To shift gears on a Honda Hornet or any motorcycle with a manual transmission, you'll need to follow these general steps:
Start the motorcycle: Ensure the motorcycle is running by turning the ignition key and starting the engine.
Familiarize yourself with the controls: Identify the location of the gear shift lever, which is usually positioned on the left side of the motorcycle and operated by your left foot. The gear shift lever is typically a folding lever that can be moved up or down.
Clutch lever operation: The clutch lever is located on the left handlebar. Squeezing the clutch lever disengages the engine power from the transmission, allowing you to shift gears smoothly. Whenever you shift gears, you'll need to pull in the clutch lever.
Starting in neutral: Ensure that the motorcycle is in neutral before attempting to shift gears. The neutral position is usually indicated by an "N" on the instrument panel. If the motorcycle is in gear, pull in the clutch lever and press down on the gear shift lever repeatedly until you see the neutral indicator.
Shifting gears: Once in neutral, release the clutch lever and twist the throttle slightly to increase the engine revs. While maintaining a steady throttle, pull in the clutch lever and press down on the gear shift lever with your left foot to shift into first gear.
Upshifting: As you gain speed and the engine RPM increases, you'll need to upshift to higher gears. To upshift, release the throttle slightly, pull in the clutch lever, and use the front part of your left foot to lift the gear shift lever up one gear. Repeat this process to shift to higher gears as needed.
Downshifting: When you need to slow down, decelerate, or come to a stop, you'll need to downshift to lower gears. To downshift, release the throttle, pull in the clutch lever, and press down on the gear shift lever with your left foot to shift down one gear. Repeat this process to shift to lower gears as needed.
Remember to always release the clutch lever smoothly after shifting gears to engage the transmission gradually. Practice shifting gears in a safe and controlled environment until you feel comfortable and confident with the process. It's also a good idea to consult your motorcycle's owner manual for specific information regarding your Honda Hornet's gear shifting pattern and any unique characteristics it may have.