Jockey shift . . .

We had discussed this about a year ago on the forum here, and I've decided to try it out. I have two options for operating the foot clutch - suicide or rocker style. I'd like to try going with the rocker style, but not sure if it can be retro fitted to an FXST forward control. Will also post on the shovelhead forum about this.

Would also be looking to buy a used rocker style clutch if anyone might have one . . .

Turns out the rocker style won't work on my bike unless I completely change my forward controls. I'm not willing to do that as I have too much time & labor invested in them to make them to fit the frame.

So, the only thing left is suicide or nothing, boys. It's crazy enough wanting to switch to a suicide clutch, but without a front brake of some kind, in my opinion, it really IS suicide! I have looked over some smaller DLS front drum brakes, like the Aermacchi that went on a Harley 350 Sprint, but I would have to change my wheel as well. Besides, the only DLS brakes I could find online were not in good shape. The only alternative left that will bolt right in is the old Hallcraft half mini brake. It takes the 3/4" axel I have, and can be laced to my 40 spoke wheel.

If I ever find that brake, then I'll go with the jockey shift . . . in the meantime, I have begun collecting all the parts I'll need for the conversion. I'm building my own shift lever . . .

I have an extra set of Showa lower legs, like the shaved ones I have on the bike now. I was looking for a Sportster front drum brake, but they are hard to find in good condition, and very pricy. Saw one dinged up one for $425.

As far as jockey shifting, I don't think it would be hard at all - like anything else, it can be mastered with practice, and we have a lot of lonely country roads around here!

Right now, I'm fabricating a new side mount tail light/license bracket to replace the one I have. It got a crack in it from the vibrations. Probably oriental junk and not cheap, either. The metal was only about a 1/16" thick and couldn't stand the strain, even with gussets that I added. My new one will be 3/16" thick. Should be riding again by the beginning of next week with my custom made, much stronger bracket.

I'd go with a mouse trap eliminator and foot control.
Too much to do and don't leave yer hands free.
Jockey shift suxs..

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/6300223


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Pictures Mousetrap Eliminator Setup - Club Chopper Forums


Used to run one on my PanHead.
Google it dude.

I'm sure JB, that there is something about the nostalgia of having a suicide clutch that appeals to you,and I agree they're cool to look at and imagine actually riding a bike with one. BUT there is NO question there is a huge safety factor to consider. I wouldn't put my life on the line. JMO My father operated bikes with them and he told me all about the inherit dangers of them. My safety is more important to me than me trying to look cool. To me it's like going without a helmet. Why?? If you gotta have one,go for it. This is JMO. Safety first for me.

+ 1

Thanks for your concerns, boys, but safety has never been a big priority with me - I think I said that a year or two ago. And yup, If I didn't have to wear a helmet, I wouldn't.

There are advantages to jockey shifting. All of the sloppy linkage is eliminated, and mine is sloppy - no matter how many times I have messed with bushings, etc. - which results in more positive gear changing. I have missed shifts because of that. I'd only be going 40 to 45 MPH tops when shifting up to or down from 4th, a reasonable speed with only one hand on the bars for a few seconds.

I'm still looking around to see if anyone has successfully mated a rocker style clutch to a FXST forward control. For "safety" reasons, I would prefer the rocker style to a suicide clutch - you could "lock" the clutch pedal leaving the tranny in first gear and put your foot down for balance, if needed.

I do need a front brake with that set up. Maybe a disc brake is the way to go - I have a spare Showa lower leg with the brake lugs still on it, though the fender lugs have been shaved LOL. FabKevin has a couple of front disc brakes.

That is all that it takes to die.

Oh yeah. I know two brakes are far better than one, and that the front accounts for 65% or more of the stopping power. The one rear brake I have makes me VERY alert when in traffic. But the trade off for riding a bike is well worth it, as we all know. All I can say is - so far, so good . . . .

There are a lot of knucklehead cagers who love to gab and text on their cell phones, plus N.C. has some of the world's worst drivers - I swear, I don't know how some of 'em got their licenses - a lot of coarse, stupid people out here. They pull out in front of you, slowly, and then drive 5 MPH, and all this when there's nobody behind you. They'll turn in front of you, stop in the road to talk, sometimes with a vehicle on both sides of the road, pass on curves. Combine that with cell phones and it's plenty dangerous for everybody, not just bikers.

Gotta agree with the above posts....All it takes is one time you need it and don't have it, you already have a disc and an "oriental" caliper on back...so a good front brake won't take away from the "look" but could save your azz and bike...

Even more of a reason to add more stopping power

Thanks CB, but the linkage I was talking about is the shift linkage between the pedal & shifter drum, not the clutch set-up as found on the '52 thru '68 Harleys. Mine is a '77.

Keep heading north and it gets much worse and bottoms out in Boston.


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