When to shift gears?

[viper15]

I really have no experience with manual transmissions prior to riding motorcycles on the MSF class. So what indications do you look out for to know when to upshift or downshift?

For example, when I hear the engine roar loudly, that would be given indication that I need to shift up a gear. What about when to shift downwards?

[Brackstone]

The bikes engine will sputter when you bring the rpms too low and it will eventually stall. You will recognize it by the feel and/or sound.

[Shorts]

When the engine is roaring and you've got no more power to twist the throttle, shift gears. Yeah, that's a little too high, but that's the limit.

If your bike doesn't have a tach, you'll need to go by feel and sound of the bike. If you hear it lugging, drop down. If its screaming, shift up.