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lever engages the clutch and provides power to the rear wheel.
Whenever you change gears, either up or down, you must first
disengage the clutch.
Front brake lever
Apply the front wheel brake by squeezing the lever on the right
handlebar toward the handlegrip with the fingers of your right
hand.
Rear brake pedal
Activate the rear wheel brake by pressing your right foot on the
pedal located in front of the right footrest (on most bikes).
Remember that the right hand controls the front brake while the
right foot controls the rear brake. They should be used together.
The engine of your motorcycle will also act as a brake when you
gear down or reduce throttle.
Gear shift
The gear selector pedal is located on the left side on most
motorcycles just ahead of the footrest. You shift gears by lifting or
depressing the pedal with your left toe.
Most motorcycles have four or five gears and a neutral position.
In neutral, the transmission is out of gear and power will not
reach the rear wheel.
The gear selector pedal should only be operated while the clutch
is disengaged. After you have squeezed the clutch lever with your
left hand, you can select the gear you need by lifting or
depressing the gear selector pedal with your left toe.
Starter
Most motorcycles have an electric starter operated by pushing
the starter button on the right handlebar.
Many bikes still have a kick starter, usually located above the
right footrest. It must be unfolded before it can be used to start
the motorcycle with a vigorous kick.
Engine-kill switch
The engine-kill switch is located on the right handlebar and is
usually red. It is used in an emergency to stop the engine quickly.
It may also be used to turn off the engine after a normal stop, but
be sure to turn off the ignition switch as well after using the kill
switch.
The engine will not start when the kill switch is in the OFF
position.
Stands
When motorcycles are parked, they are supported by either a
side stand or a centre stand. Larger models have both.
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