How Many Gears Does A 2 Stroke Dirt Bike Have 2023 [Guide]
As a beginner, it is confusing to differentiate between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. A 2-stroke dirt bike is a perfect choice for beginners as it is fuel efficient, easy to ride and handle, and above all, more inexpensive than 4-stroke dirt bikes. How many gears does a 2-stroke dirt bike have?
A new user usually asks such type of questions. A 2-stroke dirt bike has 4-6 gears and a clutch. You can shift gears on your dirt bike just like you shift gears on a car using the manual transmission. Gear shifting on a dirt bike is done with a left-sided foot and the clutch located on the left handlebar.
- Why Do Dirt Bikes Have Gears?
The first question everyone asks is why a dirt bike has gears. The answer is every vehicle is equipped with gears that have an engine. Gears are meant to transfer power from engines to wheels. Different gears change the way the power of the vehicle engine is used.
Typically, dirt bikes have five gears whereas some of them have at least four and a maximum of six gears. The higher the gear on a dirt bike, the faster its wheels rotate. On the contrary, the lower the dirt bike gear, the more torque will be behind the wheel’s rotation.
If you are looking for top speed on smooth and even surfaces, a high gear such as fifth or sixth is best for you. However, if you are going through a muddy area or aiming to climb steep hills, you have to sacrifice speed and choose the lower gear of your dirt bike to provide enough force to power up a slope or go through rougher terrain.
Besides gears, a dirt bike also has a clutch. A clutch is vital to connect the vehicle engine to the gears. You can also connect gears to the engine directly but it can result in engine and transmission destruction. The role of the clutch is to smooth out the connection and decrease wear and tear as much as possible.
- How to shift Gears on a Dirt Bike?
Dirt bikes have different gear system that ranges from four to six. The gear ratio is the number of teeth compared to the number of teeth on the bike wheel.
Shifting down gears on the dirt bike is effortless. All you need is to press the clutch lever using your left hand and utilize the front of your left foot to push down on the gear shifter. It will shift your dirt bike from fourth to third or fifth to fourth gear.
Additionally, you can shift down multiple gears easily. Just push on the shifter more than once consistently. Don’t forget to press the clutch with each shift.
Shifting gears up works similarly, but it’s not quite as intuitive. Rather than pressing down on the gear shifter, you need to hook the front of your left foot under it and then push up. You will feel a gentle click when the gear is shifted.
Do you know there is one trickiest part about shifting gears? When you are shifting gears on your dirt bike to neutral. Neutral lies in a dirt bike between the first and second gears. It is convenient to accidentally choose neutral if you try to shift from first gear to second.
It is useful to remember that click feels different when you change to neutral such as softer compared to other gears. Once you start riding the dirt bike, you will get used to it quickly.
- Difference between Automatic & Manual Dirt Bikes
Dirt bikes are available with both manual and automatic transmissions. If you are buying a dirt bike for the first time, it is essential to differentiate between both types of dirt bikes. Here are the prime differences between these dirt bikes.
- Manual dirt bikes
Dirt bikes with manual transmission system work with the help of a gearbox and a clutch. When you increase the speed of the dirt bike, the clutch is engaged from the left handlebars.
You can change the gear by pushing down and lifting a foot lever, just like using the clutch pedal and gear stick in manual cars.
Getting used to clutch, accelerator, and gearstick usage takes some time. When you start riding a dirt bike, you need some expertise to coordinate the foot lever, clutch, and throttle. If you are not able to do so, it may result in a stalled bike.
- Automatic dirt bikes
The automatic transmission works automatically. You don’t need to use the foot lever or clutch that needs to be operated manually. However, fully automatic dirt bikes aren’t common as manual dirt bikes. You still need to use a foot lever for riding.
However, you don’t need to engage the clutch of your semi-automatic dirk bike with handlebars. The semi-automatic transmission type works by pushing down or lifting the foot lever. The gears are automatically involved in the process.
This is the same technology that has been used in scooters. The prime difference between a street bike and a dirt bike is that street bikes are used on flat terrains like suburban roads.
On the other hand, dirt bikes are used on rough terrains which means you have to change gears regularly.
Choosing between the semi-automatic dirt bike and manual dirt bike entirely depends on your personal preferences. Semi-automatic dirt bikes are best for beginners as it allows better braking, handling, and other technical factors before mastering the clutch, throttle, and foot lever.
Manual dirt bikes are fun and, therefore, mostly used by professionals. However, you have to be able to work with the clutch, foot lever, and throttle.
Semi-automatic bikes are more expensive than manual dirk bikes. They are also a headache to maintain as they are more prone to breaking because of a greater number of components.
Final words
2 stroke dirt bikes are lightweight, easy to handle, and fun to ride on rough terrains. Featuring four to six gears, dirt bikes are a great choice for both beginners and experts. However, if you are new to dirt biking, make sure to master the manual dirt bike before giving it a try. If you are not comfortable with it, semi-automatic dirt bikes are best for you as they have automatic transmissions with the auto gear system.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Are manual dirt bikes difficult to drive?
A manual dirt bike is heavy, faster, and comes with a manual gear type which makes it hard to drive. You must know how to change gears and use the clutch to drive a manual dirt bike.
- Do you have to shift gears on a dirt bike?
You have to shift gears on a dirt bike properly to learn a dirt bike. If you are doing it the wrong way, it can damage the engine and transmission of your dirt bike.
- Can I start a dirt bike in neutral?
You can start a dirt bike while in gear if you have experience. If you are a beginner, it is best to start the dirt bike in neutral.