While having gear indicator lights on a motorcycle can provide convenience and information to the rider, their absence does not necessarily make riding unsafe. Riders can still operate a motorcycle without gear indicator lights by relying on their experience, feel, and sound of the engine.
Here are a few points to consider:
Experience and Familiarity: Experienced riders often develop a sense of which gear they are in based on the feel and sound of the engine, as well as their speed and the road conditions. Over time, riders become more comfortable in shifting gears without relying solely on visual indicators.
Muscle Memory: With practice, riders develop muscle memory and a natural instinct for shifting gears. They become accustomed to the sequential pattern of shifting up or down and can do so without needing to visually confirm the gear they are in.
Tachometer: Many motorcycles have a tachometer that displays engine RPM (revolutions per minute). By observing the tachometer and the sound of the engine, riders can estimate their gear position. Each gear typically has a corresponding range of RPMs, and experienced riders can identify these ranges.
Visual Clues: Apart from gear indicator lights, riders can also gauge their gear by observing their speed and road conditions. For example, if a rider is traveling at a high speed with low RPMs, it's likely they are in a higher gear, whereas if they are at a lower speed with high RPMs, they may be in a lower gear.
Gear indicator lights provide a quick and visual confirmation of the current gear, eliminating any ambiguity or guesswork.
Ultimately, riding safely without gear indicator lights requires attentiveness, experience, and familiarity with your motorcycle. It's essential to stay focused, be aware of your speed and RPMs, and develop a good understanding of the sound and feel of your bike's engine.