How To Shift Gears like a Pro | How to Ride a Motorcycle

Shifting for beginners, Clutchless Shifting and Pro Shifting. We’ll see 3 different ways to do it: the basic shifting like beginner riders do it, the clutchless shifting, both with and without quickshifter, and another method for more advanced riders, which makes our shifting very smooth and quick. Weirdly enough all those 3 different ways are closely related.
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On Moto Control channel you will find videos about motorcycles, motorcycle riding techniques, tips & tricks and online motorcycle training for beginner and advanced riders!
A little info about me. My name is Andrei Bodrov, originally I'm from Moscow, Russia, and now I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Back in Moscow I was a motorcycle instructor and creator of Moto Control Beginner & Advanced motorcycle rider courses, which quickly became the most popular courses in Moscow (well, at least the advanced one😁). My advanced training course makes emphasis on slow speed riding techniques at first (such as good clutch and throttle control, proper riding posture, proper use of vision, etc.), then proceeds to more advanced techniques (such as aggressive braking, trail braking, maximal lean angle). The course incorporates a lot of exercises from DOSAF slow speed riding (similar to police rodeo like motorcycle training in USA), braking and cornering exercises and motogymkhana style riding. And now, since I actively learn English - I decided to post some useful videos for both your and mine practice!😉
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Since everyone writes this, it's necessary, I suppose 🤷, so here we go. Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk, you are responsible for your own safety. Me, Andrey Bodrov and my channel, Moto Control disclaim any liability incurred in connection with the use of riding techniques from this channel. Use common sense, wear full protective gear and ride in a safe and predictable manner!
#motorcycle #motorcycles #moto

[@David..]

Remember if you’re having issues finding neutral. Don’t worry. You’ll find it quite easily while accelerating away from a light around other motorcyclists.

[@willsharp4392]

dude 😂 i just started riding and 2/3 times ive found neutral were trying to go down into first or up into second

[@David..]

@@willsharp4392 yup. Accidentally hitting neutral in the most embarrassing scenario is just a part of motorcycling. Like trying to shift into 7th gear.

[@VikingGekz]

😂😂😂

[@melvinjolliff4176]

Bro I found it today when going 110 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@daniellittle4259]

@@David..felt this😂😂😅

[@nrgrlsd9931]

When I started riding, I learned how to fast shift first because I rode like a maniac. It actually took me a while and was difficult for me to learn how to shift smoothly at slow speeds.

[@AA-jx5fv]

I’m on my 3rd day of riding and I’m just to aggressive with the throttle and clutch gear engagement. Need to learn how to ride smoothly. I need to humble myself and just learn how to ride. I find that in the lower speeds and gears it gets abit jerky.

[@caspar_gomez]

this, I don't get how to do it slowly it just feels natural to do it in one rapid motion while accelerating hard

[@ChickenLiver911]

I learned to ride a clutchless, manual shifting quad before switching to a dirt bike. It has also caused me difficulties in trying to learn touring bikes.

[@alionus6783]

I started on a 1984 Honda ATC200x so i ride that thing like a maniac so slow shifts still take me a second

[@trumpour12]

Sammme😂

[@hackman85]

I don’t know who you are (I’ll search you), but I never seen a video with so much precise (and true) information. You have a new subscriber, definitely going to see a lot more of you! Thank you for the time you take to share your knowledge.

[@Gg-ij7li]

Jesus loves you all and is coming back soon! Believe in His death and resurrection and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and be saved and abandon your sins and turn to Him! Have an amazing day!😊

[@theultimatef1geek463]

I'll be honest I started watching your channel because I couldn't find any reliable source of information about how operating a motorcycle works, and I have to admit you explain things in a crystal clear way, as opposed to most articles online or even reddit discussions. Every video is packed with info and explains everything in layman's terms. In case you're wondering why I don't find any reliable information, I'm from India where motorcycle safety standards are pretty weak and there are no courses, and everyone is self taught, so basically watching your videos is like getting personal reliable coaching. Using your videos as example I actually managed to convince my dad that grabbing front brakes during an emergency on an old scooter without ABS which I've been learning to ride on isn't definitely the way to do it. Subbed and keep up the good work!

