: why do manual motorcycle gear goes from 1>N>2>3>4>5>6 and not N>1>2>3>4>5>6

Question

: why do manual motorcycle gear goes from 1>N>2>3>4>5>6 and not N>1>2>3>4>5>6

In: 1913

Answer 1

Hmm, I certainly accept all the answers that say it is to make first gear more accessible (by downshifting all the way).

 

An interesting coincidence is, in cars, before synchromesh existed, the downshift sequence for coming to a stop was

 

3 – 2 – neutrual

 

because if you shifted into first while the car was moving at a different speed than the drive train, even with the clutch disengaged, the gears would grind due to the inertia of the low-end of the transmission.

 

So,the stopping/starting sequence was

3 – 2 – neutral – 1 – 2 – 3

 

I realize this isn’t relevant to motorcycles though.