How To Shift a Motorcycle For Beginners

One of the questions I get the most is how do I shift a motorcycle for beginners? So I put this video together to help make shifting a motorcycle for beginners easy. Learn how to shift a motorcycle using a simple three-step method.

[@scottyd0530]

Man, I gotta say, I don't have a motorcycle yet but I plan on getting one, and this video right here just made learning so much easier. I appreciate videos like this where the instructions are simple and easy to follow.

[@young_genna]

Same

[@jakeallen4668]

I’m right with you bro

[@fugduhhh]

Me too. Thank you for simple and enjoyable guides

[@Ur_friendly-neighbour]

Same here brotha

[@zerod3618]

hell yeah, very close to getting myself a motorcycle and this vids give me an idea of how to ride it properly

[@eboniecleaver2]

“Sis cause I know we have some women that be watching this channel” I feel so seen! Thank you lol ima watch these videos until I do my course for my license

[@FlamingCockatiel]

1. Release the throttle and open the clutch. 2. Shift up/down. 3. Give it a little gas while releasing clutch slowly. Love the enthusiasm!

[@shreyasc60]

Finally completed all your riding tutorials! I did improve a lot just after watching your vids and practicing on my bike. Much love and respect, thanks for keeping your tutorials easy to grasp.

[@socalriderb]

Nice work and thanks for your love and support!!

[@daviddavies-thomas5819]

Ducatti 450 8:14

[@andreasl-punkt]

My father (75y) is a retired driving teacher. Showed him your videos. His English is not very good, but he said: very good videos! He would use it for the theory lessons, if he was still teaching. Best regards from Germany!

[@socalriderb]

That's great!

[@teequegaming6447]

Absolutely love your content, and how beginner friendly it is. We all love high speed videos, but it's videos like these that get people up there. Thank you for helping teach the new generation of bikers, including me :)

[@socalriderb]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Rekaert]

Your enthusiasm and energy had me smiling like one minute into the vid. 😀

[@ishnookie]

I can now proudly say that I'm an expert in shifting gears in front of my computer Thanks bud! From Philippines

[@garronbennett2722]

I just got an R3 and this is hands down the most helpful video I’ve seen on shifting, the repetition of the steps really helps some may find it annoying but I think it’s perfect for trying to get it engraved into someone’s head thank you so much for this vid man really great work your doin🙏

[@scottwinstanley4436]

Second video i've watched, liked and subscribed. 45 year old never ridden a bike before, have my first training in a week, thanks so much for the way you explain

[@socalriderb]

Welcome aboard!

[@MrRompilla]

I know it’s not that easy but the way you explain it makes it awhile lot simpler. Definitely looking forward to learning/riding in the future here

[@predata252]

Im just starting out on a little Ninja 300 atm in Australia, your vids have been the biggest help out of all the tutorial vids i have watched... big thanks !!

[@Mad_Doctor_K]

This gave me the confidence to want to learn even more and took away a lot of that anxiety thank you!

[@donotdisturb4801]

i haven’t gotten my motorcycle yet i plan to soon, and js watching your vids make me understand motorcycles more day by day, thank you‼️

[@walter5700]

ey man i gotta tell you, youre making me go into my lessons a lot more relaxed man, thank you for that!

[@ilyasbhatt9951]

love it man i don't know much english but how you taught was for all beginners that wanted to learn within 10 minutes.. so easy to focus on how you teach

[@socalriderb]

Glad to hear that!

[@shwethanagarajan4461]

Thank you for this video. It made me to analyse where I made mistakes while shifting the gears and also finding out why I was able to ride on the Yamaha R15 V1 better than a normal commuting bike. I'll rewatch your videos when I get my dream bike in future ❤

[@sanz.9805]

Damn, I've learnt more in this one video than all youtube tutorial videos combined. Appreciate you brother ❤

[@illiria2000]

Excellent work on explaining everything. I appreciate you.

[@coronaxavier11b34]

Ordering a Dong Fang 125 cc 4 speed next week as my starter bike,,,using your instructions 100% ty .

[@abelb.1532]

You're a good teacher. Understood everything perfectly always wanted to know never found the opportunity.

[@ShogunMathNinja]

I was practicing my hand and foot movements as you were telling us what you were doing. That was great practice for this newbie. Thanks!