[@MotoControlEn]

Thanks! I'm glad I could help😊

[@dustinlerch9272]

Using the front break is fine. How you use it is the issue.

[@theultimatef1geek463]

@@dustinlerch9272 ofcourse, progressive braking is correct but grabbing the brake isn't. I was lucky the shitty scooter has very bad brakes so grabbing them didn't instantly result in a lockup.

[@stevenrix7277]

@@theultimatef1geek463 That's what they learn in the US in a 2 day course in a nutshell, and honestly it's not enough. In France it will take days before you get your motorcycle license.

[@theultimatef1geek463]

@@stevenrix7277 that's really cool but India doesn't have a dedicated motorcycle lisence so self teaching is the only way to learn how to ride motorcycles. My dad does it for over 40 years now yet he still does some small things wrong, its about how and when you can improve yourself with what you have 👍

[@sagarkalasa]

I like how his shoes are worn out and the bike has scratch marks makes you feel more connected and related. Unlike other youtubers who probably do not ride a lot or make you feel some kind of inferiority complex.

[@natashasimmons2795]

As a CDL Instructor trying to get precise information on the mechanics of shifting a motorcycle, this was great. I first watched your video about counter steering and been subscribed to your channel since. Thanks for all you do 🙌🏾

[@enriquemeza2984]

Thank you so much! The demonstration on how the gears actually work explained everything to my why my engine breaking was bucking me. I was releasing the clutch to fast. This has been something ive been looking for forever. Genuinely thank you!

[@nirajjoshi232]

Came across your video two days ago and have been watching lot of your stuff since then. Your videos are perfectly worded and paced for a beginner! No confusions, no rushes, properly explained and comfortably abstract! I have been riding for a while but always had a problem with shifting. I use the first method but with bigger shift window because I have trust issues with my clutch and have to pull it all the way in and then shift with a slight delay 😂 But I love to accelerate and go from 0 to top speed pretty fast, so this shifting habbit makes my life lot harder on my new 400cc engine bike. I'll use this video to learn quick shifting that you explained in third technique. Thanks a lot!

[@Gg-ij7li]

Jesus loves you all and is coming back soon! Believe in His death and resurrection and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and be saved and abandon your sins and turn to Him! Have an amazing day!😊

[@dr.murdoch8085]

​@@Gg-ij7liAmen!

[@julieb5434]

You’re a really good teacher. I’m enjoying your videos a lot, and learning a lot too. I like the positivity and the quality of your information.

[@LSB44446]

Rev matching is the most satisfying thing to learn as a new rider

[@zachcota3154]

Wassat

[@monkeyboi685]

Coming from a manual car to bike myself, I'd say this is absolutely clear with those gear fundatmentals, thanks!

[@keithcanfield6519]

It nice to watch someone who knows what the he'll there talking about! Love this channel Im not a new rider by no means. But when I want to learn more about riding bikes I come here you have never failed me. Thank you for breaking it down also. Much thanks my friend

[@ShubhamAtkare]

I'm a complete noob to riding a bike. But this is the first video where I bery clearly understood the concept of Rev Matching. Thanks a ton.

[@krispewkrem3]

Beat me to it. I always wanted to cover a video with these topics. Your video definitely stands out because you go over clutchless upshifting, and Almost never before seen, clutchless downshift. And WHEN to use it. I’ve been not using my clutch commuting a FZ07 and WR250 for months. Zero issues.

[@Gg-ij7li]

Jesus loves you all and is coming back soon! Believe in His death and resurrection and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and be saved and abandon your sins and turn to Him! Have an amazing day!😊

[@jaspervn4722]

@@Gg-ij7li please stop trying to force religion on people

[@MMixer882]

@@Gg-ij7li Jesus doesn’t exist. religion is all lies and full of hypocrites. Don’t be blinded by it.

