suicide clutch/jockey shift

25372 Views 69 Replies 24 Participants Last post by Augie, May 10, 2020

cshaw07

Discussion Starter · Apr 28, 2015

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?

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TenDollarBill

· #12 · Apr 28, 2015

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.

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TenDollarBill

· #19 · Apr 28, 2015

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.

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TenDollarBill

· #27 · Apr 28, 2015 (Edited)

CrazyDave said:
There are many who would argue that safety devices have made for more risk taking and overall worse drivers.. when ones life is more on the line they tend to pay more attention, when people have a false sense of security they tend to get sloppy and careless

I have a slightly different interpretation. I don't think safety devices cause increased risk taking, I think the difference is that where a sloppy careless driver/rider would have been killed, now they live through it to be sloppy and careless again.
A customer of mine once thought a large razor sharp spike right in the center of the steering wheel would be the best safety device. It would be a very visible reminder to drive safely.

Edit: There is another important side to safety devices in cars, and this is the one that's more important to me. It not only protects you if you screw up, but more importantly it affords more safety when SOMEBODY ELSE screws up and causes an accident. If I was the only car or bike on the road I'd have a lot less concern about riding gear, helmets, front brakes etc because I'm confident in my abilities and am responsible for the mistakes I make or don't make. It's all the drunk, distracted, inept, reckless and irresponsible drivers that concern me and from whom I am protecting myself, and why I'm glad mandatory safety gear exists.

Ok, I going to get off my soap box now.

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TenDollarBill

· #31 · Apr 29, 2015

C5rider said:
Agreed TenDollar. Innovations should be available to everyone, and they are. But the hair raises on the back of my neck when EVERYONE is expected to use them. Personal responsibility needs to be part of the equation. That means, if you choose not to use them, then the responsibility is on you to learn how to operate without needing those safety measures. I think this fosters a more thoughtful approach to life than relying on all those safety measures to keep us safe and find someone to sue when they don't. My .o2.

(CrazyDave beat me to the same thought!)

CrazyDave said:
If one is ****y or sloppy because of ABS ( an example) and brakes later and collides because they equated ABS with being able to stop quicker..how is that safer..for cager or biker?

A to the second.. single vehicle crashing is still the number one motorcycle accident, basically the majority of the time the rider is still their worst enemy. Further in two vehicle accidents it has been shown that many could have been avoided by the reaction of the rider.

Ok I am going to get ready for my drs. appointment now

EDIT..oh what the heck , I have a few minutes.. the following was taken from a report on a NHTSA study....

Researchers have compared accident and fatality rates for vehicles with and without ABS. Other studies have examined the driving records of ABS and non-ABS equipped taxi drivers in Munich and Oslo. The accident and fatality data shows that ABS exacerbates the severity of accidents in certain situations. The taxi study proved that drivers tend to take greater risks in cars equipped with ABS (although the difference in collision rates was not significant). In short, ABS may do more harm than good.

Killer ABS - The Truth About Cars

Ah yes, ABS. ABS is a special case. It's a horrible design. I have a pick up truck and when it's empty, the ABS can increase stopping distance. I've even looked into disconnecting it, but it's so integrated into the design of the truck that it's not practice to disconnect it. I learned to drive in !ichigan in the snow and ice and I can do a far better job of stopping than tne ABS can. So I'm with you on this particular "safety" feature.
I hope the doc appointment went well.

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TenDollarBill

· #43 · Apr 30, 2015 (Edited)

I think this will answer your question. The way it works is, with your left hand you squeeze the lever on the shifter rod. That is the clutch lever. Then, with the clutch disengaged, you move the shift rod, still with your left hand , either forward or backward to shift up or down. Once the shift is complete you release the lever, thus engaging the clutch and away you go.
Does that help?

Reiterating my first comment in this thread, I don't understand why anyone would want to do it and I think it's not safe.

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