Anyone ever convert to a jockey shift?

R

rkv020407

New member
I've been working on a jockey setup for my '09 RK for a while now and it should be done soon. Hopefully...

A couple years ago a cager on a cell phone decided it would be a good idea to pull out in front of me and now my left shoulder is made of mostly metal and bone grafts. Pulling the hand clutch is making the pain worse and worse so I decided to convert to a jockey shift.

I am adapting a "rocker" style clutch since that is what I'm used to. Rocker clutches are great once you get used to them. Compared to a "suicide" clutch, a rocker clutch allows you to keep the clutch engaged by rocking the heel lever back which then stays where you put it. It is backward compared to a suicide or car style clutch though. It's "toe to go" on a rocker clutch.

Looking forward to seeing how r8rs4lf's project turns out too!

Here's what a rocker clutch setup looks like for those who have never seen one. I will be keeping the stock floorboards BTW...
 
So when you push down/forward on the heel portion of the clutch it disengages the clutch. I can see how the spring holds the clutch disengaged. What holds the clutch engaged when you push the toe part of the clutch forward/down? I'm guessing you need to keep the clutch engaged with your foot or the spring will disengage the clutch??????

I rode a '49 Harley 45 with this type of clutch many many (35) years ago and don't remember how it worked
 
Something like that would be ideal. It's a little scary thinking about different situations where that suicide clutch would put me in some serious danger. I have no doubt I'll eventually master it, it's just that time in between. Keep us posted on that!

I'll keep this thread updated when I get the kit in and install it. Ship time is somewhere between 4-6 weeks as I'm told since everything is made to order.
 
There's a huge domed star washer on the backside of the bracket at the pedal's pivot point that's designed to allow you to adjust the friction to hold the pedal in place.

If they were worn out or not adjusted properly they would not stay in place and then you basically have a suicide clutch.
 
Yep, once you get used to handshift/foot clutch it's second nature. I've ran a suicide clutch in the past on another bike and a few things can make the adjustment easier.

Try to find neutral as you're rolling up to a stop so you can get both feet down. IMO the most intimidating maneuver on a suicide clutch bike is making a slow speed left U turn. Those took some practice in a parking lot to get fully comfortable with.

I don't know if they make them for newer trannys or not, but Baker Drivetrain makes a "N-1" shift drum for older 4 speeds. It changes the shift pattern so neutral is all the way forward (N-1-2-3-4) which makes it much easier to find quickly. I've heard of guys using those "automatic clutch" deals with a handshift but don't know much about them...
 
Looks awesome....but what if your in traffic or something and you need to put your left foot to the pavement...?? AND say you dont have time to put it in nuetral either...???then what
 
the rocker is way more safe obviously. if you get into a bind,you just kick it back and its the same as you pulling the clutch lever in with your hand. it stays where its at both back or forward if everthing is working correctly.

the suicide was more fun to ride though i thought. could go through the gears a little quicker. i couldnt agree more about finding nuetral before you stop. that was a big help. left hand u turns were a mess. i never got used to those. riding in the mountains while 2 up was a chore as well,at least the stop and go part and stopping on hills.

head
 
Once you get the clutch adjusted properly for you, there is no issue. Hold the front brake when taking off on a hill kind of like you would in a stick shift car. I have been running this since January and will never go back.

I opted for the tank shifter as I did not want to have to reach down below my leg from my apes. It took me a few days to get my clutch adjusted properly, but once I found the sweet spot there were no issues. I was nervous splitting lanes at first, but it really not an issue. Just remember your clutch is with your foot.

I also talked to a CHP about legality, no issues here in CA.

Drew
 
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