Ducati Monster Forum

I am curious about changing the shift pattern on my S2R and was curious if it is as simple as flipping the linkage or is there gonna need to be more modifications.  It looks like there will be clearance below the clutch cylinder, but it is gonna be close.  Anyone tried?  Advice?  Thx.

flip it. there is enough room

I got ride of the whole linkage, and related slop by getting a GP shift lever.

Shifts are more crisp, and I like the pattern better in general.

Does the lever mount directly onto the that nub that the linkage attatches to?

yes it does mount directly. You get rid of all the slack from the linkage. Its a much firmer feeling shift. I like it. Now i have to find a new gp shifter, mines trashed.

:( do you have recommendations on a GP shifter? my shifter is trashed as well.

(http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeui0gr/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/shiftpeg.jpg.w300h225.jpg)
This here's what I made from a 999 lever (Motowheels) and an extended peg- so you aren't pigeon-toed when trying to shift w/ stock rear sets.

Has anyone tried these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DUCATI-REVERSE-SHIFTER-748-749-848-916-996-998-999-1098_W0QQitemZ280245348239QQcmdZViewItem

if the link doesnt work they are by slingshot racing listed as DUCATI REVERSE SHIFTER.

what are the other options? Unfortunately I cannot afford a full set of rear sets.

Motowheels has several options. I have their standard "straight" reverse shifter, a la the 996/998 bikes. It has the peg on an eccentric to facilitate adjustability. There is also CycleCat, if you can find them.

(P.S. Fitment is easiest on the S*R bikes, because their rearsets seem to put the footpeg further back, but I've had no troubles on my DSS Monster. I do, however, wish I didn't get an odd year's kickstand and mount.  ???)

ive got the motowheels eccentric one. To bad it snapped in the crash.

These look good, but the peg isn't adjustable.  Are most of the stock shift levers a standard length?  I would assume that if they are, then the aftermarket stuff that wasn't adjustable would be the same.  But, assuming on Ebay can get you a bunch of crap you can't use!

Ooooppppss!  I was looking at the Ebay pics a little closer and the SlingShot lever does have a little adjustment. 

I've got a S4R w/GP style fllipped from standard, no problems here.  Also did a 695 wo/problems too.  Personally I prefer GP style.  Up shifting is more positive.  Also makes upshifting out of a turn much simpler and it less likely to upset the chassis.  Cant think of a reason why I'd be down shifting in midturn anyway , upsets things even more.  If you're tuned into the standard expect it to take a while (couple months) to become second nature and not having to think about being freaked out when the gear you expect is not the one your given :o .  If you do and to make things go a little easier always make a mental note to never leave your foot under the shifter, otherwise the pressure on the top of your toe will cause you to unconcensally revert. (sorry for the crappy spelling  [drink])

You can get a regular lever to replace your linkage. I got a MotoWheels unit. With stock rearsets however it will not work. You would probably need to cut off the end and move the peg on the lever back a little bit. Possible, but not really worth it. Just buy the rearsets and it makes it easier ;)

JP did a great job modifying the MW Billet Angled Reverse Shift Lever  (http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myproducts.cfm?parentcategoryid=38%7CAluminum%20Billet&productID=5817&showDetail=1&categoryID=455|Ducati%20749%2F999%20Billet&vendoridtodisplay=0&filterFor=&collection=168%7CEuropean%20Motorcycle%20Parts) to make it shorter to fit his set up.

Here is what that  "angled reverse shifter" looked like before:

(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/Motowheelscom/Motowheels%201098/1098017.jpg)

We have a few others avaialble:

MW Billet Reverse Shift Lever: Ducati  (http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myproducts.cfm?parentcategoryid=38%7CAluminum%20Billet&productID=4330&showDetail=1&categoryID=455|Ducati%20749%2F999%20Billet&vendoridtodisplay=0&filterFor=&collection=168%7CEuropean%20Motorcycle%20Parts)

DP Billet Reverse Shift Lever: All Ducati  (http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myproducts.cfm?parentcategoryid=38%7CAluminum%20Billet&productID=3054&showDetail=1&categoryID=455|Ducati%20749%2F999%20Billet&vendoridtodisplay=0&filterFor=&collection=168%7CEuropean%20Motorcycle%20Parts)

I appreciate the pics and advice everyone has offered.  I went out last night and flipped the stock linkage just to see how I would like it.  I rode for about an hour, but it didn't take but about 10 minutes to love it.  (Now to just get used to it).  It is definately worth at least upgrading to a shift lever without the linkage, if not the entire rearset. 

I just flipped my stock linkage, and it's been working great.

