Abstract: A gear-change apparatus for a vehicle transmission having multiple forward speed gear trains and one reverse gear train that is established by a slide meshing action of a reverse idler gear. A cam mechanism between the reverse gear shift fork and one of the forward gear shift forks causes that forward gear shift fork to move a small stroke toward gear engagement to engage the synchronizing mechanism to stop or reduce inertial rotation of components within the transmission without actually causing engagement of that forward gear, which function occurs just prior to actual engagement of the reverse gear train. A recess in the interlocking plate permits the small stroke of movement of the forward shift fork. In one embodiment the cam mechanism includes a one-way device to eliminate any substantial resistance to shifting the apparatus out of reverse gear.