How to Shift a Dirt Bike: Shift Pattern and Step-by-Step

By Shopwada Team · · 3 min read
Rider in an orange skull Moto Racing jersey shifting gears on a dirt bike at a dirt track

How to shift a dirt bike? Pull in the clutch, roll off the throttle, move the shift lever with your left foot (down for first gear, up for every gear after), then ease out the clutch as you roll the throttle back on. Most dirt bikes use a "one down, rest up" pattern with neutral between first and second.

Below is the shift pattern, step-by-step upshifts and downshifts, beginner mistakes and answers to common questions. Need riding gear? See our skull biker shirts.

The dirt bike shift pattern: one down, rest up

On most dirt bikes, first gear is one click down from neutral and every other gear is a click up. Neutral sits in a half-click between first and second. Motocross Action sums up the track version: "One down, four up. Okay, maybe it is one down, five up for you." Check your owner's manual for your bike's exact pattern and gear count. (Motocross Action)

Front and back of an orange, black and white long sleeve motocross jersey with a skull, custom name and number 74
Orange Skull MotoX Jersey

How to shift a dirt bike step by step

Upshifting

  1. Get rolling in first. Find neutral, start the bike, pull the clutch, click down into first and ease out the clutch.
  2. Build some revs. Accelerate until the engine starts to sound busy.
  3. Clutch in, throttle off. Pull the clutch and roll off the throttle at the same time.
  4. Lift the lever. Put your toe under the shift lever and lift it one click.
  5. Clutch out, throttle on. Release the clutch smoothly as you roll the throttle back on.

Downshifting

  1. Slow down. Roll off the throttle and use the brakes.
  2. Clutch in. Pull the clutch lever.
  3. Press the lever down. One click per gear, matching your speed.
  4. Clutch out. Ease it out and keep riding.

New to the bike? Start with how to start a dirt bike before you practice shifting.

Front and back of a green, black and white long sleeve motocross jersey with a skull, custom name and number 74
Green Skull MotoX Jersey

When to shift

Shift in the strong part of your engine's power, not too early or too late. Motocross Action's advice: "shift in the meat of the powerband, not before or after." It also notes that "a bike at half throttle in fourth is faster than a bike at full throttle in third," so do not be shy about the next gear. Every bike is different, so learn yours by sound and feel on an open, flat area first.

Shifting technique tips from the track

  • Keep your feet planted. Motocross Action says many riders downshift by lifting the left foot off the peg: "Don't do it." Slide your foot forward and pivot at the ankle instead.
  • Keep your knee in. When upshifting, keep the knee close to the tank and use your ankle to lift the lever.
  • Don't ride the clutch. Fanning the clutch over and over wears plates and baskets.
  • Downshift before the turn. Stand up, downshift at the right moment and set up the corner. More on that in how to corner on a dirt bike.
Front and back of a red, white and blue long sleeve motocross jersey with a skull, custom name and number 74
American Flag Skull MotoX Jersey

Common beginner shifting mistakes

  • Stalling in first. Letting the clutch out too fast with too little throttle.
  • Missing neutral. Neutral is a half-click; a gentle touch finds it more easily.
  • Staying in low gear. Over-revving makes the bike jumpy. Shift up and let it settle.
  • Looking down at the lever. Keep your eyes on the trail; learn the shifts by feel.

Always ride with a helmet and proper protective gear. See what to wear dirt biking.

Front and back of a white, black and green long sleeve motocross jersey with a skull, custom name and number 74
Green Skull UV Motocross Jersey

Skull biker shirts

Our skull biker shirts are motocross jerseys printed with a custom name and number. Styles listed on the product pages include Long Sleeve UPF and Kids Long Sleeve UPF, and some designs add Jersey UPF, T-Shirt UPF and Hooded Long Sleeve UPF. A jersey is not protective gear; wear it with a helmet, boots and pads. Check each product page for current styles and price.

FAQ

How do you shift a dirt bike for beginners?

Clutch in, throttle off, click the lever (down for first, up for higher gears), then ease the clutch out while rolling on the throttle.

What does 1 down 5 up mean?

It describes the shift pattern: first gear is one click down, and the next five gears are clicks up, with neutral between first and second.

What is the proper shift pattern for a dirt bike?

Most dirt bikes use one down, the rest up. Your owner's manual shows the exact pattern and number of gears.

Do you need the clutch to shift a dirt bike?

Beginners should use the clutch for every shift. Some bikes have a quick shift feature, but learn clutch shifting first.

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