Ultimate Guide Gear Recommendations for Every Motorcycle Speed

Arthur Kuhn
Written by Arthur Kuhn on
Ultimate Guide Gear Recommendations for Every Motorcycle Speed

Intro: What Gear For What Speed Km/H Motorcycle

Ah, the eternal question—what gear should you be in at what speed when you’re gunning it on your motorcycle, right? So, let’s break it down, because it’s not just about the numbers on your speedometer. It’s about feel, the growl of the engine, and the vibe of the road you’re on.

Imagine you’re cruising through the city, traffic’s a symphony and you’re just part of the rhythm. Speed’s hovering around 20-30 km/h because, you know, pedestrians and stoplights are a thing. In this case, you’re likely to be chilling in first or second gear. It gives you that nice torque control so you can weave through the urban jungle like a boss.

Now, ramp it up. Say, you’re on an open road, stretching the legs of your two-wheeled beast, hitting that sweet spot of 50-60 km/h. That’s when you wanna be kicking it into third or maybe fourth gear. It’s where your bike has enough grunt, and you’re not over-revving the engine. Feels smooth, right?

But oh, here come the highways, and you’re itching to let loose. Once you’re clocking 80-100 km/h, fifth or sixth gear is where it’s at—the promised land! It’s all about cruising with efficiency and maximizing that fuel economy. Just you, the horizon, and the hum of the engine in perfect harmony.

Remember though, it’s not just a numbers game. Every bike’s different, kind of like its own personality, yeah? You’ve got to listen to the engine, feel the bike’s response, and sometimes, it’s okay to play it by ear. Who doesn’t love a bit of improv now and again? Plus, if you’re lugging or the bike’s screaming, you’re telling the whole world you’ve missed the cue. So, listen up and shift right—it’s like music to your gears.

What Gear Should I Be In At What Speed On A Motorcycle?

Alright, let’s dive straight into the nitty-gritty of gear selection, shall we? When you’re thundering down the road, the roar of the engine beneath you, there’s a sweet spot for each gear, and finding it - well - it’s like hitting the jackpot in Vegas. For starters, when you’re just rolling out, 1st gear is your go-to up to about 20 km/h. It’s kind of like tiptoeing out of the starting blocks - you don’t want to stumble, right?

Now, once the scenery starts to blur just a smidge, it means you’re probably clocking in at around 20 to 40 km/h. That’s when you should gracefully slide into 2nd gear. It feels like letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. Smooth. Natural. Some bikes might whine a bit if you stay in 2nd too long, they’re practically begging you to kick it up a notch.

And when you do, that’s where 3rd gear shines, typically around 40 to 60 km/h. When you’re in the third, it feels like you’re starting to dance with the wind, you know? It’s exhilarating. But it isn’t the end of the line - not by a long shot.

Between 60 and 80 km/h, oh, that’s 4th gear territory. You’re in the zone now, and it feels like every part of your motorcycle is humming with that perfect vibe of rapid movement. And if the road ahead is clear and you’re striding past 80 km/h, you can cruise in 5th gear or higher, depending on your ride. It’s like reaching the crescendo of an epic symphony, the part where you’re the maestro and every turn of the throttle is another note played to perfection. Every machine’s different, though, so always listen to the heartbeat of your engine - it won’t steer you wrong.

Shifting Gears On A Motorcycle

Shifting gears on a motorcycle, it’s pretty much the heartbeat of your ride, right? It’s where the rhythm and flow of cruising down the highway gets its groove, and trust me, there’s an art to it.

  • Find your bike’s sweet spot – Every bike has its own personality when it comes to the RPMs and that feeling you get when it’s time to shift; feel it out.
  • Master the clutch – It’s your best friend, and getting to know how it responds can make shifting smoother than a hot knife through butter; oh, it’s satisfying.
  • Listen to the engine – This is not just noise, it’s a language! When your bike’s telling you it’s ready for the next gear, you’ll hear that pitch change; it’s music to a biker’s ears.
  • Watch your tachometer – If your bike’s got one, it’s like a secret map to gear-shifting treasure; keep an eye on those revs.
  • Avoid lugging the engine – No one likes to feel bogged down, least of all your motorcycle; keep it purring, not chugging.
  • Don’t over-rev – Like spinning your wheels in the mud, over-revving is a lot of noise and fuss, but it’s not getting you anywhere any faster; find that balance.
  • Practice smooth transitions – The goal is to be as sleek as a cat on the prowl, shifting gears seamlessly; it’s a dance and you’re leading.
  • Downshifting before corners – Just like a bird pulling in its wings to dive, downshift before you hit the turn and sail through like a pro; it’s all about timing.
  • Use the throttle wisely – It’s a delicate tango with the clutch and gears; each twist of the wrist should be intentional and precise.
  • Respect each gear – They’re like the rungs of a ladder; you’ve got to take each step with purpose to reach the top; skipping rungs might just send you tumbling.

