A beginning rider sent me this question:
Hi, I just bought my first motorcycle today. Its a Kawasaki Ninja 500.
I have taken the MSF course but I still have some problems shifting
smoothly.
Any advice for Josh?
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Beginning Rider: Took MSF course – problems shifting smoothly
6 Responses to “Beginning Rider: Took MSF course – problems shifting smoothly”
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14. June 2010 at 3:40 pm
We are glad you hear you took a MSF course, but remember that the MSF course does not ‘make’ you proficient, but gives you the skills to continue practicing safely on your own. Shifting smoothly comes with practice. One thing to remember is to ease out the clutch slowly. As you ease out the clutch, roll on the throttle smoothly to initiate your acceleration. Find an empty parking lot and practice smooth starts, upshifts and stops—you will develop the timing for smooth shifting in no time. Good luck.
15. June 2010 at 11:24 am
I agree with the Southwest MST, Start with exercise #2 Rocking the bike back and forth to find the friction zone and get comfortable with it. After that find a parking lot and practice 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 1st, then 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd. Dont go much above that as it wouldn’t be to safe to do in a parking lot.
15. September 2010 at 7:32 pm
I am 48 and I would love to ride but what would be some good starting bikes to use to learn. What size bike.
9. December 2010 at 7:42 am
Relax! After riding for over 35 years I’ve found that everytime I get on a bike or trike I have to remember to relax… That, combined with the advice from Southwest SMT and IL RiderCoach AND PRACTICE will get you in your comfort zone. Enjoy the ride, enjoy the time, and enjoy the fun!
9. December 2010 at 12:42 pm
@GWDRMNGSMS: Yep, and I find that noone knows if my last shift was perfectly smooth or NOT… besides me. Perfect.
16. December 2010 at 7:48 pm
Amen to that, David!