How to Ride a Motorcycle - Starting in First Gear

[TracyTown2o9]

What kind of bike is that?

[krayziesensei]

@TracyTown2o9 It's a 2008 Yamaha YZF-R6

[Medic9107]

Thanks for the vids, easing my worries about first time riding my street bike this coming summer!

[krayziesensei]

@Medic9107 What kind of bike are you getting?

[mogearz]

will using the second way you showed of taking off eat the clutch up faster?

[drdimick2]

This hells a great deal, but what rpm should I shift into second?

[krayziesensei]

@drdimick2 I usually shift at around 6K. But, you can shift later or earlier if you want depending on how you ride.

[anitec19]

This helped thanks

[thecico12345]

YOUR ERRATIC BREATHING IS MAKING ME NERVOUS!!

[MrNewyork1975]

more throttle into corner m8 and balance the power with the clutch and always be ready on ya rear brake Redmilitiageneral never use ya front brake at low speeds when turning right

[mogearz]

dude this helped alot thanks

[MrTinny19]

Thankx I will try my best today I'm scare I'm 5'1

[whats0it0boys]

good video, it is intimidating hopping on any bike for the first time, i swapped my nissan skyline for a sv1000s, first bike, was literally shaking getting on it the first time well first ten times actually, i have a short ride t work every day and now after only* a month i can honestly say i have no fear of letting the throttle have it. which proves, practice makes perfect. Also i will say, evin doe it may sound weird, becoming one with the bike is really important i think..

[krayziesensei]

@whats0it0boys Thanks for the comment! An sv1000 is one hell of a first bike!!! I think a good and healthy fear of death is also important for the first few months.:)

[Redmilitiageneral]

I cant turn while keeping the friction zone. feels like the bike is gona fall (which i have like 3 times today) any tips on turning right in 1st gear?(using the Friction zone?)

[krayziesensei]

@Redmilitiageneral It sounds like you didn't give it quite enough throttle. Two wheeled vehicles are more stable at higher speeds, so the real trick is finding that balance between going fast enough to keep the bike upright while going slow enough to make tight maneuvers. The reason you make low-speed turns while in the friction zone is because it dulls any sudden speed changes while turning. I suggest going to a remote place and doing it over & over until you're comfortable.

[ZpoOtnik]

I just Bought my first motorcycle (Derbi Senda x-race) and this will help me so much! Thank you :)

[Rofocowboy84]

Just got my V-Star 650 on Friday, that thing has a TINY friction zone. Apparently it's an issue with that model, but it's so bad that I can't even try your first "option" without it stalling, I have to give it a little throttle each time...

[grizzly168]

Great vid I plan to try ur style tomorrow if the weather permits. Iv had my bike for a few months now and 1st gear is my true problem. Iv stalled out so much my battery drained. I how ur style works wonders for me

[WRoussell]

Thanks!!!

I had always thought that I would need to load a little on the throttle before slowly releasing the clutch. I have only had my bike for about 2-1/2 weeks now and am looking to improve as much as possible in a short amount of time. I will try your 1st example of easing-clutch-until-the friction-zone, use the throttle to get moving, and then ease off the clutch a little more.

[ObscurityN]

I know this sounds dumb and i'm only watching these vids until i get my bike but the right hand clutch thing is a break right? And how would you downshift?

[krayziesensei]

@ObscurityN I'm sorry for the late reply. But, yes. The right lever is the brake lever. To downshift you pull in the clutch and tap the shifter at your left foot down one click. Once you get more comfortable you should try to match revs in the new gear as you downshift. This takes a while to master and really, you could ride you're entire life without getting it down (especially with a slipper clutch.

[krayziesensei]

@ObscurityN Also, if you're talking about downshifting to a stop (traffic signal or stop sign), you could just pull in the clutch, coast to a stop and then shift down into first as you're stopped. I see a lot of people do this (especially peeps on cruisers) and this is kind of what I do in my car to save gas.

[xxoxfredxoxx]

good and complete guide..thanks man..

[Patron1520]

Very good tutorial my friend. Started learning on a friends bike a while ago. Only stalled it twice. Its all about figuring out the ''friction zone" hoping on picking up a decent starter bike this winter and keep it in the garage till its riding time again. Drove around the block on first gear.. was too chicken to put it in second since I dint get to learn how to change gears yet.

