Reverse shift pattern…

Finaly I decided to reverse the shift pattern on my bike. Normal bike has 1 DOWN – N – and 2,3,4,5 and 6 UP. With the reverse pattern, the 1 will be UP – N – 2,3,4,5 and 6 will be DOWN.

This reverse pattern is commonly used by race bike, as a matter of fact, almost all motoGP rider is using this reverse pattern. John Hopkins (I read onced) is the only known motoGP rider that still using normal shift pattern (1 DOWN).

Here’s my reason in doing so…

1. Up Shift during cornering is much easier

This is I think the most important reason. When you in a long sweeper, with the rev already nearing the red line it is much easier to Up Shift with just a press of your toe on the shift lever. Case in point is the R10-11-12 at Sentul Circuit. When you hard in 2nd gear coming to the R10, the engine is already screming near the red line. Pass R11, just press your toe and you in 3rd. With normal pattern, your toe need to be placed under the shift lever before entering R10, bit too much preparation and cumbersome. Not to mentioned that you already in max lean, getting your right knee down, thus you left foot is bit tip-toe ing on the rear set. Tough!

2. Avoid incidental too much Down Shifting

This is also important. You Up Shift too much the bike will not do much. You will only loose some torque coming out of corner. No big deal. But if you Down Shift too much nearing the red line is different story. The rear end will shake, and if you lean preparing for a corner, you might get thrown away by the bike.

By making Down Shift a lot more effort than Up Shift, you can avoid too much Down Shifting and locking the rear tire.

3. Hey.. Rossi and Stoner doing it!

Perhaps the reason why so many racer; up to motoGP rider, is using reverse pattern is because it is working, especially in racing situation.

Now, just because Rossi use it do not means you need to change your shift pattern right away! Especially if you have already in normal pattern for a long time. Changing the shift pattern will require you to change your subconscious thinking when riding a motorcycle. In high RPM in race situation changing gear has dire consequences, it can harm you if you wrongly doing so.

As for me, the first step was to change all the shift pattern of my bike. Meaning the Suzuki Satria, the Monster and finally the CBR will need to change. For several days the Monster has it shift pattern changed. Took it for a ride and I think I’m doing OK already.

For the Suzuki Satria, I did try the new reverse shift pattern during Friday (2/15) practice with Samuel. I must say, I’m getting comfortable with it, and I can see the benefit in reverse shift.

For Sentul gokart track Up Shift in Turn 4 and Turn 12 is much easier.

Yet, too bad I crash and low sided in Turn 4 while Samuel crash in Turn 2. The track was slippery as it has been raining for days in Sentul. Yet, I do see the benefit of reverse shift pattern and I intend to stick with it. Next will be with the CBR.