[@nikhdes]

Andrei - the Giant of biking and bike training! :)

[@096Vkant]

Half way through vid i started thinking of commenting about this vid 😄😄 Pure quality content. Kudos to you mate. It doesn't matter what a person's interests are, Quality & making is so good that anyone would spend 10mins on this. Honestly, well done.👌👍👍

[@AhmedShabasy44]

man you are amazing trainer much love and appreciation from Egypt

[@dewalc6872]

I'm new to the motorcycle scene, and now those blink of an eye gear upshifts make sense. Thank you :>

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

regarding damage to the gearbox due to the clutchless shifting, i doubt you're going to catastrophically grenade your gearbox. you have some rubber pads in the rear wheel in between your pinion and rim that take most of that shock. also if anything else the clutch is going to slip before a cog blows up as long as you use the standard clutch. or even the rear tyre will slip. remember, somehow the busa gearbox holds 500 horsepower (with 1 shaft replaced, output i believe) while the bike comes with 200 ish standard. you're gonna be fine!

[@usik9221]

literally got my M2 cert sunday .. i have a problem with shifting smoothly sometimes i get it but most of the time i dont.. but this helped alot 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@ThatThrottle]

Great video as always! Lots of good information here!

[@danboyd6180]

I love his teaching style and style in general. It’s the hat, I Fah Keen love that hat

[@Kingpin909]

I weight exactly 80kg and I also ride a KTM 390 Duke. Thanks for the tip.

[@mick1583]

Good information, as always. Thank you.

[@bhargavdutt5418]

Most videos only teach in one way. You not only taught different techniques and use cases but also demonstrated up close clearly multiple times wherever it is needed. Bravo! Most people just show up while riding. But you showed us different camera angles in a stationary position. 👏👍

[@fabianmckenna8197]

It's not rocket science....... Close the throttle, pull in the clutch lever and kick up a gear all around the same time. You can do it as slowly as you want to begin with and gradually get quicker as you ride more. As a despatch rider I rode a Suzuki GS850G without a clutch cable for four days while awaiting a new one so clutchless gear changes all the way as described in the video. To take away from a standstill, I switched on ignition in first gear then hit the starter button and held on tight!

[@mrwatchmaker]

That was great, Thanks! I'm getting my first motorcycle in a few months, subscribed!

[@antoniorengifo1447]

Great practical illustration and guidance. Thank you 👊☀️

[@ashishdash9989]

Even though i know how to ride a motorcycle, it's still fun to watch how easily you explained the process.

[@scaredmans]

Changed bikes a few days....different style...so feels like learning from scratch. Each thing I search....your videos pop up first. So thank you for great quality content!!!

[@_Ulisses_]

Great info, as usual. Thanks man.

[@jivadaya6439]

Excellent video and very helpful. I am now subscribed. Thank you!

[@beepbop6697]

Didn't see you mention it, but should also "preload" pressure on the shift lever -- put pressure on the lever before clutching -- this leads to very quick and clean shifts as well.

[@NS-fo6dq]

You are a funny dude. And it makes the delivery and information so much more interesting.

[@robdecarle3236]

Just subscribed. Thank you for taking the time to help others.

[@aaronjosephdeleon4627]

Very well put and concise!

[@HydroAndro]

Thinking about getting my first motorcycle and your videos are helping haha.

[@KnivesParacord]

Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@user-zd9st9wj2y]

대단히 감사합니다.ㅎ 3일전에 오르막 코너에서 적당한 제동이었지만, 선회 중 불안한 마음에 시선처리를 충분하게 못하여 앞 타이어 제동을 급하게 했어 바이크를 땅바닥에 갈아버렸습니다. 다행히 바이크용 안전장비를 충분히 해 두었기에 여분으로 사두었던 장비로 새로 교체했습니다. 선회 중 확실한 제동으로 속도를 줄이던지, 아니면 시선처리와 자세를 확실히 하던지 해야겠습니다. 모두들 안전운행 하시기 바랍니다.

[@thegranddao4272]

I just realized I hadn't subbed, and thats my bad. Been watching and you've taught me a lot for my first bike! Thanks man.