[krayziesensei]

@Patron1520 It sounds like you have the hard part down already. Once you can start out fine in first gear, changing through the gears comes pretty naturally.

[jellybean3093]

This video was awsome.! I was like the other guy who hadn't rode in about 15 + years. I just bought a suzuki 1000 and felt bad about it until I saw this video. This video changed my whole thinking process and it made me realize that I was normal just like the guy who shot the video. Hey man thanks for the advice , cause now I have the confidence to do the right thing. This is what I was really having the most problems with, but after viewing your video I got it together. Again THANK A MILLION!

[krayziesensei]

@jellybean3093 You're welcome! Thank you for the kind words.

[nwroadrat]

Ah! I had the same thoughts. Riders who have more riding experience, but not too advanced, are sometimes better teachers.

[aceman4533]

What kind of camera do you use???

[Kenshinsgirl18]

"All the other bikes in the city will see you and know you're a n00b." LMAO! Very helpful video. Thanks a lot. :P

[michaelmyers23]

Thank you for making this Video Krazysensei, I just bought a 1984 Honda Shadow VT 500 - Im taking it home tomorrow and i have to use the highway. Its neen over 25 years since i last drove a motorcycle, so im pretty rusty. I so glad for having youtube, and peoepl like yourself giving us tips, and strategies for riding our motorcycle. This give me way more confidence in riding. I especially like how you explain how to do the right things to make the bike move. moredeth13 is also helpful. Thanks!

[krayziesensei]

@michaelmyers23 Thank you for the kind words. A 500cc Shadow should be a perfect bike to re-learn on. Good luck on the ride tomorrow.

[sebastianpappas]

Haha yeah i also got my first ride in traffic. I bought my bike and decided riding it home was a good idea ... it was 40 miles and getting dark LOL bad idea luckily i'm still alive though. :p

[Brammofan]

It's the Brammo Midwest Proving Grounds! Isn't that the best place to ride? :D

[paintballkid133]

Im getting a suzuki gsx 650 f for my first bike im 16 is this a good bike to get ?

[krayziesensei]

@paintballkid133 Yea, that should be perfect! It's not a supersport, but still has enough power for you to enjoy it for more than 3 months.

[shaft800and1]

true that thanks y'all

[shaft800and1]

i m thinkin about sellin my truck to get a bike. I've only takin a bike out once. my buddy gave me the same advice you did about releasin the clutch but he said I would have to shake that habbit eventually cuz it wears on the clutch. that true?

[crashtestdummy182]

@shaft800and1 thats true, since the clutch isnt designed for that kind of use. what you want to do as a good biker is when you stop, you have your bike in neutral and not in first gear with the clutch pulled in. you should only pull the clutch in when you see the yellow light (sign to get ready) > shift to first gear > give some gas and start releasing the clutch at the same time > give even more gas when you feel the bike starts to move. this way you will not overuse the clutch. enjoy :)

[krayziesensei]

@shaft800and1 I've heard that, too. I'm not really sure how true it is. The MSF course teaches you that you shouldn't take your bike out of gear at a stoplight. The reason is: If you're in Neutral and you see a car or diesel coming behind you that can't stop, you'll have to put the bike back in gear b4 you can get out of the way. If you're already in gear, all you'll have to do is give it gas and release the clutch.

[maxmelina123]

Im 14 right now, and i cant fucking wait till i get my bike!!

[krayziesensei]

@maxmelina123 I know, right? It's definitely an addictive hobby. It pretty much takes over my life in spring, summer, and fall. Any thoughts on what kind of bike you're going to get, yet?

[maxmelina123]

@krayziesensei

Dont know the precise name, but a Honda for sure! :D

[krayziesensei]

@maxmelina123 Is it that new 250?

[maxmelina123]

@krayziesensei

160 i think it was...

[sirtwistalot11141990]

got my bike today

stalled at traffic lights...lol

can't wait to practice all this tomorrow!!

thanks so much !!

[krayziesensei]

@sirtwistalot11141990 I feel your pain brother

[ghostie108]

Thank you so much, I was able to safely and effectively ride my motorcycle for the first time becuase of this video. Thanks.

[krayziesensei]

@ghostie108 Ur welcome! I'm glad the vid helped. :)

[cavellis]

This was really helpful, went out riding today with no stalling.