Remember, these are more than just bullet points—they’re stepping stones to becoming one with your bike and the open road. Every shift, every gust of wind against your leathers, it’s all part of the glorious ride we call motorcycling. Keep the rubber side down and happy shifting, folks!

What Gear For What Speed?

Revving up through the gears on my bike is one of the joys of riding! When it comes to shifting, there’s this sweet spot where everything just clicks — the engine’s hum, the bike’s rhythm, and the sheer thrill of acceleration. It’s like each gear has its own personality and purpose, knowing when to shift’s the trick to a smooth ride.

So, let’s get down to brass tacks: the lower gears — we’re talking first and second — are your pals for those lazy town speeds, usually up to 20-30 km/h. They’ve got the grunt for quick starts and those stop-and-go situations. A quick jaunt up to third keeps you cruising comfortably around 30-50 km/h, perfect for urban streets where you’re mingling with traffic.

Fourth gear’s where you hit your stride. I’m usually shifting into this gear once I pass 50 km/h. It’s ideal for those open suburban roads, giving you that blend of power and efficiency that makes for a real smooth ride. Big fan, really.

Then we’ve got fifth and, if you’re on a bike that’s got it, sixth gear. These are your highway heroes, taking you anywhere above 80 km/h. These gears let the bike stretch its legs and purr along the asphalt, keeping the engine relaxed and the vibes good even at higher speeds.

And let’s not forget — every bike’s a bit different. It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about feeling the machine beneath you, listening to what it’s telling you. Sometimes that means going by the feel of the vibrations or the wind against your chest rather than staring at the speedo. Trust your instincts, they’re part of what makes riding such a blast.

Remember, shifting gears isn’t just a mechanical necessity, it’s an art. Get it right, and you’ll feel like you and your bike are truly one, dancing down the road. But hey, always keep safety in your mind’s eye — gears matter, but so does getting home in one piece!

How Fast Is 3Rd Gear On A Motorcycle?

Oh man, every time I twist the throttle and get that engine revving up through the gears—what a rush! So, you’re curious about 3rd gear, huh? Let’s dive in. Now, third gear is kinda like your good ol’ buddy when it comes to the world of motorcycling. It’s not too hot or too cold, just right, like the Goldilocks of gears. It’s the gear I find myself in when I’m cruising through the city or approaching that sweet spot on the highway where I’m not quite at top speed but I’m moving faster than a jogger on espresso.

The thing is, the speed you hit in 3rd gear can vary a ton depending on the bike. We’re talking about factors like the make, the model, the ccs, and heck, even the weight of the rider. For a sportbike, you might be looking at anywhere between 50 to 70 km/h, but just because that’s an average doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. And on cruisers, the pace might be more chill, maybe 30 to 50 km/h—but remember, it’s all about how the bike feels and sings in that gear.

It’s like a dance, really. You’ve gotta be in tune with your metallic steed, feeling out the vibes of the engine and how it responds. When you hit 3rd, it shouldn’t feel like it’s straining at the leash or lazing around—there’s a sweet spot where the machine hums and you’re in the zone. Just remember, the speedo is more than numbers—it’s a guideline to finding that harmony with the road and your ride.

When Should I Change Gears In Km H?

Oh boy, shifting gears on a motorcycle, that’s a dance I’ve learned pretty well over the years, lemme tell ya. It’s all about feelin’ the bike and listenin’ to what it’s tellin’ ya. Ideally, ya wanna change gears before the tachometer screams for mercy, but not so soon that ya bog down the engine – it’s like hitting that sweet spot on a baseball bat, you know?

So, here’s the deal – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is to upshift around 10 to 15 km/h incrments for a smooth ride. For instance, you could nudge it into second gear as you cruise past 20 km/h, slide into third around 30 to 40 km/h, and so on. It’s kinda like a rhythm you get into.

Now, if you’re on the freeway and pushing the envelope, you may be hangin’ on longer in each gear, maybe not shifting until 60 or 70 km/h. It all depends on how your bike responds and what kind of power you’re needin’. Just remember to keep your shifts smooth – it’s kinda like buttering toast, you don’t wanna rip the bread apart with harsh movements, right? Keep it sleek, keep it smooth. And always, always listen to that engine purr – she’ll let you know when she’s ready for more juice or needs to take it down a notch.

