Which of the following can cause your motorcycle to lurch?

Shifting into a lower gear too soon can cause your motorcycle to lurch because it places excessive strain on the engine and drivetrain. When you shift to a lower gear while still at a high speed or before the engine is ready for that gear, it can result in a sudden increase in engine RPMs and resistance. This abrupt change forces the motorcycle to jerk or lurch as it tries to accommodate the mismatch between speed and gear selection. Proper gear shifting is essential for maintaining a smooth ride; shifting too early can disrupt that balance and lead to unexpected movements.

Driving over gravel roads can lead to instability but does not directly cause the lurching effect from a mechanical perspective. Speeding up too quickly can result in loss of control rather than a mechanical lurch, and turning too fast typically leads to losing traction rather than lurching. Understanding how to manage gear shifts is crucial for smooth motorcycle operation.