When you set off in first gear on a bike is there chance of hitting neutral when shifting to second?

Question

When you set off in first gear on a bike is there chance of hitting neutral when shifting to second?

Answer 1

there really shouldn't be unless your not going up fast enough but no its very rare

Answer 2

Yes, you can hit neutral.  Just make sure that your shifts are firm, and you won't have any problems.  INstalling a shift kit often halps.

Answer 3

yes!  believe it or not, your chain adjustment can effect his too.

Answer 4

yes   if you dont pop it up with authority it can sit in neutral

Answer 5

Yes.  It sometimes happens to me if I am lazy with my shifting.  It definitely makes me feel stupid when I twist the throttle but it doesn't go anywhere.

Answer 6

Yes there is, these aren't automatics. But, it is one in 1000 or less with good shifting technique.

Answer 7

Rare but it has happened to me.

If it happens often then something is wrong.  Get it fixed before small problem becomes a big problem.

good Luck...

Answer 8

For a beginner, yes it will happen but not very often.

Answer 9

Yes, it can happen.  Like Dan M said, you gotta pop those gears with authority.......no need to baby them, you wont hurt em.

Answer 10

yes and its quite embarrassing.. unless ur around people that dont know anything about bikes then there like "oh cool.. loud bike!!!"

Answer 11

Yes, it's quite common and isn't a sign of a problem at all.....despite what some people might claim.

You do have to be fairly positive with your gear shift.

That said, you can hit false neutrals between just about any gear on a bike.

Remember, be firm.

Answer 12

What is more likely to happen, is what you describe but in higher gears.

E.g - Going from 5th to 6th when you let the clutch out you may hear the revs shoot up and you will find you have no drive. This is known as a 'false' neutral and you will more than likely encounter this while riding at some point. Just remember to shift firmly but not with excessive force and you will be fine.

However, in the event of a false neutral, always change up a gear as changing down may cause your rear wheel to lock.

Ant

Answer 13

One thing I am surprised no one told you about.  When shifting, either up or down, (except going from 1st or 2nd to neutral) is that you should move the shift lever, firmly, and quickly, all the way to the stop.  Not slowly and gently, or certainly not a violent jerk on the lever. Just a firm, full travel quick lift with the toes, or a firm push down.  NOT A VIOLENT STAB.  And learn what full travel of the lever is, and always go ful travel.

This will cut missed shifts down to about 1 in 1 million.  

Tomcotexas.