Not all bikes come with a right-side gear pattern. Most Indian and foreign manufacturers have kept the gears typically on the left side. So, whenever you have to shift gears, it is just a slight tap of your left foot. However, if you are a Royal Enfield fan and have gone for that model, the gear-shift is entirely different. Instead of having it on the left side, the entire set-up is shifted to the right side. In such a situation, if you need to shift gears, it comes with a tap of your right foot. The question might arise as to why Royal Enfield has stuck to the right-side gear pattern, when all others follow a left-side set-up.
Royal Enfield has followed the right-side pattern right from the beginning of its production. It was a characteristic feature that set it apart from the rest. Though there have been mixed reviews from the fans and customers all around the world, the manufacturer has stayed on with the pattern. Some fans complained that changing from one bike to Royal Enfield was quite tricky as all other bikes have the gear on the left side and the brake shoe on the right. For Royal Enfield, it is exactly the opposite. So, most of the riders ended up pressing the brake lever whenever they wanted to change gears. Royal Enfield introduced a left-side gear shift model for some time, but there were repercussions from others saying that it has removed the most distinguishing feature of Royal Enfield. Gradually, the brand shifted back to its old set-up. Definitely, it might cause a few hiccups at the beginning, but it is not rocket science. Once you get used to it, there is nothing like riding a Royal Enfield if you are really looking for cruiser biking.