And, it is real easy to do, so if anyone is curious about GP shifting, flip it and try it.

Thanks Mr. Moto.
Yes- you gotta chop the length, and make the peg longer (for a S2R 1000 w/ stock foot pegs) There's odviously no slop, drops weight too. Easy to do w/ a hacksaw and a file- and a drill w/ 6mm tap and screw- oh yes- beer is essential. (Used a lathe for the peg, but a solid rod would work.) Just gotta find a rubber peg cover, maybe heat shrink or somthing.
Atleast you're not in a hurry to withdraw your weapon if someone tries to ride off w/ it.

Not sure what pegieon toeing is, apprently its a problem with the bigger guys, but it looks like you chopped of a good inch. Would that be equal to its stock location now?

Yes, back to stock. The Foot pegs stick out further than most, so you need the extra length on the lever peg to get more than your big toe under for downshifting. I even have a size 8 foot.
One positive- w/ the shorter movement, shifts are lightening fast.

Sounds great, will pick this up along with some other stuff.

Was corresponding/sending pics and measurments w/ the guys at Motowheels about making a ready-made lever for monsters- may want to ask if they came up w/ anything.
I did countersink the back to hold the screw in position.

So I'm out riding today and thinking about reverse shifting.  Got home and checked the bike out and it looks very easy to switch the shifter over.  How does the stock shifter work in reverse?  Will probaly do this next day off.

What bike/year?

2001 M750  red

I am using this option, still to soon to give you my thoughts on the product but I have been GP shifting longer than I can remember, I love it, will never go back or buy a bike where I cant switch it.

(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k298/sconly/Bikes/My%20Monster/Rizoma%20Parts/BikeStuff005.jpg)

its for a 1098 but the spline is the same across the board (I am running and S2R1k)

where you get a gold rizoma?  JEALOUS!

I use the slingshot racing one and it works good for the price...

Did you get it off ebay? Those thing are cheap. $70 bucks right? No need to mod them to fit right?

monstersteve, is that the new bling from rizomas 08 catalog?

I have had mine switched for a couple days now and other then 1 failed attempt to start off in 6th gear at a stop light (sometimes it pays to wear a full face helmet with tinted visor) all is great.  I really don't understand why bikes are not made like this.  My bike seems to shift much better.

I would like to flip the linkage on my S2r 800. Can I get some more detailed instructions? Thanks!

It is pretty cut and dry.  I did it in about 10 minutes.  I just removed the bolt in the linkage where it connects to the (for lack of correct terminology) thingy that mounts on the shaft that runs into the clutch.  Then you take that thingy off of the shaft by removing the bolt that crimps it down.  (I had to use a screw driver to seperate it a little to get it to let loose.)  That bolt had to be completely removed because it fit between a groove that is in between the splines on the shaft.  Pull the thingy off the shaft and rotate it about 180 degrees and remount.  I am not an expert, but I figured that for best results the newly mounted position should be close to a 45 degree angle from the linkage when you reinstall to give equal shift distance in both directions.  It looks like the linkage has a length adjustment, but I didn't need it.  Everything fit back together perfectly.  I had no clearance issues what so ever on my 800.  Works great.  I like it so much that I am gonna replace the stock setup with one of the levers that motowheels offers.  I have already developed a tendancy to really stomp on the lever when I am riding pretty hard and I am worried that the stock linkage might not handle that abuse for long.  I would really love to stumble over one of those gold Rizoma levers that was posted earlier, but as I said earlier, Motowheels had some pretty cool stuff offered also.   

Thanks man. I'm gonna try it tonite or tomorrow nite and take pictures. I'll post up when donw.  [thumbsup]

Ok. Here's a pic of before:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2704379807_d08d7c24f7.jpg?v=0)

I undid the bolt labeled 3, then undid bolt 1, then pulled the thingy off of the splines (labeled 2).

Here's what it looks like now:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2705217558_26ff70c41b.jpg?v=0)

Obviously the shift lever is way too high. I guess I did something wrong (my boobs may have something to do with this).

Three options:
1. The thingy with the arrow gets its angle changed to be about 45 degrees as the red line shows.
2. Change the length of the linkage to get the shift lever back where it needs to be
3. Remove the bolts circled and move the shifter (I don't know if this is even possible)

Help?

If you rotate the part that is now officially named the "thingy" back to about where you drew the red line, it might straighten your lever out without any length adustment to the linkage.   I would post a picture of mine but my wife has the camera with her today.  If no more helpful post shows up tonight, I will get a pic when I get home from work tomorrow for you.