[krayziesensei]

@cavellis Awesome!!!!

[Jasononeill1992]

hey man can i just ask when youre starting the bike and your holding the clutch and releasing it what would happen if you just instanly let it go and had no more hold on it would the bike just move freely and you can revit up or ?

[Thizz408Kid]

@Jasononeill1992 you would stall the bike

[757mob]

Dt was so eazy everybody else make it hard and im 18 im going to get my bike next month

[nikospneuma1]

lol.yesterday i took my bike from the curier where it had been and drove it back home and i was aaawww...!!!trafic jam!!!i passed with red light..hehe ;)

[anchorbay12]

Great video bro...Im getting my bike Friday and I will be my 1st time riding one...This will help ALOT!!

[SignupAdvisor]

Was this R6 your first bike?

[lalaboy30]

doood, i fuckin love you! i've been doing it like a manual car, and sometimes even stalling like 3 times on one intersection! you have made, my bike life, twice as easy! thank you so much!

[krayziesensei]

@lalaboy30 I love you too! lol Yea, I know how u feel. I've been there. I'm glad the vid helped.

[TheDalton901]

lol he said noob

[OMGDeadlyBunnyS80]

i like the first person view i feel like a spartan or a odst or sum shit

[peacelovejossy]

I just got my first bike and balancing the bike is pretty hard. Good job on ur video

[chevlumina]

@peacelovejossy its hard at low speeds especially turns, but once you get moving the bike stays upright on its own

[CaliPrince999]

EXCELLENT TIPS BRO!! I had my first bike last year and ii was teaching myself (bad idea) to ride. I was doing okay but defintely stalled in traffic lol. Ended up selling my Ninja =[. But Im getting another one in about a month, and ii these tips are just what ii needed to hear! THANKS!! ^_^

[Deni007k]

was the 600cc your first bike ever? p.s great video!

[Dread320]

This is a really good video. Its simple but its effective and works most importantly! A friend of mine gave me a shot on an old bike of his (Offroad, private land) but i stalled the first time because he was just so poor a teacher unlike this video.

[krayziesensei]

@Dread320 I feel your pain. I had the same experience.

[AcousticAJG]

quick question..is the friction zone..the biteing point?

[krayziesensei]

@AcousticAJG Yea, It's the point where the clutch begins to engage the rear wheel

[AcousticAJG]

@krayziesensei thanks:D

[RickJames12398]

i really like that tip at the lights, that was one thing i was nervous about regarding getting a bike, thanks man!

[krayziesensei]

@RickJames12398 Ur welcome

[REM44MAG]

First tip should be is not to start out on a bike that is going to kill your ass. I've have my R6 for like only a month and I'm a ninja on that thing. It's all in the sound and feeling, I can do a fishtail burnout down the street when I'm fuckin around showin off. No wheelies yet, but if I wasn't afraid to crash my 9k bike I'd be hittin em I'm sure.

[krayziesensei]

@REM44MAG I hear ya. I'd like to get an old dirtbike or dual-sport to practice wheelies b4 I risk messing up my pretty r6. lol

[stevephhs016]

Have you ever let out the clutch really fast and the bike lunged on you?

[krayziesensei]

@stevephhs016 Oh yeah, a lot!!! lol I've done some accidental wheelies on the freeway, also. I'll grab the gas to quick b4 I let out the clutch and the rear wheel comes up pretty easy. :)

[frank252]

Burnin the clutch.

[krayziesensei]

@frank252 You don't have to use that technique for the rest of your riding career, but it is a GREAT way to get used to where the friction zone is on your bike.

[polg0003]

that was the best explanation of starting that i've come across, thanks man.

[marvinh08]

thanks im a new rider just got my bike and you just saved me alot of time

[76Cent]

Lol and everyone is going to know you're a noob

[Typhlosion100]

Hey would a 1994 Honda CBR600 f2 be a good starter bike for a 15 year old? I was taught how to drive a harley (sorta) by my great grandpa and I always wanted one not one of those dirt bike lookin ones with low power.

[MysteriousVlogger]

I am going to be in the same boat as you where, I am picking mine up from the dealer after only riding in a carpark for 1hour.

[krayziesensei]

@MysteriousVlogger Good Luck! Just remember, it will get better. Don't get discouraged!