Final Verdict

Oh boy! Gearing up right for a motorcycle ride, it’s like choosing the perfect outfit for a first date – you wanna make sure you’ve got it just right. You know, it really gets my engine revving when I talk about the nitty-gritty of gears and speeds.

  • Well, let’s dive straight into the heart of the matter, no dilly-dallying around. Selecting the proper gear for your speed is crucial, like seriously critical. We’re talking safety, comfort, and pure, unadulterated enjoyment of the ride. If you’re cruising at around 10-20 km/h, maybe in a parking lot or just rolling around the neighborhood, you wanna stick to first gear. Why, you ask? Because it gives you more granular control over your bike – kinda like tiptoeing around a sleeping giant.

As you throttle up to 20-30 km/h, you’d typically shift to second gear. This is where you can feel the bike stretching its legs a bit, you know? The wind’s starting to kiss your cheeks and you’re beginning to be one with the road. But here’s where it gets more thrilling: hitting the 40-50 km/h range, we’re looking at third gear. It’s that sweet spot for urban riding, buzzing through streets like a bee that knows exactly where the best flowers are.

Once you soar beyond 60 km/h, we gear up even further. Fourth, fifth, and if your speed machine has it, sixth gears are for the highway where you can really open the throttle. It’s like the motorcycle is saying, “Ah yes, this is the life.” Remember though, go too low on gear for high speeds? You’ll annoy your bike with the buzzing. Too high for low speeds? You’ll be chugging along, and that’s not good for anyone’s mood.

Bottom line, match your gear to your speed like you match your socks – with care and a thought for the day ahead. And I can’t stress enough the importance of practice. Honestly, it becomes second nature, like breathing or blinking. Just feel the rhythm of the road and the dance of the gears, you’ll be poetry in motion. Stay safe and ride on, my two-wheeled aficionados!

Frequently Asked Questions

What gear should I be in at 20 km/h on a motorcycle?

Ah, starting slow, are we? At 20 km/h, you’re probably coasting in a neighborhood or navigating a parking lot. I typically keep it in first or second gear, since it gives me good control without lurching around. Remember to listen to your bike; it’ll tell you if it’s struggling and needs a shift.

Is 30 km/h too fast for first gear on a motorcycle?

Well, that depends on the motorcycle, but I’d say 30 km/h is pushing it for first gear on most bikes. You’ll probably want to shift up to second gear. Your bike will feel happier, and you’ll feel the smoothness kicking in, trust me.

What’s the ideal gear for cruising at 50 km/h?

Cruising along at 50 km/h, third or fourth gear is my sweet spot. It gives me that nice balance of power and fuel efficiency. Just listen to your engine; it shouldn’t be screaming for a shift up or lugging for a shift down.

What gear do you recommend for 60 km/h on a motorcycle?

When I hit 60 km/h, I’m usually in fourth gear—it feels just right. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Different bikes might prefer fifth, especially if you’re aiming for a relaxed ride.

Can I ride at 70 km/h in fifth gear?

Sure thing, fifth gear can handle 70 km/h, no sweat. It’s smooth sailing at this speed for most motorcycles in fifth gear. But hey, keep an ear out for your engine’s hum; you want it to sound content.

Is sixth gear appropriate for 80 km/h?

Oh, absolutely! If your bike’s got a sixth gear, cruising at 80 km/h is what it’s made for. It’s like the chill zone for most bikes, where they’re efficient and humming along nicely.

What’s the best gear for maintaining 90 km/h?

I’m a fan of fifth or sixth gear for 90 km/h, depending on your motorcycle’s vibe. It’s all about maintaining that engine’s sweet hum without any strain.

How do I choose the right gear for 100 km/h?

Zooming at 100 km/h, eh? Usually, that’s sixth gear territory for me. There’s a flow you’ll feel when the bike just syncs with the speed—like it’s all clicking perfectly.

Should I ever use first gear above 20 km/h?

Not really, unless you’re on a unique bike or in a particular situation. First gear is pretty much your ‘get moving’ gear. Any faster, and you’re likely to over-rev the engine, which is not what you want.

Can you skip gears on a motorcycle when accelerating?

Yeah, you can skip gears, but it’s something you’ll want to do mindfully. If you’re accelerating hard and the engine can handle the jump—you’re golden. Just be smooth with it, and don’t upset the bike’s balance.

Arthur Kuhn

Arthur Kuhn

An adventure rider who has explored terrains from high mountain passes to sprawling deserts, this author's stories and guides are infused with practical tips from their extensive journeys. Their expertise lies in adventure gear and long-distance touring essentials.

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