GP shifting

[twags1951]

Anyone else using a GP shift setup on their striple?

I converted mine and prefer it over the standard shift.

[PorscheFanatic]

What are the benefits that you notice? got any pics or link where you got it? is it expensive?

[twags1951]

I'll post a picture of the modification soon.

Procedure:
take linkage off between transmission and shift levers, cut in 2 and weld a crossbar between the 2 pieces

Take transmission lever off and move the shifter ball to the other side. Turn lever around, rotate 180 degrees, and put back on. Put linkage back on

the mod was free, did it myself but any shop could do the weld job real cheap or find a friend who welds

advantages are:
I can keep standing on the footpegs during unshifts coming out of the corner and just tap down to change gears. Think of a runners motion as he pushes off the ground to propel himself forward. Seems more natural to me. When I ride I think of what I'm doing, not the lever. May seem odd at first, sorta like countersteering does.

When I set up for the corner I'm already down in the saddle with my weight off the peg so downshifts are no problem.

As I enter the corner I'm on the pegs. I can unload off the motorcycle if I want to work it underneath me. My downshifting is done and I can think of "running" out of the turn. I don't have to settle back down in the saddle to get my foot under the lever to upshift.

Word of caution to whoever reads this and wants to try it. Keep your RPM's down in the midrange until the shifting becomes 2nd nature and you don't have to think about it because you WILL downshift sometimes when you meant to upshift. I still spend a few cents of my attention dollar on it when I accelerate hard. It's a small price to pay for me because I spend 99% of my time in the midrange anyway, that's one reason I bought this great machine.

[PorscheFanatic]

Sounds interesting especially for track days. Can't wait to see the pics.

[MacBandit]

The biggest advantage and the reason that it's done on race bikes is that it allows you to up shift even when you are leaning so far over in a left hand corner that you couldn't get your foot under the shifter because your foot would hit the pavement.

For us mere mortals however at least for most of us there isn't much advantage. Personally I don't have a problem with shifting in either direction while standing or hanging off or whatever but that comes from years of trail riding.

[Shakey]

I guess if you're routinely doing track days, or riding on the chicken strips constantly you might look into the mod. As for me... sounds like it's more trouble than it's worth. Wouldn't installing Daytona rear sets be a bit easier and achieve pretty much the same thing? Just curious.

[twags1951]

Actually a very easy mod and much cheaper than rearsets.

[MacBandit]

Did you lower your shifter? It looks like it's pointing down more than stock.

[zxrno1]

Hi
Has anyone done this modification using off the shelf parts, I want to swap it over as my other bikes are the same way, but I have not been able to find anything that works yet.
I like the mod above, but would prefer it to look unmodified.

Mark

[swestenzweig]

Think carefully before you proceed: this mod is inherently dangerous. On the open road, even more so. If you're riding that much on the edge that a GP shifter configuration makes that much of a difference on the open road, you should probably rethink your riding habits. If you're not riding in that <1% safety margin, it's just a gimmick.