if I struggle with changing from 1st to 2nd? Seems I'm almost always getting stuck in neutral and would try lifting the gear shift up as hard as possible and just got used to basically just treating N like another gear when I tried to shift up into 2nd but didn't really have an issue dropping back down into 1st from 2nd.

[@warmad2596]

At one point it was discussed about how we can squeeze the clutch and down shift from 6th gear (if the bike has it) straight to first. How about up shifting? Can you keep the clutch squeezed and keep shifting upward? Could have been discussed and I just didn't understand it.

[@CanyonChasers]

So first. That problem is most likely related to the position of your shift lever. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enmUi6puiseEodU As to your second question; yes. You can shift through the entire gearbox without needing to release the clutch between shifts. But this would be somewhat problematic with upshifts because you'll end up going way too slow when you realease the clutch in top gear. The clutch separates the engine from the rear wheel. The shift lever changes the gear ratio. The key takeaway is you need to separate the engine from the rear wheel whenever we change gears. You have total control over which gear you are in when you choose to release the clutch. You are the decider.

[@warmad2596]

@@CanyonChasers Thanks!

[@MrBCRC]

A motorcycle in the hands of an incompetent individual is a great way for them to self delete. Would you blindly give someone access to a big lathe or a milling machine or a shed full of power wood working tools? No you wouldn't. The presence of a clutch is a great way to keep such people away from things they shouldn't be playing with. The electronic clutches appearing on some new bikes are going to result in people hopping on bikes that they shouldn't be on

[@lylemacdonald6672]

In North America, a society where 80% of car drivers do not know how to change out a flat tire and so many new cars do not even come with spare tire, a talk on how clutches and manual gear boxes operate will, I think, be lost on most people. They may learn to use them but not appreciate the mechanical nuances of operating them. My long deceased father-in-law who raced bikes in the 1930's and 40's stated "your clutch should be fully engaged within one wheel revolution".

[@izzysykopth]

Agreed!!! I use little revs to keep from stalling so I can get the clutch out as quickly as possible…when I hear riders fanning the clutch for 75-100 feet or more I cringe…

[@phantomcruizer]

It all boils down to poor training, if any at all! I took a basic car maintenance class before I bought my first car...in which I learned to change a tire! I took an MSF class, and the instructor NEVER taught us what was covered in this KZbin video!

[@duroxkilo]

@@izzysykopth yes, w/ enough experience there is no need to slip the clutch for more than a few feet... that being said, the clutch on a motorcycle is build w/ slipping it in mind, compared w/ a car's clutch and it takes considerably longer to overheat/glaze it. also on low speed maneuvers, there is no other way to control power delivery. you keep the rpms higher and use the clutch to control the power as the throttle doesn't offer enough finesse.. but that is more of a training session situation than actual riding (except rodeo courses).

[@malarona]

Now..THAT......education😂😂😂

[@thinkdunson]

i'm not sure where he's getting these shifting rpm's from, but they vary greatly from one bike to another. i've never ridden a cruiser, so maybe they would be shifted at 2k, but i've never ridden a bike that would be shifted that low. if you've never heard of "lugging" an engine, i'll tell you now, it's a bad thing. it puts undue pressure on the rings. lugging the engine is when your rpm is too low for the amount of throttle you're giving it. for a cruiser, like i said, their rpm's are lower than anything else, so maybe less than 2k is fine. idk. but for any other bike, it's ok in first gear, but do not try to accelerate in second or above if the rpm is 2k or less. if you're cruising at 2k and you need to accelerate, downshift and then accelerate. you should practice going through the gears anyway, when you're new.

[@pachicalderon515]

Me meo. Nunca he conducido un coche automático en más de 45 años que llevo conduciendo

[@thinkdunson]

i tried teaching a guy how to drive manual in a car and he was absolutely hopeless. i don't even know how to describe how completely hopeless he was. then he got on a bike and took to it like it was nothing. instantly. i don't know what the difference is, but somehow the motions just make sense to him on a bike, but not in a car.