[@Salamethusayn]

I haven't ever got on a bike yet but I know how to shift in my sleep now thanks to you. Great demo man!

[@habitsforgrowth8204]

What a great video! I don’t even have a motorcycle, nor do I plan to get one, but your videos are so good I keep watching them. If I ever were to buy a motorcycle I would definitely revisit all of these great tips! Thanks for putting out these videos! I can tell how passionate you are about motorcycles and it’s motivating me to continue with the projects I have going on too.

[@socalriderb]

Hey that's wonderful 🥰. Your profile name is awesome btw. Habits makes us who are

[@habitsforgrowth8204]

@@socalriderb Thanks! I couldn’t agree with you more! 😊

[@grimakastatik]

I love how you repeat the actions over and over again. After watching this video 5x I can hear your voice now lol great job. Now I feel more confident I won't die 😂

[@majorpayne7909]

Great Video as a Newbie to riding this helped me assure I was shifting correctly.

[@SuzenaFal]

Hey, i absolutely love your videos and i love your energy. You bring an excitement for me because you're such a kind demonstrator- I have many men in my family who ride bikes, from scooters to an R1. Ive always been a backpack rider, and now i'm all in on getting my motorcycle license. I have no knowledge on manual, but with too much eagerness and determination to learn it on a bike, i bought a second-hand 2002 HONDA VTR 250. Ive managed to grasp onto the concept and been shifting from first to second and back down - on repeat. I have no one to help me as my family is traditional and quite sexist on a girl riding- let alone even having interest in it. I have a quiet suburb and my neighbours are surprisingly really cool with me going around the block unlicensed while learning.. they can see how determined I am. I finally decided to book my MSF/Rider Safe Course as its not worth getting caught or injured unlicensed- i.m attending the course in 7 days. I noticed you shifted from 4th gear to 1st gear by keeping open the clutch. Is that pretty common and safe for all riders? Ive been desperate to hit 3rd and 4th gear as my confidence is getting way better, but the thought of having to downshift one at a time and quickly before reaching a stop; makes me super nervous. Thanks again for your great videos and sorry to blab it all out.. needing some guidance and i respect you heaps. Much love from Australia.

[@socalriderb]

Can you DM me at @Socalriderb on instagram

[@edsyfi1812]

Clear easy explanation, no fluff, thank you sir

[@nalco8929]

What an amazing video. Thank you so much for making this! I finally understand!

[@avagibson2293]

This is amazing, I was looking everywhere for somebody to explain to me WHEN to shift. Every Google search came up with HOW, but didn’t explain WHEN and I was so frustrated. I didn’t even know you could downshift multiple gears at once, I thought you had to do the whole process each time all the way to first gear. Until this video that I decided to watch from my recommendations the next day even though I have seen how to shift a bike before. And the best part is, you do the demonstration on the bike I want to buy! Thank you so so much!!!!! ❤🎉

[@sonnychornley9457]

I don't have a bike but had a standard car. I'd assume it's the same, when the engine starts to get loud ,shift its usually between 20-40kph can be 25- 30 then shift

[@0nly1rricky]

you helped me a lot bro, this gave me more confidences to drive a bike and i'm get one in 2 months to excited

[@laceybiggerstaff9769]

This repetition was super helpful!!

[@eggset.]

thank you for explaining when to shift i’m trying to learn all i can about motorcycles before i take the course and get one myself.

[@eminemiwoo]

Thank you so much for making these videos😭❤️ Ive been wanting to ride a motorcycle but i have a hard time understanding manual gear shifting. This video made it so much easier to understand and to pick up. Thanks smmm

[@socalriderb]

You can do it!

[@chubz2189]

Love the video, and love your energy you are just fun to watch.

[@brennanbascharow4541]

bro im about to get my first bike you have been so helpful with shifting and other general bike knowledge. You're the goat. You explain things very well. i appreciate you. hopefully getting the ninja 650 btw!

[@socalriderb]

Bro let’s go! Super stoked for you!

[@Desmondtiny]

man the manner you teach is great I subscribe to see more of them keep going brother

[@AngelaDod96]

I want to buy a bike and I was worried about the gears, this video it’s going to help me a lot when the times comes. Thank you!

[@AdversaryGaming]

You're a legend man really appreciate your videos. These vids are extremely helpful!

