GP Style shifting

[Racer x]

I am starting a thread on GP shifting. This means the shift pattern is reversed. One up and five down.
This is favored by road racers because they are less likely to down shift going through a turn. And it is easier to shift when in a tuck. I might be wrong about this. so please let us know why it is better.

I need to get in a tuck and stay there. As it is now I am in fourth gear before I can fold up flat on the tank. I can down shift when folded up . So maybe this will work. I am going to the drag strip very soon to test it.

To do this you have to rotate one of the pivot points in the shifting levers. You can turn the shift lever on the trans upside down to accomplish this . But on new Ninja 2008 on up the sprocket cover will hit .

Maybe some racers can comment on how they did it.

I cut apart the stock linkage and welded the parts back together. WARNING there is a plastic bushing in the shift lever. you don't want to melt it.

[TnNinjaGirl]

I find GP shifting to be more natural.

I removed my sprocket cover and flipped my shifter.

[leed]

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

I find GP shifting to be more natural.

I removed my sprocket cover and flipped my shifter.

It's really confusing going between the two, but I do honestly like it more. And similarly, I would have replaced or cut the sprocket cover before cutting and welding the lever, but that works too!

[TnNinjaGirl]

I haven't had a problem switching between stock and GP. Everytime I get on/in a different vehicle I pretend like it is my first time driving, so I think that helps.

Racers have to keep their sprocket covers, I believe. @RacerX Can your cover be modified for your class or does it need to be stock?

[Racer x]

Just have to cover the sprocket. I have three extra levers laying around . I can switch back if I don't like it.

[kbryant]

We started reversing our shift pattern back in the late 70's when I started racing. We experimented a lot with the angle of the shift lever, in relation to the height and distance to the footpeg depending on your foot size and riding position on the bike. The idea was when sitting on the bike in a racing position, what was the most natural/comfortable position of your foot/toes in relation to the shift lever. We wanted to make shifting gears more of a natural reflex action. Anyway, primarily two reasons we changed and still holds true today.

1. When leaned over, it is much easier and safer to push down to upshift. Since the shift lever is fairly close to dragging when banked over and suspension loaded, you don't want to try and get your toes under it.... It also still allows you to keep primarily on the balls of your feet with minimal movement that would upset the handling with the suspension and frame under an extreme load. You can stay smoother.

2. When braking, all your weight is moving forward. It is easier (for most people) to pull up to downshift because the angle of your foot on the peg, is higher than the shifter. So it is more "natural" with less effort to pull up. You can apply better "leverage and pressure" to the pegs and tank as well with that upward motion to help spread the pressure load from just your hands/arms/upper body, to include thigh/stomach/back muscles to spread the load when braking. A secondary benefit is that we found this to help ease arm pump as well.

When I retired from Racing, I still converted every single streetbike I've owned to reverse shifting. But that is more for comfort and habit. I have no problem riding with standard shifting, just have to think about it for a second.

[Malicious Logic]

Anyone here not a racer and just ride with GP shifting for personal preference?

Also, maybe someone could make a short DIY on how to do this for new-gens? Just a thought...

[Kevin2109]

Im in love with GP shifting <3

[TnNinjaGirl]

I don't race and use it because of personal preference.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Racer x]

I got it adjusted and ran it on the stand. Click click click. I can't wait.

[alex.s]

its a bit to get used to but im starting to get comfortable with it. i definitely prefer it in GP

i find myself only making mistakes when im getting ready to downshift... my foot goes on top then i remember im in GP and have to switch

[dino74]

Originally Posted by Malicious Logic

Anyone here not a racer and just ride with GP shifting for personal preference?

I'm a racer now but I switched to GP before I started doing track. The first time someone told me the shift pattern on a motorcycle, I thought "Thats seems backwards". I naturally think of first gear on top so GP suites me.

[SPG]

Racer X, as for easy ways to convert to GP...

1 - is to take the linkage arm from the side of the transmission, cut the weld, move the lever part out 1/4 inch on the clamp part and re-weld it. Now it clears the factory sprocket cover.

2 - Take the sprocket cover off and machine a small relief in the lower corner wher the lever hits.

3 - Run without the cover (less support for the shift shaft though)

Also, if you run the lever on the transmission pointed up, it is less likely to damage the transmission in a crash. Last season, one of the local riders broke some transmission parts when the ground hit the lever during a crash. When it is pointed up, it is darn near imposible to smack it during a get off.

[Jono]

I love GP shift! Just switched not too long ago. It was difficult the first time riding trying to remember to do the opposite of what I had been doing. But Now it just feels natural. Occasionally I accidentally up-shift when coming to a stop instead of downshifting. lol

[kavo]

Originally Posted by SPG

Racer X, as for easy ways to convert to GP...