[studs69jb]

Finally. Iv watched so many videos of ppl describing how to ride a bike and I must say you are by far the best. You break it down and talk where ppl can understand. Iv been riding now for 5 yrs, I bought my bike brand new and as I drove it the first time from the dealer i stalled it over 20 times. You learn eventually when you slam your ballz on the tank over and over. Just wanted to give you props though on breaking it down and not another video of someone trying to explain showing off.

[krayziesensei]

@studs69jb Thanks for the kind words!!!! I feel your pain. I think going through the first few months on a bike and stalling all over the place is almost like a rite of passage. Pretty much everybody (whether they will admit it or not) had to go through it.

[bender43718]

when shifting is it like a car when u go to a stop (like say u are coming to a red light can u shift straight to nutral then go to 1st 2nd,,,, )

[krayziesensei]

@bender43718 Neutral is in between 1st and second gear, so you can only shift to neutral from 1st or second. I guess you could hold in the clutch and shift down 'til you get to neutral...But I heard that's hard on the transmission. I just shift down thru the gears as I slow down.

[MegaChodo]

your video is a lot of help, i just bought a r6s and im haveing a bit of trouble getting into first from a stand still..thanks

[krayziesensei]

@MegaChodo Yea, it takes awhile to get it down. Just remember, all motorcycle riders have to go through this.

[Yournotawhat]

I'm going to be 16 in I few months really want a motorcycle I haven't ridden one before I can't just buy a bunch of crapy practice bikes because of corse don't have money for such Id probably get a used one but I'd have to test drive it to make sure everything was ok right? But on the other hand it wouldn't be mine so any advice id really like to know how you handled or would handle this problem

[krayziesensei]

@Yournotawhat Usually, people won't let you test-ride a used bike without you giving them the cash first. I think it's understandable, because you could ride off with their bike and never come back or wreck it. If I were you I would take a friend with me who knows a lot about bikes and have him look it over. You could also buy a used bike from a dealership. If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your license they may let you test-ride it and even if they don't, at least you know the bike's ok.

[colombiansouljaaa]

hey mate, I just want you to know that you inspired to me to not give up riding and the way you describe things is amazing. Ive started driving the way you described, bit of throttle then let out clutch,if it wasnt for that I would have probably given up because I always used to stall my bike at the lights,thank you so much.

[krayziesensei]

@colombiansouljaaa Ur welcome!! I'm so glad to hear that it has helped somebody. I know what you're going through, I was there for awhile myself. Don't give up! With practice it will become second nature and before you know it you will be the one showing new riders how to avoid those embarrassing stalls at stoplights. Cheers and good luck!

[SpaceJamJordans1997]

u talk to much just do the tutorial already no offense

[fuckyeah009]

thanks for showing me the second way ill practice this tomorrow night i was wondering for a long time actually how people start so quick like that. especially without lifting the front wheel up. took the msf course and just got my first bike k6 gsxr 600 and took it around my parking lot tonight all went well except for 3 stalls but not bad. ill try this tomorrow though. give me some more tips if you got any

[harp1725]

And another thing KillaCowboy, just ease the clutch out don't worry about the traffic behind you when moving from a stop. You need to worry about giving it enough gas and getting a good start rather than people bitching at you for being slow. Practice what the video showed of rocking your bike back and forth while clutch is in friction zone. Personally I don't it cuz I like to relax on stops, lol. And always stay in first when stopped in case some dumbass behind coming behind you cant stop and

[harp1725]

Lol, KillaCowboy, you are dead on with your statement of "250s are for girls mayne.". When you fully utilize all the power on your 600 let me know.

I utilize the power on my 250 everyday. I don't race it or anything but it sure serves it's damn purpose of getting me from point A to point B just fast a 600/1000 would on a busy city road or highway.

Not saying that there is anything wrong with starting out on a 600 but damn it I hate it when people bad mouth 250s because you're gonna out grow

[aravind090]

I don't know a thing about Bikes. That goes to riding it too. But this video was a great help. My only problem is i m being too mechanical trying to figure out what is what, instead of just learning naturally by riding it around.

