page_title: Manual transmission
section_title: Gear stick
hierarchical_section_title: Manual transmission / Gear stick
caption_attribution_description: English: Gear shift stick of my Mazda Protege SE 1999.
context_page_description: A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox, a standard transmission, stick shift, gearbox, or clutch, is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications. It uses a driver-operated clutch, usually engaged and disengaged by a foot pedal or hand lever, for regulating power and torque transfer from the engine to the transmission; and a gear selector that can be operated by hand.
  A conventional 5- or 6-speed manual transmission is often the standard equipment in a modern base model vehicle, with 5- speed being common on lower-end vehicles and commercial vehicles. Higher-end vehicles, such as sports cars and luxury cars are often usually equipped with a 6-speed transmission for the base model. Automatic transmissions are commonly used instead of manual transmissions; common types of automatic transmissions are the hydraulic automatic transmission, automated manual transmission, dual-clutch transmission and the continuously variable transmission. The number of forward gear ratios is often expressed for automatic transmissions as well.
context_section_description: In most vehicles with a manual transmission, the driver selects gears by manipulating a lever called a gear stick (also called a gearshift, gear lever or shifter). In most automobiles, the gear stick is often located on the floor between the driver and front passenger, however, some cars have a gear stick that is mounted to the steering column or center console.
  The movement of the gear stick is transferred (via solid linkages or cables) to the selector forks within the transmission.
  Motorcycles typically employ sequential transmissions, although the shift pattern is modified slightly for safety reasons. Gear selection is usually via the left foot pedal with a layout of 1 - N - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6.
caption: Floor-mounted gear stick in a passenger car
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