1 - is to take the linkage arm from the side of the transmission, cut the weld, move the lever part out 1/4 inch on the clamp part and re-weld it. Now it clears the factory sprocket cover.

I have this on my 250 proddy racer, works well and has the sprocket still covered for safety.

[LCR]

I have a direct linkage from the shift shaft using a Honda 50 lever. MSR Part number 24-2132 fits perfect. It also takes the whole shift rod out of the equation to avoid complications and/or damage in a crash.

[Racer x]

That is cool. Do you have a photo.

[LCR]

I'll have it up but the end of the day.

[Gorilla25]

Is the sprocket cover modified?...cant really see from my phone. Im looking at options to do gp shifting with the least amount of cutting and welding possible.

[Racer x]

I like this a lot. I will try my set up at the track in a couple weeks. This is so simple I love it.

[Malicious Logic]

eek! cutting and welding involved? Jeez....I remember seeing another bike, zx6 Ithink, and you just undid a screw, flipped the shift thing around and bam. GP shifting.

[TnNinjaGirl]

@LCR That is brilliant!

[alex.s]

stealing this idea. thanks lcr.


http://www.bikebandit.com/msr-steel-shift-lever

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Malicious Logic

eek! cutting and welding involved? Jeez....I remember seeing another bike, zx6 Ithink, and you just undid a screw, flipped the shift thing around and bam. GP shifting.

That is how it is on the pregen as well.

I'll just add that to the list of why pregens are better than newgens. Haha.

[Gorilla25]

Btw, how long is the middle of the shift shaft to the shift peg?

[LoD575]

That is an excellent idea. Thanx LCR

[choneofakind]

Maybe I'll play with it a little bit when I'm back home next weekend and see if I like GP shifting or not.

[smokinsingle]

If anyone thinks the CRF 50 shifter is too short, I've got a Yamaha TW 200 shifter on mine, it's about a 1/2" longer.

[Gorilla25]

Originally Posted by smokinsingle

If anyone thinks the CRF 50 shifter is too short, I've got a Yamaha TW 200 shifter on mine, it's about a 1/2" longer.

How long is the peg to the middle of the eye

[pjed]

I have GP shift on both my track bikes and really like it. As mentioned here, it gives room to upshift when still leaned over a bit coming out of a turn. Found it easy to switch between patterns for street riding.

Although it's good for the track, I don't think it's necessary. Don't think Mladin or Vermuelen use(d) gp shift and it didn't seem to bother them any.

[smokinsingle]

Roughly 4"

[Jono]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Maybe I'll play with it a little bit when I'm back home next weekend and see if I like GP shifting or not.

Your gonna fall in love with it! Clutch-less up-shifts are so quick and smooth, Mmmmhm.

[Somchai]

Isn't that what you look for? http://www.shop.kyleusa.com/product.sc?productId=306

[Racer x]

I can't do the single lever. I was all excited to make one. But my pegs are in such a position that it simply won't work for me. When I am in a tuck I need to push down and back to shift.

[CalvinAmI]

I had a 2008 Lifan LF200iiiGS sportbike last year.
It was geared 1up, 5down.
I was brand new to riding and it felt VERY natural.
Super quick shifting and just felt normal.
Now that i am on the Ninja250, i find i am confusing myself when shifting
I'll be fine for days... then all the sudden have a brain fart and start shifting like on my LF200

I am sure it will pass eventually.... I HOPE!

[smokinsingle]

Originally Posted by Racer x

I can't do the single lever. I was all excited to make one. But my pegs are in such a position that it simply won't work for me. When I am in a tuck I need to push down and back to shift.

Why are you back shifting in a tuck? You should be up and braking when downshifting

[Racer x]

By back I mean push the lever toward the rear to shift up

I am lying flat on a custom made seat and tank. My toes point down. I need to start getting into a tucked position as soon as I can. GP shifting will allow me to shift when lying flat and not move around . Normal shifting causes me to sit up until fourth gear ,then tuck and each shift after that causes a lot of movement that disturbes airflow around my back. That slows my acceleration.

[TnNinjaGirl]

@RacerX I'm kind of surprised you haven't already converted to GP shift.

[smokinsingle]

Originally Posted by Racer x

By back I mean push the lever toward the rear to shift up

I am lying flat on a custom made seat and tank. My toes point down. I need to start getting into a tucked position as soon as I can. GP shifting will allow me to shift when lying flat and not move around . Normal shifting causes me to sit up until fourth gear ,then tuck and each shift after that causes a lot of movement that disturbes airflow around my back. That slows my acceleration.

Oh yeah....Drag bike

[Racer x]

Land speed racing bike.