[@TheKnightTeutonic]

Thanks so much man ! I loved your explanation

[@MianM.Muneeb9339]

Sir, as you said, you can easily do gear shifting without using clutch. I don't have a heavy bike but I have done both up/down gear shifts without clutch many times in my Prider.😇🥰

[@joeyboogenz]

OK . I have been a rider since year 1973 and started racing MotoX late 1977 . I quickly learned from the older ,bigger bore riders how to blindly powershift . It was an unmistakable sound & technique ,that ultimately made me a better Street Car, & Street and trackday racer in my older years in my 20's . Don't even get me started on old school rearset shifter kits that reversed shifting ,turning bikes like my RD 400 Cafe racer & GT550ES into 1-up ,5-down racebikes. Powershifting came to me quickly . Literally ,basicallly turning "me" into a quickshifter long before they were an option on motorcycles. Nuff' said . I'm 58 years old now.

[@davidpshaw1969]

Great video. Keep them coming please.

[@roshanthapa25]

Very nice video. Just a smallfeedback: you should have put like 2/3 cameras to show you working on clutch, gear and throttle at the same time and also the same techniques in slow motion.

[@mariakinsky]

Impeccable controls in such a busy city that drives backwards from what you re used to. Grande Dominica

[@jeffhachtel]

And here I've been trying to slow my shifting down. I've been doing it right the whole time. Lol... Thanks!

[@shelleyscottduke1769]

Great video, you offer the best riding instruction videos on KZbin hands-down. However I do feel you missed one key technique here that makes smooth, fast shifting up and down much easier. Pre-load the shift lever with light pressure before cutting the throttle or pulling the clutch. It makes timing everything much easier, and less chance of missing a shift. I am sure you know this, but I didn't hear it mentioned in the video. Thanks again for the great content.

[@VijayKumar-ln5vz]

I concur

[@Gg-ij7li]

Jesus loves you all and is coming back soon! Believe in His death and resurrection and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and be saved and abandon your sins and turn to Him! Have an amazing day!😊

[@Lizlodude]

Seconded, it really helps to get a feel for when the transmission is unloaded and you can shift. Once you get that feel you can tweak the timing to smooth it out more.

[@thebeauchinator]

That’s basically how I learned how to shift without the clutch in my car. Very helpful, and I still do it most of the time.

[@ramblinjay3816]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@SC-vz9ie]

Great tuition! Thanks 👍🏻

[@stegoheg]

Awesome video as usual, thanks for sharing. So does the last one include what some might call ‘rev matching’ when downshifting?

[@Gg-ij7li]

Jesus loves you all and is coming back soon! Believe in His death and resurrection and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and be saved and abandon your sins and turn to Him! Have an amazing day!😊

[@yeeqz4339]

I finally get why they say "you need to use the throttle when downshifting". Thanks!

[@anindanahiyan8660]

I started learning to ride with shifting up without the clutch because it's smoother than pulling the clutch in anyway

[@AJax7886]

My wife's first mistake was getting the clutch and front brake levers backwards. Once. She didn't crash, but she scared herself pretty bad.

[@zelazela1729]

worth my time the best one yet

[@masterhide]

Wow. Such an informative video thank you.

[@antwertangodavid]

Yet another very clear video. Didn't know one can shift up and down without using the clutch. I thought you would need one of them 'fancy' quickshifter installed on the bike. Thanks. Keep making good videos.

[@phantomshtter]

Upshift yes but I definitely wouldn't recommend downshifting without the clutch. Because how would you rev match? And you should rev match. I mean clutch list down shifting is really something for people who are racing.

[@phantomshtter]

It's interesting to me how every other video I watch up If shifting is instructed differently one video they will say to release the clutch fully. The next video will say to release the clutch and match with Throttle at the same time.

[@GTAmaniac1]

​@@phantomshtteryou literally can't clutch less downshift without rematching, you'd need to force the gearbox insanely hard to do it. If you don't force it, the revs match while you're between gears.

[@johnschlesinger2009]

Bernt Spiegel, in his brilliant book The Upper Half of the Motorcycle, advises: lightly preload the shift lever before shifting. I have found this very good.

