What is the first step to upshifting?

What is the first step to upshifting?

• A. Lift the shift lever with firm pressure
• B. Roll off (close) the throttle as you squeeze the clutch lever
• C. Release the clutch lever fully
• D. Tap the gear selector

Answer: (B)

To shift up smoothly, you first need to reduce engine speed so the next higher gear can mesh without fighting the engine. The initial move is to roll off the throttle while you squeeze the clutch lever. This lowers revs and disengages the engine from the drivetrain, making the shift easier. After you’ve pulled in the clutch and the RPMs are down, lift the gear selector to go into the next gear, then gradually release the clutch and roll back on the throttle to re-engage power. If you release the clutch before you’ve downshifted the RPM or try to shift without reducing throttle, you’ll get a rough shift or stall. Simply tapping the gear selector won’t ensure a clean upshift unless the engine speed is already matched.

To shift up smoothly, you first need to reduce engine speed so the next higher gear can mesh without fighting the engine. The initial move is to roll off the throttle while you squeeze the clutch lever. This lowers revs and disengages the engine from the drivetrain, making the shift easier. After you’ve pulled in the clutch and the RPMs are down, lift the gear selector to go into the next gear, then gradually release the clutch and roll back on the throttle to re-engage power. If you release the clutch before you’ve downshifted the RPM or try to shift without reducing throttle, you’ll get a rough shift or stall. Simply tapping the gear selector won’t ensure a clean upshift unless the engine speed is already matched.