I took a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course. I would definitely recommend it! The gears.. i count them in my head. I would advise reading the manual also. Push the gear all the way to the bottom that's 1 and half click up is Neutral. Next is 2-6. As for the throttle and clutch, that will take some practicing to getting to know how far to let go on your clutch and add a bit of gas.