Sato GP (Short) Shifter Installed

nickbee · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 02:59 AM

Don’t mind the hazy pic, I took it tonight in my dark garage and it was washed out a bit by the flash.

I installed the Sato GP shifter (Thanks Scott) in normal configuration. My main reason for getting it was to shorten the throw of the shifts. I could not be any happier with the results! Every shift I made today had me thinking “WOW that was easy, smooth AND QUICK”…

The shift arm has two holes for adjustability. The hold furthest from the spindle is slightly shorter than stock, with the hold closer to the spindle being much shorter than stock (This is the one I used). The results feel great. And I’m convinced that the ball linkage is tighter / smoother than the stock. You are suppose to only be able to use these with Sato rears (which is what I’m doing), but I don’t see why you would not be able to use them with stock rears (maybe someone can chime in why). Overall I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to shorten the throw of the shift lever in either regular or GP mode.

**mrgrn** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 03:16 AM

NICE! i need that for my new rearsets.

how much are they retail?

Scott, please get me one of these

nickbee · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 03:32 AM

Here is the link from the DK site:

http://www.kyleusa.com/catalog/rc51_...it_4699404.htm

Scott will hook you up!

**mrgrn** · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2006, 10:40 PM

thank you

Scott, where are you?

**CBR400RR** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2007, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrgrn

thank you

Scott, where are you?

Sorry I have been swamped there $49.00 shipped, let me know.

Mick · #6 (**permalink**) 03-06-2007, 11:51 PM

That sounds fantastic.

I'm a little humbled as to why Sport Bikes have such sloppy shifting

With the exception of few that I've ridden, Honda's sport bikes seem to be trailing their MX lineup as far as grabbing gears. I'm almost appauled how stiff the shift engagements are..........not to mention how noisy the shift drum is.
I was also wondering if there was a cure to the long shift throws. I'm glad you posted this because I've been masterminding a plan to tighten the shift engagements up.

I'm pretty interested in the Factory Pro shift kit right now and that Sato shift arm sounds like a solid fix as well! I'd like to be able to retain my OE rearsets. So if for sure I can keep them with that shift arm I'd like to know

nickbee · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2007, 11:57 PM

I only used this arm with the Sato rears. But I see no reason it would not work with stock rears.

The Sato rears makes everything very tight and smooth. No play in the lever like stock. And ball bearings on the pivots.

RC51Stunna · #8 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 01:38 AM

I didnt even realize that it was adjustable for the throw. THANKS!!

Nickbee, you should give the GP shift a try, most people who try it realize that it makes sense and dont go back..

I Got the part just to switch to GP but now I can shorten my throw too, thats sweet!

Stunna

nickbee · #9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RC51Stunna

I didnt even realize that it was adjustable for the throw. THANKS!!

Nickbee, you should give the GP shift a try, most people who try it realize that it makes sense and dont go back..

I Got the part just to switch to GP but now I can shorten my throw too, thats sweet!

Stunna

Ya Stunna I was thinking of giving the GP style a try this year. You'll love the short throw!

Jsstritz · #10 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 02:00 AM

so this CANT be used with standard shift just to shorten it up?

nickbee · #11 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 02:03 AM

If you read the DK site it says it can only be used with Satos. My satos were installed already when I got the new arm. I don't see any reason why it would not work with the stock rears. I say try it and let us know, Or maybe someone knows why it won't work with stock rears?

Jsstritz · #12 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 03:27 AM

no no i will have sato's this week, i was wondering if they made this piece to shorten the shift however keeping stock pattern???

Smokngun · #13 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsstritz

no no i will have sato's this week, i was wondering if they made this piece to shorten the shift however keeping stock pattern???

You keep the stock pattern by mounting the arm so the shift rod is above the shift shaft. Reverse by mounting it below the shift shaft.

The arm is just splined and clamps on tight so you can put it in either position. This is how the Vortex unit worked on my friends Gixxer1000.

RC51Stunna · #14 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 04:18 AM

My question is how do you know exactly where to mount the thing whichever way you put it. up or down.

is it as perfectly vertical as you can eyeball it?

Stunna

nickbee · #15 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RC51Stunna

My question is how do you know exactly where to mount the thing whichever way you put it. up or down.

is it as perfectly vertical as you can eyeball it?

Stunna

it's called trial and error. PLace it where you think it works,, then ride. Then adjust the spindle you have it on or by adjusting the shaft for fine tunning. You'll get it just right any playing with it a bit. I am using it with sato rears and normal operation (NOT GP syle).

Furious Styles · #16 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 10:31 AM

There is absolutely no reason to change to a GP shift pattern... many try it... and (true)many don't go back. No one ever tells you that they blew a tranny or a motor because they shifted wrong. Yes it happens and I've seen it happen on a borrowed bike during a race.
Mladin uses a regular shift pattern due an ankle injury, I think thats enough to sum up why its not a must do modification.
I think it should be realized by some.

YOU AIN'T GP MATERIAL

SO LET IT GO.

RC51Stunna · #17 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Furious Styles

There is absolutely no reason to change to a GP shift pattern... many try it... and (true)many don't go back. No one ever tells you that they blew a tranny or a motor because they shifted wrong. Yes it happens and I've seen it happen on a borrowed bike during a race.
Mladin uses a regular shift pattern due an ankle injury, I think thats enough to sum up why its not a must do modification.
I think it should be realized by some.

YOU AIN'T GP MATERIAL

SO LET IT GO.

YA!! Dont do this mod if you have a left ankle injury OR your not familiar with the pattern and your RACING *ON SOMEONE ELSES BIKE!

Shoot for GP--> Land at Starbucks!

Stunna

wingnutt · #18 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RC51Stunna

My question is how do you know exactly where to mount the thing whichever way you put it. up or down.

is it as perfectly vertical as you can eyeball it?

Stunna

Stunna,If you don't know how to mount it here's a link that will get you started NWS

WWW.ifithasapulseillmountit.com

_________________________

nickbee · #19 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 04:42 PM

I was going to try the GP shift for the hell of it. But the shifter is adjusted perfectly for me now so I might not mess with it.

But when the guy at Starbucks asks to ride my bike I could say, nope, it's a GP shifter, you can't hang!

motozyko · #20 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 01:14 AM

Dood... just get rid of the whole linkage and just order a shifter from a VFR800 and be done with it. $8-$12 says you'll be alot happier. Plus the feel of "stamping" the gears is more precise.