I'm probably wrong but suicide shift, Really?

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Oct 5, 2011 | 07:05 AM

wbohart1

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2nd Gear

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 6

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From: Owenton, Ky.

I'm probably wrong but suicide shift, Really?

I own a 1934 74ci VLD (flathead) Harley Davidson. I hear people who should know just what makes this style of clutch (not the shift) seem to be suicide. This is what I know after 53 years of being around this 1934 VLD. 1, It's not the shift. 2, It is the clutch. 3, Has anyone who talks about the "suicide" ever rode one? 4, I would have to guess NOT! Please understand this type of clutch is seemingly suicide. If one forgets he has his bike in 1st gear while sitting at a red light, or other intersection stopped. If you remove your foot off the clutch (again, while in gear) the friction plates will be wet (at some point) and the clutch will engage and launch you and bike into traffic. Coining the word "suicide" So with all this in mind my Father who shipped this VLD from Germany after WWII (1944) always called it the "Suicide Clutch". Was he wrong or what is the deal? Please correct me and give me reasons why I am (if I am) wrong about this term. "Suicide clutch", Not "Suicide shift" Thank you Gentlemen.

I have logged many, many miles on this factory correct VL and it is truly a joy to have this vibrator between my legs.Sweet ride.

Last edited by wbohart1; Oct 5, 2011 at 07:11 AM.

Oct 5, 2011 | 07:17 AM

dog155

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 13,389

Likes: 26

From: Windham,Maine

Hey Wobohart,you are right it should be called suicide clutch because that is exactly what was so unpredictable if not adjusted properly.All my first half dozen Harleys were tank shifters.After the first one a 1937 80" Flathead learned how to adjust the clutch so when disingaged you could trust it.I did get launched a few times through stop lights amazing how hard it is to try and stop those beasts.

Oct 5, 2011 | 07:25 AM

DR. V-TWIN

Former Sponsor

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 19,364

Likes: 40

From: Los Angeles, CA

I run a foot clutch and when my foot slips off the clutch the bike will stall. I never call my bike suicide clutch as I have a frotn brake and dislike the term suicide clutch. I call it foot clutch with tank shift.

Drew

Oct 5, 2011 | 07:39 AM

BassCatcher

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 4,626

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From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Quote:

f one forgets he has his bike in 1st gear while sitting at a red light, or other intersection stopped. If you remove your foot off the clutch (again, while in gear) the friction plates will be wet (at some point) and the clutch will engage and launch you and bike into traffic. Coining the word "suicide"

I must be missing something here. That statement is true for any stick shift be it a motorcycle, car or truck.