Gonna make a suicide shifter with dual control options...

[gruss]

So,
In my quest to be different in the sporty world, I'm sketching out a design for a suicide shifter for the sporty...It's going to include the option to run the gears with my foot, or by hand....

I'm excited as hell at this prospect, as it will be truely one of a kind....

I'm sure other systems exist out there, but I want one that is unique to me, and It's gonna be a fun build I think.

I am interested in your thoughts on this device, and your input if you have used them in the past....
Thank you....g

[BigWorm]

i like the idea, it shouldn't be too hard.

[DevilDog]

What about the clutch when you decide to shift by hand..... This concept sounds cool, and believe it or not I have thought along the same lines . I think that the hand shifter would be easy to accomplish with minimal fabrication skills. But most suicide shifters have a foot clutch so that would have to be factored in to the overall project unless you are going to reach over the tank and shift with right hand.

I will for sure follow this thread, as I would like to do this on a project bike.

[gruss]

What about the clutch when you decide to shift by hand..... This concept sounds cool, and believe it or not I have thought along the same lines . I think that the hand shifter would be easy to accomplish with minimal fabrication skills. But most suicide shifters have a foot clutch so that would have to be factored in to the overall project unless you are going to reach over the tank and shift with right hand.

I will for sure follow this thread, as I would like to do this on a project bike.

I do plan to reach accross the tank to shift...however, I've taken alot of measurements, and have considered a cross over to the right side....The question will be distance out from bike, to avoid the air cleaner assembly...

I may be stuck to the left side...

And I have no desire to use a foot clutch....g

[gruss]

and of course, it will function with the foot as well.....

[Dave63]

I've seen them before, and Indian has them.

Your linkage for the foot shifter remains, but is joined with more linkage, that moves the shifter up under the tank, then crosses over, to the right side.

This way, you have your hand clutch, and a RIGHT HAND shifter, never having to take your hands off the clutch, and no "crossing over", which can throw off balance, or cause issues.

The only difference with this one, is you'd pass your linkage through a "tube", to the right side of the bike.

Unless you really want to reach over the tank.... (NOTE** there's a left side mounted steering damper on this bike, which looks like it's part of the shifter, but it's not.)

[DevilDog]

What about a hand clutch on the shifter itself. Could or would it be possible to have a hand clutch on the handlebars and one on the suicide shifter ???


Dave is that a steering stabilizer on that bike?

[Dave63]

What about a hand clutch on the shifter itself. Could or would it be possible to have a hand clutch on the handlebars and one on the suicide shifter ???

In oder to have 2 clutches, you'd need 2 cables...... or a single coming out of the trans and a splitter somewhere.

A clutch lever on the shifter is relatively common.

[DevilDog]

In oder to have 2 clutches, you'd need 2 cables...... or a single coming out of the trans and a splitter somewhere.

A clutch lever on the shifter is relatively common.

Hmmmm I have seen clutch levers on the shifter before....... wonder if converting to hydraulic clutch would be easier to get levers in both spots to work correctly....... interesting...

[Dave63]

Hmmmm I have seen clutch levers on the shifter before....... wonder if converting to hydraulic clutch would be easier to get levers in both spots to work correctly....... interesting...

It would be, because if you run a splitter, then you're splitting fluid pressure, not a cable. However, converting to a hydraulic clutch on an XL is about anothr $300-350. It's not a true "Hydraulic" rather uses an activator/piston. PLUS, now you'd need another master cylinder to operate the foot control, which would be at least another $100 or so.....

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?productId=p572997

[gtoracer]

What problems would be encountered switching the clutch and front brake cables left to right?

[Dave63]

What problems would be encountered switching the clutch and front brake cables left to right?

Cables aren't the problem. Swapping the clutch cable to the right is easy. Just get a longer cable. Same with the brake hose.....

Switching the "levers" or the parts that hold the cables from side to side would include swithing lever mounts, which also would include changing ALL controls from left/right, and that would include wiring, new mounts for the levers (Master will only bolt onto the right, and clutch mount will only bolt on to the left) and the respective switch pods would have to be remade to switch to opposite sides.

You'd need totally new controls made, and custom at that. Or....make your own and redesign the switch layout.

[gruss]

I've seen them before, and Indian has them.

Your linkage for the foot shifter remains, but is joined with more linkage, that moves the shifter up under the tank, then crosses over, to the right side.

This way, you have your hand clutch, and a RIGHT HAND shifter, never having to take your hands off the clutch, and no "crossing over", which can throw off balance, or cause issues.

The only difference with this one, is you'd pass your linkage through a "tube", to the right side of the bike.

Unless you really want to reach over the tank.... (NOTE** there's a left side mounted steering damper on this bike, which looks like it's part of the shifter, but it's not.)

Ah yes !!

Thats the ticket Dave !!

I really do favor a right side shift, but that damn air cleaner is sooooo in the way at the moment....I've got to get around that somehow....

Reaching accross is "not" preffered, but i'll do it if I have too...

Thank you Dave.....g

[gruss]

I'm also going to design the hardware linkage using all existing bolt patterns. So I dont have to drill and tap anything on the bike..
That should be interesting....

[o8h0g]

Are you gonna switch to a true suicide shifter or jockey shift?