[@mrsmith4709]

One of the major faults that learners learn from Riding Instructors is, only using the front break, or ignoring the use of the back break. This video is a prime example, you mention when slowing down from 60mph, “. . . I’m going to roll of the throttle on to the front break, . . .” Instructors quite correctly tell students . . . “that 70% of breaking power comes from the front break.” or “most of the breaking is from the front break.” Students often interpret that as, “I must use the front break, I must use the front break, I must use the front break …” Then in practice, whenever they break, no matter the circumstances, they grab a handful of front break with the total exclusion of the back break, and wonder why the motorcycle disappears from underneath them. They get up, pick up their bike and try again, this time really concentrating on the front break, (because, that is what was drummed into them by their instructor), and this time grab more of the front break and come off again. Experienced riders know, that there are many occasions where using the front break only is dangerous, they also know that there is never a time when it is dangerous to use the back break. Learners should be instructed in this correctly, on wet roads, the front break is dangerous, at slow speeds, the use of the front break is dangerous, cornering, the front break is dangerous. They should be instructed to use both breaks, period. We all know that the back break hardly slows down the motorcycle, especially with heavy cruisers like Harley Davison’s, which (compared to all other motorcycles), have same day breaking at best. Learners should be taught when breaking - - to always use both breaks whenever possible,especially in emergency breaking - to feather the front break when using it - never use the front break alone, unless at a complete stop - the back break can and should be used by its self on certain occasions. Complete novices to riding or driving, have zero experience in breaking anything, and the messages they are getting world wide from Riding Instructors in their initial fundamental riding courses, is dangerous and Leeds to many accidents, and adds to the fear of riding motorcycles. Even experienced riders who have been taught this way still make stupid, totally avoidable mistakes breaking, because of this, in our Club we have to teach them to unlearn the “Front break only” message they rightly or wrongly assimilated from being tough to ride, and have been using throughout their riding period, and then teach them to only use the front break while using the back break, and even then, try too use the back break only most of the time. We ride close together in a staggered formation, which is the safest way to ride, giving each rider the maximum advantage to break and manoeuvre safely, while using the group as protection while on the road. The fault in todays teaching, is too much emphasis is being given to front break use and none given to both break use or back break only use. Some may put forward a compelling argument for this style, but the evidence is clear that for whatever reasons, a significant number of students are interpreting the message as, “I must use the front break only.” Experienced riders know about “trail breaking” and its uses in better cornering etc, which people learn in advanced riding courses, but it is only a small percentage of riders who attend these courses. Constructive comments please, this is more about the way in which using the front break is being taught, rather than not using the front break.

[@CanyonChasers]

Wow. That’s quite the essay but your theory is not evidenced in rider crash data. The majority of riders rely far too heavily on the rear brake. In most collisions riders lock the rear and don’t even engage the front. Most experienced riders know and understand the rear brake is more about stability and less about stopping. I could be competitive and won a road race (on track) without a rear brake. I’d be lapped several times if I didn’t have a front brake.

[@thinkdunson]

don't limit yourself later by giving in to the fear now. just get the bike you want and learn how to shift. the e-clutch and the auto tranny are not fun. riding is about having fun, and half of it is how you control the bike. not having to use a clutch is taking away half of that equation. i promise you will thank yourself later if you can power through the fear now. besides, a healthy amount of fear is a good thing. and pushing through it will feel so amazing when you're shifting like a pro after no time at all.

[@I_am_archie]

🤠 👍🏻

[@jorelplay8738]

9:34 i still think that honda's cb650r is the best looking naked on the market, even better than their own cb1000r

[@CanyonChasers]

Right! I think it's a stunning looking bike!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

All I've owned is cars with stick shifts. And I'm only middle age. And yes I'll very much inconvenience myself to find a stick shift car, even if I have to search 16 dealerships and hunt half the state online. I find the truck-suv-cuv trend dull, disconnected, boring, and ugly. But the motorcycle clutch? pieces of cake. Motorcycles should be something to aspire to, something above people, something that needs to be mastered, something that brings satisfaction when learned, something of a skills and coordination showcase. If people can operate an Xbox or Playstation, don't cry to me about how a clutch is some kind of barrier to entry. Also with slip/assist clutches, the pull force is of zero consequence anymore. Might take more force to open those energy drinks.

[@HashtagAbdul]

My bike doesn't have a tachometer lol 😢

[@CanyonChasers]

Bummer. But the speedo thing still works, you just have to count gears for a little while.

