A method for changing between a multiplicity of discrete transmission ratio stages in a motorcycle gearbox is provided. In response to a shift demand, during the torque-transmitting connection of a drive shaft of the drive machine to a gearbox input shaft, a gear-selection drum of the transmission is rotatable from a first shifting position to an intermediate position which is situated between the first and a second shifting position, before shifting to the second shift position. In the intermediate position, no drive torque can be transmitted from the gearbox input shaft to a gearbox output shaft. During the gear selection drum movement from the first shifting position and the intermediate position, the drum may be rotated to a rest position in which drive torque can be transmitted from the gearbox input shaft to a gearbox output shaft.