A shift signal transmitter for a manual transmission of a vehicle, in particular of a motorcycle, includes a shift rod for force-transmitting coupling to a foot lever, optionally with the interposition of an extension rod. The shift rod is guided along its longitudinal axis in an axially displaceable manner between two axial stops in an, in particular sleeve-shaped, housing. A connecting piece, which serves for coupling to a shift lever, is rigidly connected to the housing opposite to an internal axial end of the shift rod. A distance sensor for contact-free distance measurement is disposed within the housing opposite to the internal axial end of the shift rod and a sensor area of the distance sensor is oriented radially relative to the longitudinal axis. A shift apparatus for a manual transmission of a vehicle is also provided.