Awesome. Thanks for the help man. I'm gonna go change that then ride down the street to see how it works.

Success! I shifted the "thingy" to the red line in my pic and everything works great. off for a longer ride now. Thanks psycledelic for the help!

I'm still learning... I understand the process, but why do some people keep the shift linkage and others mount it directly?

The reverse lever has a more direct feel and less false neutrals ( which can be a pain at speed).

Flipping the linkage is a good way to figure out if you like it. It takes some time to get used to it. You have to get used to leaving your foot on top of the shift lever rather than under it.
Some people short shift for awhile until they get used to it.

A slipper clutch helps during this process....:)

-M

I took the plunge a few months ago, and love it. If you can get hold of a direct-link GP shifter, do it! The shifting gets crisper, and looks uber-cool.

I'm definitely going to be going the direct route at some point after riding Mother's bike which has that direct link. I figured I'd flip the linkage until I had enough money to get the whole package.

Good call. I did the same on both bikes, and eventually bought GP shifters for both.

FYI, check out MotoWheels' sale & clearance items (http://www.motowheels.com/italian/myProducts.cfm?CategoryID=382|Special%20Deals%2FClearance). They often discount GP shifters. You can fit most shifters designated for superbikes on Monsters and Supersports.

No problem, glad you like it as much as I did.  Just be careful not to get in a situation where you need power and you get 1000 less RPM's.  Or in my case, you need 1st gear and you got 6th at a stoplight.  It's not just a humiliating stall, it's a humiliating stall and a trip through your gear box (while everyone waits).  If that happens, just look cool as possible and let people think your bike has a kick start!

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

 

I did, they have an ebay store. No mods to make it fit. You will have to play around with it's position on the splines and the eccentric toepiece to get everything where you like it...

OK this is the easiest mod to do.  Took 5 minutes.  It's raining like mad here, but I took her around the block and what a difference in shifting.  blown away & can't wait until a day without rain.  any inexpensive/used shifters out there?

I'm looking to reverse shift my 2000 M900ie but the "thingy" off of the shaft is curved/angled instead of straight like the 800s. I think I may have tried just flipping it before with poor results or it just plain didn't work. I ended up buying a 998 straight reverse lever but that just put the toe peg way too close.

So, I'm going to try this again tonight but does anyone know if it *should* work with an 00 M900ie? I should be able to just "buy" that aforementioned "thingy" for an 800 and use it on my 900 as the output shaft is the same size right? I'm thinking of buying the Motowheels adjustable lever but if I can use my stock linkage I'd like to go with that for awhile.

BTW - I have an "extra" (bought one for the Monster and one for my 998) reverse shifter (I'll post a pic later) that I couldn't use on my Monster if someone is interested in buying it.  I need to get my Monster squared away on reverse shifting first though.

Thanks everyone.

Yes, the Thingy (spline) is the same size on all modern Ducati's...

Nevermind. I figured it out and got it working right. Heh... It just has to be in the right spline +/- 1 spline or else it hits at the footpeg side. Whoo hoo! I've always preferred reverse shifting so now I just hope I can re-learn it.

By the way, thanks for all of the info in this thread. It made me determined to really get it done this time.

Anyone know why they ship these units with the linkage and crap?  Do the Euros get the GP shifter off the showroom floor? 

They call it GP shifter because its race style. Ever heard of a car that comes stock with race slicks and a removeable steering wheel thats marketed to the general public? 1 down 4/5 up is standard..

I am a little confused as to why 1 down and 4/5 was ever considered standard.  I am a good couple of weeks and over a 1000 miles into the new shift pattern and it has improved my riding tremendously.  I don't see a downside to it.  I agree that some "race" characteristics, such as racing slicks, really don't have a practical use on the road, but I have always thought that racing, NASCAR for example, was a kind of R&D for Chevrolet, Ford, etc., and had a trickle down into the later production versions.  It seems to me like the motorcycle market would be even more into that mentality because the production bikes are so much closer to the race machines then cars would ever be. 
I seems to me that the standard shift pattern resembles the old reliable computer system that controls the facility that I work at.  It has been in place for so long and has gotten so big that it is just impossible to change without causing major problems.  In the case of motorcycle shifting, major problems means getting people killed. 
On a side note, for anyone that swaps to the GP shifting, a small sticker on the tach is a great way to remind yourself for the first couple of weeks.  Or at least until you get it into your head.

psychledelic - I agree with you that reverse-shifting (aka - gp shifting) is better than standard shifting but of course everyone has their own reasons to do it. I used to use it on my track bikes because you get a more positive upshift, no toe under shifter in turns (but that might only happen a tiny % of times honestly) and it was somewhat easier to "backshift" while hard on the brakes. The biggest plus for me was the not missing an upshift anymore. You mentioned that it improves your riding tremendously. Can you please expand on that?