[@socalriderb]

Glad you like them!

[@YaddaYaddaDa]

You're an excellent teacher thank you

[@waynecharlton954]

Brilliant do my cbt training in the uk this coming week I'm learning what you are doing and if I pass my training I will go on carparks like you are doing this is a great video keep them coming Brilliant

[@mukro]

Thanks man you really cleared when slowing down and lowering the clutch for me, was confused on how to downshift when coming to a stop

[@mukro]

Nice bike btw was thinking of getting the ninja 400 for my first bike looks really nice and good speed for me as a beginner

[@nelstadel9185]

Thanks so much my friend. You’re very good at teaching.

[@socalriderb]

Thanks Nel!

[@Ricky94H]

SoCal Rider B, your videos are easy to follow. Thanks for the content.

[@socalriderb]

Glad you like them!

[@timnb0340]

im planning to get my license and this really helps, thankyou sir!!

[@jav13r909]

This video is awesome! Thanks for this!!

[@lightofjasper5600]

Thanks homie. You make this sound so easy. I’m looking forward to taking ur tips and using Em on the street!

[@socalriderb]

You got this!

[@bcifuentes82]

Just bought my first motorcycle. Iron 883. So thank you for this video. I appreciate it. Oh, and I am freakin excited!!!

[@socalriderb]

Bryan have you completed training yet?

[@moasher]

love your videos man

[@agembry1]

All of these videos are excellent

[@MegaGambler]

I am doing my full license now, thanks for big help mate !!!

[@socalriderb]

My pleasure and good luck!

[@onlymeentertainment]

Thank you! About to buy a bike in a few weeks!

[@ugurhdr6538]

I am about to buy my first motorcycle. your videos have helped me a lot. riding a motorcycle is not so scary for me anymore :D greetings from turkey.

[@andrewroberts4071]

Good knowledge. Good vibes Great video brotha

[@SimonMGhostAcardia117]

Dawg I’m from the Netherlands and I recently started to get some lessons and I have some problems with shifting. This videos is everything I need every single detail is perfect thank you for this men 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@thegoat5587]

I did my practical test in a petrol car (manual gear) and i currently drive a diesel van (manual gear). Besides, i have been riding a bicycle to go to school since i was 16. Now, i have already made a learner application for a motorcycle.

[@Kira2991]

Bro you’re amazing. Thank you 🙏

[@Narutokun1545]

You certainly make it look pretty easy to ride a manual. I was planning on getting an automatic because I was scared that manual would be hard. But maybe I'll reconsider and do manual.

[@darkghost3994]

thanks for you videos ,im thinking in going school to learn more ,but this videos help a lot

[@johnnyF2023]

Thank you I'm learning alot

[@tybgycfmb8697]

Really helpful. Thank you Sir! Happy riding :)

[@duanestiles4821]

Great job on the tutorial vid keep the great job

[@driftydegree5624]

Wow Thank you very much!

[@realterror109]

aye thanks man so helpful

[@flintsky4152]

Bro I plan to go to driving school but 😁 u are here at the right time tq so much brother

[@nendoboiph3839]

Thank you good sir! Learned a alot

[@DrKniz]

Hi I just found your channel. Great stuff for those learning to ride. Subscribed!!!

[@socalriderb]

Thanks for the sub. Silly happy to have you here

[@derekcollinsbrereton-andre7204]

Cool man, great explaining.........gonna get the Kawasaki!!!!!! and practice!!!!!!!!!

[@horacioparraguirre7486]

Thanks a lot for your video it's so instructive, beneficial and meanincful not only for beginners but for e everybody

[@horacioparraguirre7486]

Meaningful

[@JennKnuth]

Thanks for this vid! Just got my endorsement but this definitely helps establishes that skill.

[@socalriderb]

Great to hear!

[@dark3l192]

Aight man Thank you for this video, i got some confidence and btw your voice is cool

[@socalriderb]

Thanks

[@520jtf]

Dry nice video but your use of “open and close the clutch” might be confusing for beginners lol but being educated I know that you mean gently give the clutch a lil squeeze whenever you be saying “open the clutch” and vise versa

[@fudgeducati5832]

Awesome tutorial video bro! Keep it up, you just got a new subscriber here 🙂

[@socalriderb]

Dude thank you for the love and support

[@NebulaKnightsCollective]

wow, This explanation is super super cool, keep it up bro♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@McGuest405]

Omg I Love these videos so much i subscribed to you im only a kid but when i get older im going to get a Kawasaki Ninja 400 because i love these motorcycles so much so yeah im going to get a Kawasaki Ninja 400 when im older for my primary vehicle .

