To change gear we roll off the throttle and pull in the clutch lever, kick up the gear lever then engage the gear selected by releasing the clutch lever and rolling the power back on.
There is another way when changing UP from 2nd gear and above:
Leave the clutch lever entirely alone. Roll off the throttle and kick up the gear lever then re-apply the power. Modern gearboxes are so smooth that a slight closing of the throttle will enable you to change gear smoothly without using the clutch.
Many gearboxes will allow you to change down without using the clutch but this is generally less smooth.
If you intend to try this for the first time then start by changing up in the higher gear ratios first rather than from first to second. For example: change up to fourth in the normal way and accelerate to the speed that you would normally change to fifth. Roll off the throttle and immediately kick the gear lever up to fifth and be ready to roll on the throttle soon after that!
Advantages of the clutchless gear change is that it is quicker, smoother and less wearing on the mechanics of the bike.
