Motorcycles typically use a type of manual transmission known as a sequential manual transmission (SMT) or a constant mesh transmission. Sequential manual transmissions are commonly found in sport bikes and high-performance motorcycles.
In a sequential manual transmission, the gears are arranged in a sequential order, usually in an upward shift pattern. The rider shifts gears by using a foot-operated gear shifter that activates a mechanism to engage the next gear in the sequence. Each gear is engaged individually, requiring the rider to shift through the gears one at a time.
Unlike a traditional manual transmission found in cars, motorcycles generally do not have a separate clutch pedal. Instead, they utilize a manual clutch lever on the handlebars, which the rider pulls in to disengage the clutch and shift gears. Releasing the clutch lever gradually engages the clutch and transfers power from the engine to the transmission.
It's worth noting that there are variations in transmission designs across different types of motorcycles, and some motorcycles may have different types of transmissions, such as a rotary or a dual-clutch transmission. However, sequential manual transmissions are the most common type of manual transmission found in motorcycles.