[lagubrok92]

hey...hey...I never ride a superbike b4 n I want to get it in months from now,i'm 5' 7 of height,and weight-142 lbs...which is good 4 me,250cc,600cc or 1000cc??help...plus,i'm not a pussy...xD

[krayziesensei]

@lagubrok92 I've got a 30" inseam and the I can sit on any bike and still be on the tip of my toes, but it doesn't bother me. B4 you get a bike, you should sit on it and try to walk it around (while the engine is off). If you can't walk it around or don't feel comfortable walking it around (especially backwards), find a bike with a lower seat (or have it lowered). I think a used 600cc is fine for a first bike as long as you respect its power and don't get stupid.

[lagubrok92]

@krayziesensei ok...but are the ergonomics and the aerodinamics of the bike wiil get affected by lowering the bike...?

[krayziesensei]

@lagubrok92 Yes, lowering the bike will affect the bike's handling. Still, a lot of people do it.

[KillaCowboy]

@lagubrok92 lol I say go 600 im 5' 9 and 150 just started riding a 600rr about 3 weeks ago.... Going 250 is for girls mayne. Just be carefull and respect the bike. Know that you can get in trouble REAL quick if you try stupidness

[onlinecareers]

tanx man ,,,,nice job..

[KillaCowboy]

wow yuo are so right allllll i do right now is stall and stall and stall...im getting used to it tho

[krayziesensei]

@KillaCowboy It takes a few months b4 you get really comfortable with it. Just don't get discouraged.

[MrHighByte]

great sound :D

[Quagmire88]

great instructions mate. I pick up my first bike this week and I am excited but don't want to make a fool of myself. This helped a lot, thnx.

[kflowyo]

lol@they're gona know your a noob. Great vid man.

[jOWNZin22]

theres probably a dead body within that vicinity.

[krayziesensei]

@jOWNZin22 Yea, you're probably right! lol

[pacrat90]

I'd be scared shitless riding a bike like this for the first time >_> So much power compared to my little 125 :3 I shat in my pants when you switched it on and twisted the throttle, the RPM just shot up faster than my 125 ever could :) nice vid dude, I sub'd! (Y)

[krayziesensei]

@pacrat90 Thanks!!! Yea, the throttle-by-wire took some getting used to at first. You really have to learn throttle control with this kind of bike.

[RedFarmerGreen]

I'm an experienced rider with a couple hundred thousand miles under my belt. I'm glad you are taking the time to teach the newbs. You're right about learning from one experience level up. More experienced riders might skip over what we do automatically without thinking. Great video, keep 'em coming. Always stress safety, the other guy might not see you!

[darkchocalate0212]

great video bro! I needed that because I'm new to the biker world. Do you have any vids on how to make a turn??

[krayziesensei]

@darkchocalate0212 Do you mean turning at slow speeds (under 10-20 mph) or higher speeds?

[darkchocalate0212]

@krayziesensei both high and low

[MrDeuce27]

BEST VIDEO IVE SEEN THANKS FOR THE TIPS!!!!

[o0jun0o]

PERFECT do more

[krayziesensei]

@o0jun0o Workin' on it. Thanks!

[MrDeuce27]

Bro thanks for the tips best video I've seen on youtube....

[MrDeuce27]

@krayziesensei Bro thanks for the tips!!!!! Best video I've seen on youutbe..

[o0jun0o]

PERFECT

[Jorgenfork2]

great vid! thanks!

[krayziesensei]

@Jorgenfork2 You're welcome! ; )

[TheRenegade217]

so would you recommend this as a first bike or should i just get the ninja 250 ???

[krayziesensei]

@TheRenegade217 Yea, it would be an ok first bike, but don't get a new one. You're likely to crash/lay down/drop your first bike, so get something used so if you screw it up you won't be epically pissed at yourself. I dropped my first bike 4 or 5 times. lol If you do get a supersport 600 for your first bike, repect its power and don't get caught showing off 'til you get at LEAST one full season of riding in.

[TheRenegade217]

@krayziesensei

thanks man !

[boratlol]

Wow this tutorial was EXACTLY what i was looking for, thanks man!

Question: Somebikes when there in idol dont give the bike enough power to roll when using the clutch only, is there a way to change that? i herd theres a switch on the side of the bike or someshit that adjusts how much power the bike gives in idol

[krayziesensei]

@boratlol Yea, you can adjust the idol up. A lot of stunters do that (they usually adjust it WAY up). It's going to be different on different bikes. If I were you I'd go to a forum that is dedicated to your bike (r6-forum.com) and ask around.