[@3GingerCats]

Never driven a car with a MANUAL gearbox? well my 1st 2nd 3rd 5th 8th & 9th cars were all Manual, and this doesn't count any of the RACE cars, but they were all manual too. you know what IS hard? reversing the roles between the left hand and left foot, and getting the timing right. that takes a few weeks to get past what was natural for 30 years

[@runalongnowhoney]

You lost me at "Tachometer". Just this past week, I got a ticket for 8,000 rpm in a 3,000 rpm zone. Officer: "Do you know how fast you were spinning?". Me: "Not a clue, sir".

[@izzysykopth]

lol

[@justahasbeen2728]

You must be a fellow Gen 3 KLR rider. I sure wish mine had a tachometer.

[@runalongnowhoney]

@@justahasbeen2728 Just tryin for a laugh....Wife and I have 3 bikes with no tach.....First two are shifted based on speedometer. Third is a scooter; no "gears" to fret over at all. ;-)

[@markj66]

Interesting video, just one question. Why do Americans insist on saying "rpms"? You know RPM is already plural, right? Revolutions per minute...

[@CanyonChasers]

I dunno. Why do folks in the UK "Go to Hospital" instead of "go to the hospital?" Lately I've been getting a lot of comments about "It's not a corner it's a bend" -- Language is funny and always evolving.

[@105Gunner]

Love the content on your channel but not a fan of the insta360 fisheye views. Sorry.

[@Qassu78]

You have been a motorcycle instructor for over 25 years and yet you got the constant mesh gearbox all wrong? In constant mesh gearbox gears aren't sliding in any way or moving in relation to each other, hence the name CONSTANT mesh. Connection between the gears is achieved by gear dogs wich are pretty hefty pieces of metal and can really withstand a whole lot of torture. With a little bit of practice, one can safely and smoothly change gears on constant mesh transmission without using clutch. Only starting and stopping requires clutch.

[@Alfa-de8cq]

Why lie though, you don't need to always shift with clutch. And your little quickshifter sensor is a proof of that. ...ok, now I watched to that part, my bad 😅

[@os6219]

Hilarious

[@Alfa-de8cq]

I like gp shift. It more natural to shift like that on a bike, especially if you want to go fast. Counterintuitive though, as your brain sometimes in stress go like i need a lower gear so i need shift down, even afer ears of using gp shift.😅

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Release the clutch slowly till you get a feel for where it engages. Gp shift usually has a quick shifter too. Some bikes do not like going into 1st at higher speeds.

[@mcgoo721]

So in an obtuse way, heel shifters are just hillbilly gp shifters 🤔

[@CanyonChasers]

Never thought about it that way, but kinda' yea. Only maybe even slightly better because you are always pushing down.

[@twdegr]

Wow I knew all of this at 8 years. Explains maybe why you talk to us as we’re 8 year olds.

[@CanyonChasers]

So then why did you watch the video?

[@ivannestorovic3472]

You cannot understand that the USA is not the center of the universe and that the majority of people on Earth drive cars and motorcycles with a clutch !!! 😂😂

[@darkviper099]

We can't help that every new common vehicles has no manual version these days😔

[@keithlillis7962]

The US is the centre of 'their' universe, just as the country you live in is the centre of yours.

[@deanmsimpson]

​@@keithlillis7962Are you speaking for every human being on earth?

[@LisaLadyRider]

So riders in America don't deserve an explanation that will help them get into the sport and ride better? Who really thinks they are the center of the universe here? 🙄

[@brianglendenning1632]

In Australia the number of manual vehicles has been reducing for decades - automatic, DSG (and similar) and CVT are all more common than manual

[@virupakshawalla5734]

If this is appropriate for beginners in USA where people start on 600cc to litre we are in shit lol. No one can't drive shift shift shoukd be forcefully deported. Make America gear again 😂

[@lefterisbampaidis5446]

The rest of the world doesn't understand this video.

[@Brian-qg9bm]

"Stuck with" is kinda harsh. Manual transmission is actually better. A lot more fun to drive, better economy, more control. It's just women who can't do it. That's why were "stuck with" automatic transmissions in this life.