[@LaputanMachad]

Man I wish I had this video back when I first started. Wouldn't have had so many jerky shifts early on in my riding career

[@thomasschmidt5558]

Love your dialect and style of presentation... and also the Tipps themself 😁

[@kosmaskonstantinidis7856]

Great explanation!

[@thorinoakenshield3499]

Thanks for the lesson 😄

[@ipo7596]

So rev match. And heel and toe brake downshift for cars. Epic.

[@NorfLondonGardener]

Great info, thank you

[@Introspectiverider99]

Thank you👍 helpful video

[@luthertju]

big thanks for the video. i'm planning to buy XSR 155 for my first motorcycle , i ride moped and scooter before

[@sebastiansanmartin6418]

This is tecnopolis parking lot in argentina, i've learned there!

[@John_Ridley]

I started out on mid-sized bikes, 650 and 700s. I found my shifting improved a bunch when I bought a Kawi Z400 specifically to learn better skills, it forced me to rev higher to get into the power band. I think people do themselves a disservice by starting on bigger bikes. Start on a 400 or so, ride it for a year or two, then bump up. I only kept my Z400 for one year but my skills jumped a bunch in that time.

[@fs5866]

it all depends on how big your nutz are,some people are just naturally faster than others as their reaction times are better,their fear is less and their thirst for adrenaline is bigger.If you are afraid of your bike no matter how big it is, then it is not for you.

[@John_Ridley]

@@fs5866 I've never been afraid of a bike but I don't really have any desire to go all that fast. Just doesn't really do anything for me, I'm just out to be in the air having a nice day. I think it's worthwhile starting on a bike that is small enough that your body inputs make a huge difference, it really makes you get into the habit of moving around on the bike. People who start on big heavy bikes tend to just sit there and barely move, and that's terrible form and leads to not leaning properly which can be dangerous.

[@fs5866]

@@John_Ridley i would argue body inputs make even a bigger difference on a more powerful bike, when you're going fast and for the people that like to attack the twisties on a sunny Sunday, the smallest body corrections have a big impact on the bike. As i said the people that just sit there on their big bike are probably afraid of it and i guess they should not be on one.

[@John_Ridley]

@@fs5866 I'll take your word for it. I'm not big on going fast. Just doesn't interest me.

[@alexeymatveev9031]

Z400 is an ideal bike for a city. Small enough for filtering and fast for almost any car.

[@dmproduction1384]

Very helpfull. Can you make a video how to practice downshift smoothly with front brake, a little tips for it. Until now i cannot maintain the pressure of my front brake while iam blip the throttle. 😂

[@SamSensei91]

Great video and great explaining! Btw I love the way you speak. Kinda reminds me of Borat.

[@sudeepmk4866]

Thankyou for such great content. Video suggestion - When to change the gear or perfect time to shift the gear 🙄

[@The_Ridha]

very helpful ❤️

[@cyriljude3033]

❤ your video... Veteran biker from India .. Making a comeback with Karizma ZMR V2

[@NooBiker]

Very well explained

[@quiet7632]

Thank you, Dracula!

[@lilismith1346]

Спасибо! Good work, easy to understand and you are so funny!!

[@topfell8277]

Smoothness is the key

[@ms-22]

Maybe you’ve done it in another video, however, learning to rev-match is pretty beneficial to new riders. Especially those riding bikes with a lot of engine braking.

[@cypresschino]

Motorcycle learnings of shifter for make benefit of rider brought to you by Borat. Very nice! ..........No seriously good job man and good video. Thanks!

[@kezi8683]

I've always wondered, how people can shifts gears so fast since I am a new rider... well, here's the answer. Thanks!

[@alexeymatveev9031]

Искренне рад и горд за вашу растущую популярность, желаю, чтобы всё получилось и спасибо за ценные советы.

[@anthonyrobles6370]

Thanks so much for that!

