learning to shift

bird · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 147

I'm just wondering how hard it is to make the transition from 100cc to shifters. Tom (my brother) has been offered a test in a 250 (that'll terrify his mother!) as well as a FFord, and I think we might compete in 125s (ICC) next year due to his height and weight. He's racing in Junior Rotax at the moment after doing Yamaha and JICA. Am I right in thinking he'll probably just need a few days solid testing to get used to it?

Alex Gappmayer · Joined: 30 Jul 2001 Posts: 301

Hi Mary-Ann!

For a good driver (which I think your brother is

)it should be possible in a few practice sessions without any problem.
I made this switch 3 years ago and I became immendiately used to it. Also a few club mates did this without trouble. The only thing is that you have to start from scratch with your setups and gear ratios.

Regards

Alex

Doug Welch · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 3:04 am Post subject: learning to shift

Nothing to it, just stand on the gas and wiggle the stick.

Doug

Marc Miller · Advertiser Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1834

I am with Doug here for sure... when the motor stops pulling... pull the shifter... and keep it up until there are no gears left.

I remember I was having so much fun my first time out, I was looking for 7th and 8th gear regularly!

After the first session, you just get the hang of it...

MM

Michael Taksa · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 6:17 am Post subject: learning to shift

Marc, you must have some long straights.

Saro Marcarian · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 11:24 am Post subject: learning to shift

quote:
Originally posted by Mary-Ann Horley:
. Tom (my brother) has been offered a test in a 250 (that'll terrify his mother!) as well as a FFord

If you can play video games, a kart is a no-brainer to shift. The Ford might be a totally different proposition requiring proper rev matching and heel/toe - if FF is still running 'conventional' grocery-getter types of controls.

-Saro

Charlie Tackett · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 4:36 pm Post subject: learning to shift

Mary-Ann

Get him to get the game GPII or whatever the newest version is. THen get a sterring whell/pedal unit. I believe ours is a Thrustmaster?. It has right foot gas, left foot brake and a sequential bump shift lever located directly to the right of the wheel. It is a perfect kart similator.

That's what Ted used when he first got into shifters, well, before he actually got into them. TOld him unless he could run competitive times on the game without the use of any of the drivers aids, he wasn't ready for a shifter kart. It worked...on the podiun and darn near won his first shifter race! A lot cheaper than track time, too!

Scott Minehart · Joined: 22 Jul 2001 Posts: 67 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA

Thats actually a good idea. I have GT3 and it doesnt get more realistic wiht all the setups. My wheel has the bump shift on it too. switched the controls around so you push it forward to downshift and back upshift. works out very well.

scott

Joe Galyon · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 9:12 pm Post subject: learning to shift

I just made the transition from an Unlimited laydown with twin 125's to a Birel/TM shifter. I came in mid pack in the first race. If you can drive a straight shift car, it comes pretty natural!

Mike Hendley · Joined: 23 Jul 2001 Posts: 23 Location: Canada, ON, Carp

quote:
Originally posted by Charlie Tackett:
Mary-Ann

Get him to get the game GPII or whatever the newest version is. THen get a sterring whell/pedal unit. I believe ours is a Thrustmaster?. It has right foot gas, left foot brake and a sequential bump shift lever located directly to the right of the wheel. It is a perfect kart similator.

That's what Ted used when he first got into shifters, well, before he actually got into them. TOld him unless he could run competitive times on the game without the use of any of the drivers aids, he wasn't ready for a shifter kart. It worked...on the podiun and darn near won his first shifter race! A lot cheaper than track time, too!

I would strongly suggest Grand Prix Legends if you are looking for a good practice game. It is based on the late 60's F1 cars. The physics are incredible and you can work on understanding set up if you choose. The game has a strong following and never did well in the market because the cars were too hard to drive for most. I guess most people still expect arcade action. The game helped me alot when getting into shifters last year and I still use it to practice lines and technique.

Regards,
Mike

bird · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 147

Thanks everyone

We'll check it all out

Scott Minehart · Joined: 22 Jul 2001 Posts: 67 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA

Here are my experiences with shifting. Drove my shifter for the first time today. Shifting is easy, first gear launch is a little harder. I can drive a manuel car fine. The clutch on these takes some gettin used to. just my input

Scott