Motorcycle Repair: Learning to RIde, yamaha 650, hand move

Question
I have just purchased a '75 Yamaha 650. I need advice on shifting the gears. The first gear is on the bottom or closest to the ground. A left foot shifter is used. Next is neutral and then there are 4 more gears above that.

To shift from first to second, do you put your left foot under the shifter and pull it up thru netural and it will stop in second gear? Do you do the same for the other gears accelerating and the opposite while deaccelerating? Please explain.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Harold, I would like to suggest that you have someone ride you on the back of their motorcycle or yours it doesnt matter. DO THIS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO RIDE YOURSELF OR YOU WILL CRASH! While a passenger on the motorcycle you need to listen to the motorcycle as the rider shifts the bike up thru its gears, listen to how the engine revs then drops off for a split second as the rider selects a higher gear. Also listen to the engine as the rider down shifts the motorcycle. He backs off on the throttle, pulls in the clutch presses down on the gear selector then gently releases the clutch repeating the proceedure and braking simultaniously. Some riders will blip the throttle when down shifting to match the engine revs to the lower gear being selected. Ok so now you have listened to the way you shift a motorcycle. Now watch, watch his hands first as they control the throttle, clutch and steering then watch his shifting foot and you will notice that his foot and clutch hand move almost in unison as he shifts the bike thru its gears. Now practice copying his movements at a dining room chair while imitating the sound of the engine as you shift up and down thru the gears. This will familarise you with the sequence of movements needed to control the motorcycle at a very basic level. Actually being able to ride your motorcycle in traffic on public streets safely and confidently takes years to master my friend.  Please take it slow and find someone experienced to help you.  

craig