thanks,
yup the throw distance is reduce *significantly*, coz not only is the top of the shifter about 2 inches shorter, but the bottom part of the shifter below the pivot point is also longer than stock. so actually the angle that the shifter has to move when changing gears (e.g. 1st to 2nd) is also reduced. you'll be able to change gears by just flicking your wrist, instead of moving your whole arm
if you want to make the shifter feel more solid and precise when shifting, get the kartboy bushings too. you'll probably wanna change your transmission fluid to synthetic too, otherwise you'll notice the notchiness even more with the bushings installed.