Ducati Monster Forum

Anyone have a reverse shifter on their bike?? Saw one on ebay and was wondering if they are junk or not. They claim to be for people with bigger feet and I'm about 6'3 and folded up pretty well on my monster. Jus wonderin'
thanks

As far as I know, you don't need to purchase anything to make these bikes reverse or "gp" shift.  There is a tutorial somewhere but it is really simple.  I did it on my S2R and haven't looked back.  Try searching for gp shift diy and you should be able to find it.

Found this. Scroll about half way down the page.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=7047.30 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=7047.30)

I don't think it is any easier to shift with my reverse shifter, it is just a whole lot more direct and I really dig the reverse shift pattern more than anything else. Also, for what it is worth, I have size 14 feet.

The general point of a reverse shift pattern is so you can change up a gear when the bike is heeled over so far you can't get your toe under the gear lever.

Hence, many racers like 'em.

For the street, I can't think of a plus besides personal preference.

probably true for the street, but made the change on my m800 and like it a LOT better....FWIW had a Norton Commando and the older ones have a GP pattern stock (and on the right at that) and learned that I preferred it then...all bikes were mandated by the DOT to have a standard pattern on the left in the mid-70's
there is a good article on gp vs. street shifting at http://www.sportrider.com/tips/146_0809_reverse_shift_pattern/index.html (http://www.sportrider.com/tips/146_0809_reverse_shift_pattern/index.html)

Flippin' the linkage is a snap.  I did mine to see if I would like it before buying anything.  Worked well enough that I just left it.  Just be prepared for the adjustment period.  It took me about a week. 
Also, be careful if you are on another bike and you probably shouldn't let anyone ride yours.  Just my opinion. 

flipping the stock linkage will get you the reverse pattern but a GP shifter is a stiffer shift and allows for adjustability beyond stock.

i dont know what one you are looking at but the one I picked up has an eccentric bit on the end which is (IMO) absolutely necessary in order to get the position right.

+1 on the comments about how much more direct and affirmative a dedicated GP shifter feels vs. just flipping the linkage.  The dedicated shifter is much better.

 I switched to GP shifting for racing (so I can upshift while cranked over to the left without having to put my foot underneath the shifter), but found that I like it for the street.  I find I'm less likely to catch a false neutral on a downshift because the downshift has to be so much more affirmative.  I also like the position for downshifting when I'm already off the bike and getting ready to enter the turn.  It just feels more comfy.    

I can ride either GP or not, but have to think about what I'm doing at the beginning of the ride.  And the only real problem I have with GP shift is when I get really tired or lazy or my brain isn't working right, sometimes I mess up.  <shrug>  

I used the reverse shift pattern for 3 years on the old bike.  I love it.  You dont have to be at the track to get benefits from it.  As already stated I get absolutely no missed shifts with this set-up.  Also, I found that when making left turns at intersections the toe of my left shoe would catch the ground on occasions but with the reverse pattern this does not occur.  I have not switched the new bike yet b/c....well..... I'm lazy TBH.

Fantastic!! I think god must want me get a reverse GP and also LIVE.....as I was cut off in a rotary yesterday and dumped the bike on the shifter side virtually bending it almost beyond repair.....

Unfortunately---my collar bone did the same thing and I am off riding for a month or so. Happy to be alive and happy to be a part of this group. Peace--thanks for all the advice on this---i'll be back soon. be careful out there peeps.
J

The big negative I can think of with the one piece GP shifters is when you wreck it can bend the shifter shaft in the transmision.
The "flipped linkage" GP shift you will bend the shifter (or snap it off, or...) but the link rod keeps the bending stress off the shift shaft going into the gear box.   ;)

i despise people who use standard shift. [cheeky]

I despise people who can't figure out what gear they need until mid corner  :P

wait, what do you mean "corner"...?

you're telling me this isn't your highway cruise bike?

Yes, this is the "highway" we cruise on (our daily commute):

(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/Commute.jpg)

When we are feeling in a twisty mood we go this way instead:

(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/commute2.jpg)

(http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/20091101_alpine02.JPG)

BTW, if you ride roads like this it's more likely that you will want to make a quick downshift rather than a quick upshift.