Is it riding experience? Enjoyment? Quality? Or less mistakes? Just wondering as I have friends who ask me about it and I only have my own reasons to switch.

Another great plus (sometimes a minus) is that other people tend to not want to ride your bike if it's reverse shifted.

Good idea on the sticker though. I left myself a note on the tank this morning but didn't need it as I thought about it all morning when I was getting ready.  Backshift, backshift, backshift. Forward shift. I got it.

I like GP shifting for reasons already mentioned:

• It's more natural for me
• My shifts are more positive
• My shifting is smoother and faster up and down
• If I let people ride my bike, they are always more careful about what they are doing.

I have no trouble whatsoever switching bikes with different shift patterns.

so for a DSS w/ stock rear-sets, is it ergonomically better to get a GP shift lever that's angled or straight?

thx,
b.

I've been wanting to check this out, thanks for the info!

And it gets rid of all those extra parts!

I've got a prob - 05 S2R - Not enough room.  When I rotate the shifter flange the connecting rod can't get the clearance it would need to reach it.
(https://lh5.ggpht.com/mark.kreutzkamp/SJzAiIPsK4I/AAAAAAAADrs/0UA5tfrw_UA/GPShifter_prob1.JPG?imgmax=512)

You have enough room. I did it on my S2R...

Heh. You said 'did it'. hehehehhe

;D

Nope.  On an 05 S2R sold in the US it can't be done.  I've tried switching the connecting rod from side-to-side to gain clearance (can't) and every rotation angle of the shifter flange. 

its bascically the same engine. the oil sump is a bit different. you must be doing something wrong.

Dude, my first Duc was a U.S. model 05 S2R Dark. I had it reversed for about 3000 miles before I was hit by a semi...

Edit: Found a pic

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j135/JoshFan1980a/New%20Ducati/Salvage/DSC01323.jpg)

Now obviously it's a little bent from the collision, but it is TOTALLY doable...

And I though my chain was bad...  [thumbsup]

It was sitting in a slavage yard for a few months in the elements...

I'll have to remember that.  I usually blame mine on riding in the rain and dirt away from home and a cleaner.
But really it's not that bad and just a couple plates rusted a bit over the winter.

Sorry to hear about the semi. :(  I'm still recovering from getting rear ended by a tow truck last year, thankfully I was in my car instead of on the bike that morning.

Maybe something on my unit is bent?  I thought maybe you guys were attaching the connecter rod on the OUTSIDE of the pivots in order to score room, but from the pics, everyone is leaving it on the inside. I'm just gonna buy a Gp shifter and call it a day.  i'm sick of all that linkage and shit anyway.  It looks like a cluster fuk.

See the nuts at either end of the shaft? Loosen them, then turn the flanges to make the linkage longer. You should get more clearance that way.

Can someone please explain what this does.... [laugh]

http://www.tpoparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_28&products_id=120&osCsid=be25a3d04abd795fe1c813b37aa38543

It rips you off  ;D

Just like everything else they sell. Their "kit" for the emissions canister is $20, I did it for less than $3...

I got a problem. I tried this on my '94 m900, and it works when you move the shifter up, but when you push down, the linkage hits the shift lever pivot. I can't see how I'll adjust anything to fix it. The only way is to change the angle of the shifter, but it's right where I like it now. I don't want to bend the linkage.

Anyone have a pic or any ideas?

I had the same issue with the Supersport. I basically had to lengthen the linkage. Take a look at the ends of the linkage: there are two nuts on each end that positions the eyelet. You can loosen those and turn them to lengthen or shorten the linkage.

If you can find a position for the shifter arm that actuates the shifter splines cleanly both ways, you should be able to shorten or lengthen the linkage to accommodate.

Feel free to ring me and I can talk you through it.

Sorry it took me so long to reply, Ever since I started riding, the standard upshift with your toe under the lever never felt right.  After rides over 2 hours, I would get lazy and miss shifts.  I would occasionally miss shifts when coming out of a curve, and worst of all, hit a false neutral while my friends and I were accellerating hard (there bikes are a little faster then mine anyway).  With the reverse pattern, that is gone.  I can really jam into the gears when I want to.  I can work the clutch faster (if I use it).  For me, the GP shifting just felt more natural.  And yea, the GP sticker will deter people from asking to ride your bike. 

