How does a person shift a motorcycle?

To shift a motorcycle, squeeze the clutch and brake handles, then press the foot shifter all the way down. Pushing the shifter down to first gear can take several clicks.

While other shifting patterns do exist, the most common motorcycle shifting pattern is one down, four up. This refers to the position of each gear from the neutral position. When the shifter pedal has reached the bottom click, or position, then one click up is neutral. The bike should be in first gear and the clutch released when it starts moving. At around 10 to 15 miles per hour, it should be shifted into second. To shift into each gear, squeeze the clutch handle, shift the foot shifter pedal and release the clutch.