Why the GP shift?

[AwwsChwA]

I asked this once a long time ago, and then was away from the computer long enough that the post got buried and I never could find it again in the search. Why do the GP guys use backward shifting? Is it something that evolved like right-hand-drive, something that was simply done differently and the idea stuck? Or is there a technical reason for it?

[Boourns]

It's easier to hit your shifts every time when "stomping down" on the lever.

[_Maverick]

Originally Posted by Boourns

It's easier to hit your shifts every time when "stomping down" on the lever.

+1
clutch and slam down.

[pesticide]

try getting your foot under the shifter when accelerating out of a right hander leaned off the bike.

[Boourns]

^ Oh yeah, and that, too.

[AwwsChwA]

Ah, good point. That does make sense, I can definitely see how bein able to keep your foot on top would save time when accelerating out of a corner.

[TZRaceR6]

Leaned over the tank doing 150+mph, using a quickshifter, much easier to just tap down on the lever.

When coming up for a turn, you are sitting up, being pushed forward into your tank, easy to pull up on the lever.

Left hand sweepers, leaned over, try getting your foot under the lever to shift, should you need to.

etc, etc, etc....

[MELK-MAN]

Originally Posted by _Maverick

+1
clutch and slam down.

why are you using a clutch going UP in gears??
also, the advantage of pushing down to get a solid upshift is lost on the DOWNshifts. I prefer street shift pattern and NEVER miss a downshift so just do what you like. I also ride dirt bikes so the practice is not lost.

Originally Posted by pesticide

try getting your foot under the shifter when accelerating out of a right hander leaned off the bike.

.. do it all the time. Again, just what makes the most scence for you. It is a give and take just like with gearing for a particular track.

[kyles r6]

Originally Posted by pesticide

try getting your foot under the shifter when accelerating out of a right hander leaned off the bike.

i found myself concentrating on getting it back under the lever for those few seconds rather than the exit of the turn so i said fuck this im getting gp shift rod. got and havent regretted it at all. i love it and will never go back

[tstruyk]

clearance on left handers when you need to shift mid corner... and uh... I dont think I've ever been on a track that requires that.

shifting out of right handers off the bike... If I set my foot up ahead of time it wouldnt be a problem with standard shift. Its no more difficult that having to make a quick R-L transition with a down shift in between with GP shift.

I find it more comfortable, mladin seems to find a way to get around pretty good with a standard shift.

For me its what TZ said. braking and DS'ing make more sense coming up, feels more natural. same with upshifting.

I think some see it as a "right of passage" when they start to race.