Thanks Desmoq. I'll have a fiddle with it on saturday I think.

dump the linkage.

or spend zero dollars to flip it until you know if you like it. then dump the linkage.

BSA's were (are) one up three down and Triumphs (produced at the same tiem) were one down three up. Then along came the Japenese who "standardised" things which also included the gear change being on the left.

Well I've decided it's impossible. If I keep the lever in the stock position and flip the linkage, the linkage hits the lever pivot. I need to rotate the actuator forwards, but if I do that, it hits my aftermarket clutch slave.
My only option now is to buy a reverse shifter. Oh well.

Maybe that's the problem on yours, the aftermarket slave...

Yeah I could definitely do it if the slave wasn't getting in the way.

Anyone read the Aug Motorcyclist article (?) about Gp shifters?  It's negative about using them on street bikes.

I missed that one.

Why was it negative for GP-shifting on street bikes?

Will it work for my s4r?Do i have to adjust my pegs?

It worked on my S4r just fine, with no adjustment to the rearsets. Eventually I went with a true GP shifter, but reversing the stock linkage was easy.

I read that and it's a decent article too. However, I still think it's all about personal preference. If you can adapt to reverse shifting then it's no more "dangerous" (or whatever) than standard - it's just different. I have it on my Monster but can't get it to feel quite right on my 998 with a DP reverser and Cycle Cat rearsets. SUCKS!

Any u Monster owners using a reverse shifter?
Pro's and con's?

Numerous threads on this topic.

Pros:
Solid shifting
Weight savings.   [cheeky]

Cons:
None

I love it, and have it on all of my bikes.

Both my bikes are set up reverse pattern.. I love it

as stated.. No negatives [thumbsup]

There, fixed it.  [laugh]

Personally I went reverse back when raced. At some point I made the switch back to 'normal' (I think there was a time when I only owned one bike and I never got around to reversing that bike when I got it new)

Never really thought about it until you brought it up. I honestly prefer reverse.

Haha, yes - demo day can be tricky. I've started in third gear from a stop on a couple of occasions. Ive also sat there with a blank look on my face wondering why I stalled in 1st gear (uh, 6th gear...) too

The Monster is reverse, the KTM is normal
I get screwed up for maybe 5 minutes going from one to the other

Yeah,,,,I will probably do that!! [bang]

I am about to put on adjustable footrests...I am thinking about further back and down, they are 25mm.
So, I am wondering about the reach.
I like the look of the one SSR has that has a "offset feature".

Haha - such a small world  - look for my posts on it  I sent them that CAD when I couldn't locate a CycleCat DSL2 offset reverse shifter (and CC was not in production) - they made some changes and voila.  Note, they made it completely "skeleton-ized" so there is no middle - less strong than the simply 'scalloped' for weight reduction version I had done up looking at the DSL2. Works very well with Rizoma rearsets which bow out like the factory rearsets. 

Reverse shifters are very nice on Ducati - they slip right onto shaft, or you can rotate original piece 180 degree.  I am troubled by short linkage on Hypermotard, it is not conducive for such a change.   Perhaps we will have to come up with a solution, but after a few moments of riding, it becomes natural as if you have never done reverse before. 

just reversed mine and liking it after a short ride just to test it out... [thumbsup]

I run reverse shift and love it. It is easier for me to click down for upshifts when hard accelerating and coming out of turns. No negatives for me besides being momentarily confused when I get on another bike. I just put rizoma rearsets on my bike and set those up for reverse shift as well. Plus it is very simple to do with stock setup

I never know Monsters came with a Reverse. That would help in the parking lot!

haha look at this smart A$$ here....funny though...good one  [thumbsup]  [beer]

"they slip right onto shaft, or you can rotate original piece 180 degree."

I don't follow [bang]...anyone do this ?
Pics, thanks

meaning pull the shift lever off and flip shift linkage to the top instead of bottom. I did it on my 01 but havn't tried it yet.  Free mod.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=7047.msg129658#msg129658 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=7047.msg129658#msg129658)

Wow....I went out again and looked at the shift linkage on my 98' M900. I have stock rearsets with adjustable 25mm footrests
I still dont see how you can flip the linkage & have the shifter reversed!!

Please can someone post a pic!!

Forgive my ignorance

I posted a link

Thanks  Cupcake!!

Yeah I went back out to take another look & adjust my chain.
Then I thought about changing the 2.5" connector to the 12 oclock position instead of the 6 oclock which is standard.
I was thinking originally that the shift lever would be reversed as well as all the linkage. :-\

Thanks again for the link.

I think I will take the $100 plinge and get the SSR extended out version to work with my stock rearsets

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]