[cshaw07]

Figured that title would get some clicks

As soon as I get my new torch head for my plasma cutter I'm going to be making some forward controls for my 86 vt700. I'm also going to make it foot clutch/jockey shift with some new motocross style foot pegs/clutch lever that i'm also going to make. I cant wait!

I've never ridden a bike in this configuration, but I'm gonna learn. Anyone else ever ride a bike set up such as this? Opinions? Comments?

 

[h13man]

You are aware the old style setups were accidents waiting to happen do to most folk weren't savvy enough to adapt to the sequence in shifting and braking. Seen it personally with a fellow riders on an old Indian flathead and 56' Panhead. A very slow and methodical process thus keeping ones attention away from more important matters but to each their own.

 

[smilie]

They call the set-up a suicide clutch for a reason. Feelin' lucky? Well, are ya?

 

[MikeB]

I've never ridden a bike in this configuration, but I'm gonna learn. Anyone else ever ride a bike set up such as this? Opinions? Comments?

Yes, my brother's old Harley 45 ex-WWII bike.

Opinion? You are crazy as a loon. Offered in the nicest possible way, of course. :mrgreen:

There is a reason why "change" and "progress" are sometimes synonymous.

 

[sidejam]

In an effort to make it slightly less complicated, why not have a hand clutch on the shifter as well? Would still look pretty cool and probably a lot easier to ride.

 

[h13man]

^^^^^
That even looks much safer. The Darwin Theory comes to mind, again. Heck go back to right foot shifting while we are at it.

 

[CrazyDave]

It is one of those things that fall into the same category as hard tail frames kick starters and mechanical advance.. if you got a hard on for it then do it.. just be aware

 

[amos]

Yes, more than 15 years with a panhead sporting a hand clutch not a suicide shift. After a while it's just as second nature as foot shift. Give it a try if you want, it's your bike. Most of the opinions you'll get are from people who've never tried it and over zealous safety Nazi's. You can always "put it back" if you don't like it. "But that's just like my opinion man."

 

[amos]

Here's one on an '82 xj750, that I had for a while.

 

[cshaw07]

oh i already made my mind up and ordered a master cyl for the job (since hydro clutch). I do happen to have a hard on for hardtails and kick starters! To me it seems safer, as I cant work a clutch with my hand and signal at the same time. If my foot got clutch duty my arm is open to flail about except when actually shifting. And i'm still going to have a front brake so that takes some of the "suicide" out of it lol I figured that after a week it'll be second nature, good to hear that it will be/is. This is my main form of transport, rain or shine.

 

[cshaw07]

also, i don't really like the idea of the clutch lever on the shift lever. that's just like adding a third handle bar, and then I don't know what the left foot's for other than holding you up. Would be great if i ever lost my leg though. Plus then again you need your hand off of the handle bars to take off from every stop, hindering my signaling ability. I rode a 73 harley when I was about 17 once, right foot shift... SUPER weird.

 

[TenDollarBill]

Are you nuts? Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. There is a reason it's called a suicide clutch and no one makes them any more. It makes no sense to take an already risky activity and make it more complicated.

 

[cshaw07]

Are you nuts?

Yes. :mrgreen: That's the same question I get when I show up to work on the bike in 30* weather. In the rain.

 

[CrazyDave]

Just a note..millions of bikers survived countless miles with no ill effect before all this "modern" technology.. if you want to do it fine by me

 

[jpr1968]

Are you nuts? Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. There is a reason it's called a suicide clutch and no one makes them any more. It makes no sense to take an already risky activity and make it more complicated.

Are you nuts for even riding a bike?:roll:

 

[cshaw07]

Are you nuts for even riding a bike?:roll:

This is America, we barely even get stick shift cars :lol:

 

[C5rider]

Your bike...

Some great info here. Do it if you want, but be careful.

This IS America. Remember, land of the free. Free to choose, free to explore, FREE. Not to be stupid, but free to do and learn new things.

I'm not going to try and define that line between morals, freedom and personal rights. That doesn't have any place in a thread about how a guy shifts his motorcycle. But, there IS a responsibility that comes with it. Take your time, learn how to do it safely (not just so you can throw sticks around and look cool) and become one of those in the know about a little-understood facet of early motoring.

For your viewing pleasure --- https://youtu.be/8lEYaTvvq4g?t=5m16s

 

[CrazyDave]

This is America, we barely even get stick shift cars :lol:

In late 2013 I reintroduced myself to the joy of manual shifting..still loving it

 

[TenDollarBill]

Don't get me wrong, you are certainly free to do whatever you want, and if I think that's nuts, don't let it sway your decision. BUT, you asked. There are many safety innovations that people lived without before they were invented. That doesn't mean they haven't improved vehicle safety, seat belts, disc brakes, safety windshield glass, redundant brake systems, crumple zones, the list goes on and on. You can build yourself a car without any of these and maybe drive it with no ill effects, but that doesn't mean you should or that it's a good idea.
So, torch away and send pics of the suicide clutch.

 

[cshaw07]

I've already been kinda PRE suicide clutch/jockey shift practicing... Always come to stop in neutral and always keep my left foot up on the peg. Figure better to get that part down now as it's the most important part. I live in an area where I could practice on my street and not ever see a car other than my close neighbors (though one would try to hit me on purpose). Ive had one three auto vehicles and always regretted it every single time, two of the three needed transmissions rebuild about 3 months after purchase. I figure it's no different on a bike, except it frees my arm for signaling coming away from a stop sign or light.