It is always better to grasp the dynamics of your dirt bike if you don’t want to mess up and relish the ride on the go. If you are new to dirt bikes, make sure that you select an open and safe place to try learning the art of dirt bikes.
This post is specially created to explain how to shift a dirt bike. So keep reading till the end.
Moreover, you also need to check that your dirt bike has enough fuel to run or even start. Once you have the open place and fuel intact, you can shift your bike by using the clutch correctly. So that you never let yourself in distress and also your bike will be within control no matter how you run it.
How To Shift A Dirt Bike?
Here is a list of things you need to know about shifting a dirt bike. These are as follows:
1. Half Pull
This is one of the vital features of how to shift a dirt bike. Some bikes will shift under a load without using a clutch, and others will not. No matter whichever bike you own, a fast and easy way to shift under a load is rapidly snap the clutch no more than halfway when making a shift. There is no need to pull it all the way in, just far sufficient to involve the clutch.
2. Captain Clutch
Are you a clutch addict? Do you use the clutch many times to get the bike in its powerband out of turn? This is tough on the engine and clutch, but it will also lessen your pocketbook. Swapping seared clutch plates and chewed up basket is not economical. Instead, try just shifting without using the clutch.
If you are a beginner, you must learn how to ride a dirt bike with a clutch!
3. Free Wheeling
Stop it if you are inclined to pull in the clutch when coming into a turn. It is a bad practice. Many riders do this because too much engine braking loads the rear end. To resolve this, shift up. A higher gear will take some of the engine braking away. Just make sure to make the downshift just before the turn.
4. Don’t Be Lazy
Many riders are too lazy, and they often try to get away with not upshifting if they are getting close to turning. They rev the engine or maybe even blow it a little to evade shifting up. However, it should be noted that a bike at a half accelerator in the fourth is faster than a bike at a full accelerator in the third. Also, many riders try to stay seated. Again, they try to get away with not downshifting. The key to inflowing corners is to stand up, downshift at the right instant, and struggle sitting until you are at the tip.
5. Leg Out
Have you ever noticed where your knee goes when you upshift? Many riders swipe their knees away from the bike to allow the inside of their boots to get under the shift lever. Repetition upshifting while keeping your knee close to the tank and intended straight ahead. This takes less energy and helps keep the bike stable under the hard acceleration soon to come. When a rider upshifts while seated, the correct method is to pull up with the leg and use the ankle joint to make the shift. This will keep the leg tight against the bike.
6. Stay Planted
Many riders downshift by elating their left foot off the foot peg. Don’t try it. This abrupt weight shift from one peg to the other leaves you inclined to the bike getting away from you if you hit an unpredicted bump or rock. Instead, keep both feet planted on the bike, and instead of pounding down on the shifter, simply slide your foot forward and hinge your ankle joint to snap off danger free downshifts.
7. On The Edge
When the rider senses he is riding on the edge, he doesn’t push the envelope any further. So, he doesn’t shift up but stays in the same gear instead. Why? Because he is scared that if he goes any quicker, he will get himself in distress. However, shifting to the next gear can make the ragged edge move further away. A taller gear will make the bike feel flattered.
It will permit the rear suspension to work with less chain torque. The weight will transfer to the rear, making the front feel light, and the engine will have more of a roller coaster feel. You don’t have to go faster when you shift up. You can go at the same speed but feel easier.
If your weight is more than 200 pounds, you should select dirt bike size accordingly.
8. Loading Up
Four stroke holders must know that engine braking, often called decompression braking, has negative and positive properties. The big negative of four stroke decompression braking is that the shock loads up on slowing. On the other hand, decompression braking makes the rear shock get harder. Many riders think a suspension tuning issue produces this feeling, but the more straightforward fix is evading downshifting until the last second and using the engine with the brakes. If you combine decompression braking and rear brakes, you can go in more profound than you envisage.
9. One Down, Four Up
Maybe it is one down five up for you, but either way, if you are a moto head, you know that first gear is for voyaging the pits or ascending the window maker, which means that for anything track associated, you have one less gear than the spec sheet claims.
Final Words
We can say that shifting is an essential practice that can save you from plenty of problems. If you want to get familiar with riding, then first must learn about shifting. It will boost your passion for riding, and also, you will manage your dirt bike easily during riding. Whenever you find yourself preparing to step into the phase of learning bike riding, you must consider all these things, as mentioned earlier. These things will prove very handy to make your riding enjoyable.