[@freethinker1970]

Wow so you can actually do clutchless shifting?? I always thought you need to use the clutch to shift. But now this makes sense

[@1gorSouz4]

Good video. The only thing i didn't get is why when downshifting you quickly roll the throttle adding a quick aceleration, when you are trying to reduce speed... it's counterintuitive.

[@williambenedictalava2634]

Saving this vid to learn how to ride with clutch motorcycle.

[@ZulRf]

Fast Downshift (with clutch), I always pull clutch, then add gas + gear together. Because if i did it simultaneously, the RPM won't be enough and the bike jerking quite bad. So yeah, pull Clutch first (hold it) - blip Gas & downshift - engage clutch.

[@birdyjr1153]

You look very nice and genuine, very informative video by the way 1 new subscriber onboard😅

[@doombu]

To shift gears quickly you just need to do it quickly 😂 thanks for the info Andrey!😊

[@ipo7596]

Bro... I don't own a motorcycle. And I just stumbled upon your videos. I've been binging for a while now. Hopefully I get bike too.

[@tankeryy1566]

lol the first mistake is spot on, i always look at the panel to see what gear im on lol

[@Tunenine]

My nightmare as a newbie, I shift and grind, stall, struggling city. My husband gets on my bike and he's smooth as butter, I get so frustrated. I downshift and feel like I have to bang it down because I can't feel when I'm going up or down which frustrates me even more. This video helps me a lot because I'm ugggg mistakes madam. I believe my main issues are shifting too fast or too slow. I had to join your channel because you hit my nightmare when riding.

[@user-wr1yq9ev7j]

Great teacher

[@nedelcuandrei1037]

best tutorial ever

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

idk man i've found that for my gixxer clutchless shifting works sweet and it's not rough at all. clutchless downshifting, yeah that needs work. i use my clutch for going down, just bleeping it a bit to match the rpm so it doesnt just break suddenly. alright so for clutchless upshifts: whatever power level you are at until you manage to do all that at once as he recommends just add light pressure on your shift lever to get into higher gear then cut 1/3 of whatever throttle youre giving it right now and go back on the throttle. do not close the throttle fully, just get rid of some power to losen the gearbox a tad. it just slips into the next gear. if you're giving it a 3/10 throttle, gently press the shift lever up and briefly flich the throttle back to 2/10 and then back up to 3/10. it just works. if you're going fast like 9/10 you drop it down to 6/10. now enjoy those machine gun shifts that make you feel like a superhero!

[@Chopbreaka]

Thank you for another concise video comrade! Does that pajama top your wearing have matching bottom 🤔?

[@MotoControlEn]

Why would I film only waist-up then?😉

[@jeffbrandenburg8672]

Great video

[@yeswanthneehar]

0:01 Everyone shows how upshift/downshift tutorials, but finding neutral is very hard and shifted to N in city hurts more than a breakup. I believe right foot position while shifting and foot energy will manage this situation. even in hard upshift/downshifts. @MotoControlEn new tutorial on this topic would be really helpful :)

[@kgba17580]

hi love your videos, I am a new rider, 5ft 2 and 62 years young and passed my test in October 22 in uk and got my new bike cb500f 2023 in January (back ground info for you) 😂 I have a question if you don't mind answering it or pointing me to one of your videos that you might of explained it already. i have noticed when i am up shifting i hardily move the throttle if at all.. i don't think I've had my rpms over 4000 it all seems fine but!!! i do go to parking lot to practice emergency braking and figure 8s about once a week and do slow riding in traffic.. any help would be grateful received from you or any other bikers watching your great channel safe rides kev

[@RomaVega]

Thanks bro, I go practice

[@stevewilson8752]

Cool vid count drac /kGB 👍😜 Luv your work 👏👏 steve from Australia 🇦🇺🕺🥤

[@atfortyfivemotovlog5814]

Thank you! I didn’t realize we can also downshift without clutch, only when i watch this video. Though not sure how severe it could stress the gearbox. Is there any study or experience of damaging it doing this down shift without clutch. Just a general question. But i used to do it when up-shifting. Ride safe to all!

[@MotoControlEn]

If there is a study, I've never seen one. Would like to read it though!