GP vs Traditional Shift Patterns

One of the things I'm interested in trying out with CBR300 is a GP shift conversion, its a relatively easy mod to do and one that I think many people are curious about...

We all know traditional shift patterns, one down for first, 5 up for second to sixth. There's really no problem with traditional shifting, however if you're a track rider or looking for something a little more intuitive GP shift could be for you. By intuitive I mean its a much more natural reaction at high speed to push down instead of click up. Ever drive a BMW with an Auto-Manual? They are the only gearbox in the industry that down is upshift, its just more intutive to go down, with the momentum. Although that may be subjective (isn't it all )



The issue Traditional shifting runs into is cornering. On track, or even your favourite bendy bit of tarmac, while leaning a right hander, its far easier to click down for upshift as you roll the throttle on than manoeuvring your feet about while hanging off the inside!



even worse are the left handers, trying to hook your toes under the lever while leaning left means you run the risk of toe scrape. Again, far easier to click down.



I suppose the hardest part of switching to GP shift is going to be the learning curve. I've read many a stories about missed shifts actually more like accidental downshifts because said pilot forgot he switched his pegs. Also it seems like downshifting is going to need a new dash of finesse, Its much easier to mash down a couple than flick up a few.

Most bikes the swap is easy enough you can just flipping the sleeve on the end of the shift spindle. Some bikes will need new rearsets however. I'm not sure if its better or even worth, but it seems like a simple mod that I'd like to at least try out