GP shifting, also known as reverse or race shifting, is a term used to describe a specific gear shifting pattern on motorcycles. In a standard or road shifting pattern, the rider shifts gears by pushing down on the gear lever to shift up and lifting it up to shift down. However, in GP shifting, the gear shifting pattern is reversed.
In GP shifting, the rider pushes down on the gear lever to shift down and lifts it up to shift up. This configuration is often preferred by motorcycle racers and sportbike riders due to its advantages in high-performance riding situations.
The main reason for using GP shifting is to optimize gear shifting during aggressive cornering. When entering a corner and leaning the motorcycle over, the rider's foot position naturally puts their toes underneath the gear lever. By using GP shifting, the rider can easily and quickly upshift by lifting their toes, which requires less foot movement and allows for faster and smoother gear changes while maintaining better control over the motorcycle.
GP shifting is commonly found in professional motorcycle racing, particularly in the Grand Prix (GP) circuits, hence the name. However, it's worth noting that GP shifting is not exclusive to racing and can be used by any rider who prefers this shifting pattern for their motorcycle.