GP Shifting on your dirt bike

[Skid Jackson]

I've got a Kaw ex 500 that i road race at loudon. I plan on switching the shifter over to Gp (Grand Prix) style. (that's one up four down, which is opposite of 1 down 4/5 up of your typical bike. It's a road racer thing!) I'm thinking that it would make sense to do this to my drz. Anybody out there using gp shifting on thier dirt bike?? Do the mx pros use gp shifting??

 

[Danman]

My guess would be that the pros don't. Most grew up riding dirt bikes and that is how most come so they are used to it. I would think that it would all be a matter of preferrerance. In some cases it might be a bad thing if you were to accedently bump it into a higher gear on a steep hill or something and stall out. If that what you are used to I say go for it.

 

[Wraith]

I don't think you will find that many people out there that can lean a dirtbike far enough over in a turn (and having to shift in the process) that keep both feet on the pegs. :cool: I always assumed the road racers switched to this pattern, because they were at full tilt (to the left), and shifting coming out of a turn. Thus, not allowing their foot to get under the shifter. But if you know of a dirt rider that can do this. You need to call me. Because I would pay a $1 to see it;)

I wouldn't think you would need to replace your pattern on the DRZ. Unless you plan on racing one right after the other. I would bet, that as soon as you got ample amount of seat time (after many, many hours of practice with the upside down pattern) on either bike before the race. It would come natural. But if you wanted something different. Then go for it:aj:

 

[Skid Jackson]

Wraith, your right about coming out of the turn and being able to bang down through the gears. That's why i'm changing the ex over to gp shifting. I was thinking about doing it to the drz to keep everything the same. I'll be on the drz more than the ex. I'm a little worried about confusing the shift patterns. The results of a mis-shift on the road track could be catastrophic!! :eek:

 

[pyromaniac]

My neighbour have a husqvarna 400 from like -60 or -70 back when he raced it.

It had first up and rest down but i guiss there is a reason why todays husqvarna doesnt have it like that anymore.

I never dared to ride that crazy bike because everything was different, if i would like to brake i would actually put a higher gear in - just guiss how that would end :)

 

[yzracer49]

Shift Pattern

I also ran a revers pattern on my race bike. Had no problem switching. Had many problems going back. Had to think too much. :eek:

I don't think it is possible to switch on a dirtbike. The shifter is connected right to the shift shaft. While on a streetbike, linkage is used, that can be easily reversed.