[jellyking12345]

can i just make a point.

Keeping your bike in the friction zone for long periods of time wears out the clutch faster, so the faster you learn how to pull away the more your bike and pocket will thank you!

[krayziesensei]

@jellyking12345 Thanks for the tip!

[Thunderous71]

@jellyking12345 Tho yes clutch wear will happen the clutch is spose to be ridern on a bike, its not the same as a car.

[jellyking12345]

to a point yes, but why excessivly wear the clutch for no reason?

Might as well make it last.

[KillaCowboy]

Hey I loved the vid. this is exactly what i wanted to know....everybody so occupied with giving the controls that they dont really let you kno how to get going clean. I wanted to know weather or not to give gas b4 i let the cluth go or just ease the cluth out first..and i found out when to do both. Thank you...i look forward to seeing more vids from u

[krayziesensei]

@KillaCowboy Thanks brothah!!

[yngblkedu]

Good video, man. Don't get heated by the comments regarding why you didn't talk about the controls. A lot of newbs know that already, like me. I knew that from all the other videos on here and your title clearly states "Starting in First Gear", not " The Controls of a Motorcycle". Well done, man. A+!!

[krayziesensei]

@yngblkedu Thanks! yea, all the complaints were a complete surprise. I mean, there is a TON of videos about controls.

[zoevette]

If people LISTENED, they'd get what you were trying to do here. I totally got a lot from this. I've already watched tons of videos on the controls and shifting, etc. This was never addressed. Thanks!

[krayziesensei]

@zoevette Thanks!!!!

[akilby07]

good vid for beginners cheers lad

[geesisfreak]

I thought it was funny when you went through all the embarrassing things that happen when you stall your bike and I was like yep, he's been there (so have I) and then you said, "Believe me, I know." I actually live on some side streets in my town that are basically dead ends everywhere with very little traffic. It made for a good practice arena. We trailered my bike home. I could NOT EVEN IMAGINE driving my bike home the day I got it! You are one brave dude! Nice bike btw. Love the yellow!

[johnny343nw]

That is not a good video for a beginner, you dont say anything abaoth the controls of the bike (throtle, shifter, breaks, clitch,). A totaly beginner will not know this things. Why dont you even explain how start the bike? put it in neutral...

[krayziesensei]

@johnny343nw I explain in the first part of the video that it is ONLY about starting in 1st gear. I give links to learn the controls, how to start, & parts of the bike, etc. Since there are already a ton of videos about these, I didn't want to repeat it. I made this video because when I was watching videos to learn to ride, I got frustrated because I felt this subject wasn't addressed very carefully or thoroughly. I made this vid to fill that void.

[krayziesensei]

@johnny343nw BUT...if people keep bringing it up, I will end up making another vid explaining the other basics and details. Thanks for the comment!!!!

[ICBR2]

@johnny343nw & everyone else ... I agree to a point. The title of the video and first 20 seconds clearly explain the intent of this video. Krazyiesensei did a great job. Looking forward to more of your thoughts as a new rider. Ride safe man!

[kindredice]

well done, counter steering / body positioning / cornering next?

[Iroquois14]

You should explain the controls!

[krayziesensei]

@Iroquois14 What?! That's why I gave a link to your video crackhead!!!! lol

[pulse0000]

Cool thanks

[jkarate212]

very well done

[02wheels]

very well explained . you should continue this as a series for new riders .

[krayziesensei]

@02wheels Thanx for the suggestion. If I find another subject that I think I can add a possibly different perspective on, I will.

[nightrider250R]

Getting used to that bar end mirror so you can get rid of the ugly mirrors? Cant really judge this since I have never ridden.

[krayziesensei]

@nightrider250R I actually decided today that I AM definitely going to go with the bar-end mirrors. I'm going to order the extender piece for the throttle side in the next couple of days. As soon as it's installed, I won't have to look at my shoulders anymore when I ride. lol

[EppingForest304]

I find that motorcycles clutches need to be 'ridden' in the friction zone a lot more than manual cars to get a smooth ride.

[krayziesensei]

@EppingForest304 I completely agree! Smooth operation on a motorcycle requires a lot more clutch work than a car.