Thinking of going Jockey Shift!
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
Thinking of going Jockey Shift!
I've been thinking about trading out my current clutch/shift system in for a suicide clutch/jockey shift.
Can anybody give me feedback on the system that has used it? I'd like to know more about it...right now it looks complex. So, how hard is it to adjust to the system?
Also, any tips/advice appreciated regarding install, brands, etc.
Thanks, all!
Can anybody give me feedback on the system that has used it? I'd like to know more about it...right now it looks complex. So, how hard is it to adjust to the system?
Also, any tips/advice appreciated regarding install, brands, etc.
Thanks, all!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
I have the Labriola setup. It is a very simple system to use and install. The only adjustment that can be made is the height of the foot clutch. (Foot clutch is the preferred name for this, not suicide clutch, as that referred to bikes that had no front brake.) I have the tank shifter as opposed to the jockey shifter, but the Jockey shifter install is even easier. It will take a bit to get used to a foot clutch as opposed to a hand clutch, but it is very simple. I just got back from a 1000 mile trip on mine and love it. The most important thing with this type of a setup is to take your time so you do not mix up the order of how you do things. I say go for it.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,436
Likes: 13
Might be ok, as long as you dont have to ride around in the CITY! Then i could see it being a BIG pain in the A$$!!! Plus never understood why a guy would want to make his life more DIFFICULT just to be cool, because it's definetly not practical no matter how you look at it!!! FLAME ON ME!
Last edited by hpfatboy; May 7, 2010 at 03:54 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 2
From: Upstate NY
Flame on. You don't have enough confidence in your riding ability to try something new and exciting? After 40 some years of riding metrics and H-Ds I was bored and needed something new to regain my interest. First it was the tank shift and then the side car. Now I'm happier than a clam and having all kinds of fun riding again. I've been invited to show my bike at one of the largest truck shows in the state and invited to give a little handi-capped boy a ride on a H-D for a benefit in his honor. Now you tell me that's not nice and exciting. Oh by the way, I've beat cancer (for now anyways) and I don't give a chit about being practical. You talk about not trying something because it's difficult. Try going thru Chemo for a year, now that’s friggin' difficult.
Coyote
Coyote
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
I feel the same way as Ole Coyote. I live in the heart of a large metropolitan city. I remember seeing a guy with a jockey shift splitting lanes a few years ago and thinking to myself how insane he was. I think I even started a thread about it under my personal user name. I think I just got bored but am now as confident as I was with a foot shifter and hand clutch. It sure is fun. I understand others thought about how this might be dangerous and a lot of people I talk to just look at me like I am insane, but I am a happy camper and that is all that matters. If you want to do it, go for it. Keep all your other stuff so you can switch back, just in case you have a change of heart later on.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
looks cool but thats about it. only advantage is most people wont want to ride your bike. but yes, why make things more difficult. if you do iit i would recommend, what i believe is called a mouse trap. i think it makes it so you can lock the clutch open, dont have to keep your foot on it, seems good if your uphill at a light. figure that the original foot clutch stayed were you positioned it on the old bikes. really dont know why they used a foot clutch in the first place, guess they were doing what the cars had.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
Solo, I would definitely consider it. Two up would be more difficult at a stop if you have your foot on the clutch. That's my assumption anyway, not having ridden one.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 127
From: SW OREGON
Jockey shift, suicide clutch is fun & cool but i still have to think back to the day & the fact that those of us who rode that way did it because we couldn't afford the foot shift kit!
Here's my old "39 stroker knuckle the day I brought it home. Paid $250 & yes it ran.
Here's my old "39 stroker knuckle the day I brought it home. Paid $250 & yes it ran.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 13
From: Northern UTARD
One sick machine 66.
Agreed LaBriola is the only way to go. As far as what these na-sayers are talkin about its total BS. Once you are used to rollin with it you'll never go back. Two up is a cake walk most guys w/ jockeys click it into neutral before they ever stop at a light. Story chime in w/ that article you posted else where.
Agreed LaBriola is the only way to go. As far as what these na-sayers are talkin about its total BS. Once you are used to rollin with it you'll never go back. Two up is a cake walk most guys w/ jockeys click it into neutral before they ever stop at a light. Story chime in w/ that article you posted else where.