[@simonmay4181]

Thanks bro the way u show us an teach us it so simple and easy to understand keep it up bro your doing good 👍

[@socalriderb]

Thank you for that. I’m super happy this helps

[@migz101199]

you made it that simple for me

[@austinoquinn815]

Great resource

[@nightmarefuel9216]

I was planning on getting a hanway scrambler, I'm 14, so i can't ride a bike over 50cc yet. But this was really helpful, thanks.

[@aymeii5275]

Thank you!

[@Valkomerenn]

Yes very helpful!

[@yreckless3713]

man, big fan from chian, i have been seeing dozens of videos about how to shift about no one makes more clear than your videos, thanks you so much for your content, it is really helped me a lot!!!

[@socalriderb]

Glad to help! Thanks for the love and good luck

[@nmlss62]

Appreciate you going back to explain the front brake is 70% of a motorcycles stopping power,…I spilled last summer in an emergency stop,… I just forgot that fact,…Lol,… 👍

[@desivuitton4401]

Step 1 : Release the throttle step 2: open clutch slowly step 3: kick up or down step 4: slowly close clutch while giving it gas Now ur set up for the next gear shift! Perfect! Ayeeeee. Yoo im ngl i feel super cool knowing this n learning what this stuff actually means all in under 15 min. Im binge watching ur videos studying like a freak cus i told my dad i knew how to ride a motorcycle n he actually bought me one. SoCal rider B ur the best 🫶🏽🫶🏽. I’ll b back to comment when I do good on my permit test :)

[@desivuitton4401]

Like bro I didn’t even kno where the gear shift lever was before watching ur vids now ik how to change gear shifts .

[@Christopher-gh5gz]

Thanks bro I take your advice. I never rode a motorcycle in my life. I'm 40 years Old, i've i always been interested.

[@_ephraim6726]

You're a real one💯

[@Max-sb4dk]

Great video man!

[@socalriderb]

Thanks Max!

[@tillerbean]

great video for all those aspiring/new riders bro!

[@socalriderb]

Glad you think so!

[@k0ndz1u_aimbot]

thanks bro you help me i love you

[@JeriDro]

thanks for being a teacher

[@socalriderb]

It's my pleasure

[@Frankcg29]

With your videos i will learn how to drive motorcycle 🏍 🙂

[@MrAlexandr561]

nice thank you

[@alexanderzhurbitsky8617]

Я все понял что ты сказал, но не могу так же хорошо говорить по-английски. Спасибо за объяснение. Ровных дорог, хорошей погоды, будь осторожен и береги себя, мотобрат!🤜

[@kadenmiddleton377]

After having a bike for about 9 months and ~750 miles (max) ridden senior year of high school, I sold my bike before moving states for college. Graduated college last may and looking at getting a bike again after close to 5 years off. These vids are helping so much w/ rebuilding my confidence as I get closer to actually purchasing another bike. Still not sure how I'll handle a test ride because I'll want to practice in a parking lot before getting on public roads and going through all the gears but after watching these I feel a lot more confident I'll be able to find a way to get it done safely. One question - and I know this is an old video so not really expecting a reply but still curious - I don't think you mentioned braking during the downshifting process. Is this because it should be common sense that you would be applying slight brake pressure to decelerate leading to downshifting or do you just primarily release throttle to slow down a bit and engine brake by downshifting? Thanks for the great videos!

[@realVampyToast]

BRO That looks easy ima be a pro when I get first bike ;D

[@dannunez6170]

THIS GUY IS A GOD EXPLAINING IT!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@socalriderb]

Bro thanks

[@crumpt8187]

i like this guy

[@SalahEd25]

Thank you

[@user-op5om7gc1u]

Bro thanks for the video buh bro i got one question while moving on the bike do you still need clust to move faster or just the acceleration

[@randompanda4649]

Great vid boss

[@socalriderb]

Appreciate it