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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Jim-in-Toledo on October 30, 2005, 08:21:51 PM

Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Jim-in-Toledo on October 30, 2005, 08:21:51 PM
Hi all, nice site here.

(I did search but didn't find what I was looking for.)

I have what might be a strange question, but, on a 93 GS, is it possible to swap the clutch, brake, and throttle so they are on the opposite sides from stock? (I want the throttle on the left)

If so, how, or would it be too complicated to do?
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Phaedrus on October 30, 2005, 08:24:13 PM
That would be kind of a neat idea..but it would take some getting used to it it were mechanically possible, which it probably is. Being left handed, I know where you are coming from  :thumb:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Alphamazing on October 30, 2005, 08:26:18 PM
Wow. Interesting inquiry. You'd have a number of problems if you wanted to just swap the controls around, as the kill switch would be backwards, the starter on the opposite side of your hand, likewise the turnsignals and horn. You might be able to flip the throttle sleeve around by fabbing another receving end to the opposite side of the sleeve holder, thus allowing you to maintain the proper control direction.

Now that I think about it though, if you work out that problem you should be alright on the left hand controls, as there is nothing directional keeping them from being moved (with the exception of the big end being on the left).
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Jim-in-Toledo on October 30, 2005, 08:27:04 PM
I heard they used to set up Police bikes that way, so they could access their handguns while moving.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Alphamazing on October 30, 2005, 08:31:50 PM
Quote from: Jim-in-ToledoI heard they used to set up Police bikes that way, so they could access their handguns while moving.

That seems a bit silly to me. It'd be very difficult to unholster your weapon, un-safety it, aim properly, and fire. It'd also be extremely risky, and I doubt the police would take such risks.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: John Bates on October 30, 2005, 08:32:14 PM
The brake fluid reservoir would be upside down.  Don't think it would work that way. :nono:

:cheers:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Mr.7 on October 30, 2005, 08:34:36 PM
You could just try puting the handlebar on backwards
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Alphamazing on October 30, 2005, 08:36:02 PM
Quote from: Mr.7You could just try puting the handlebar on backwards

And push the throttle on? :lol:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: natedawg120 on October 30, 2005, 08:37:29 PM
it would probably be possible to rewire the existing bits so that the highbeams switch is the kill switch....  you would have to fabricate something for the turn signals and brake resevoir.  It could be done but would take time and a little cash.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Mr.7 on October 30, 2005, 08:37:38 PM
And push the clutch and the brake

I'm not saying it's recomeded, but it's possible.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Alphamazing on October 30, 2005, 08:38:24 PM
If I was really really bored, stuck in the same location for a week without internet access, my bike, and nothing to read and do, I'd consider trying this. Otherwise I don't think it'd be worthwile.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Jared on October 30, 2005, 08:46:24 PM
The genuine Indian Motorcycles were  left hand throttles....and the Police used them for that reason...So they could use their right hand for  their firearms.  So yeah Alpha...it was a selling point for Police/Military...(Though probably not directly designed for that purpose...maybe the guy was left handed.....)

They were also used as courier bikes in World War 1....

Anyway...with lots of work and or money tossed at it you could probably get it changed around.,....but why?  Did you have your gear shifter on your car put on the other side of the wheel?
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Jim-in-Toledo on October 30, 2005, 09:25:23 PM
Thank you for the reference to Indian Motorcycles Jared.

As to why, in Ohio, if you have a concealed handgun licence, you have to carry a handgun in a holster in plain sight if you are in a motorvehicle or on a motorcycle (I didn't write the law) and I have concerns about weapon retention at stop lights etc.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: un1261 on October 30, 2005, 09:27:10 PM
I'm sure it can be done. With enough effort and time anything can be accompished.
There was a guy at my last track day who lost the use of his legs,yet he was there racing with everone and kicking some butt.

:cheers:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: un1261 on October 30, 2005, 09:42:41 PM
Here is a pic of him just waiting, notice the out rigger set up.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/nitrocat/legs.jpg)

That's me on the scooter in the back ground. Took some laps on a scooter and made some friends..... :lol:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Alphamazing on October 30, 2005, 09:45:06 PM
Quote from: JaredThe genuine Indian Motorcycles were  left hand throttles....and the Police used them for that reason...So they could use their right hand for  their firearms.  So yeah Alpha...it was a selling point for Police/Military...(Though probably not directly designed for that purpose...maybe the guy was left handed.....)

They were also used as courier bikes in World War 1....

Anyway...with lots of work and or money tossed at it you could probably get it changed around.,....but why?  Did you have your gear shifter on your car put on the other side of the wheel?

Intriguing. I had no idea.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: GeeP on October 30, 2005, 10:30:23 PM
I'd be much more concerned about damaging myself due to an illogical control setup than I would be about needing access to my handgun.  

Think about it:  The chances you'll wind up in a fatal crash due to control mismanagement are exponentially higher than the chances somebody is going to be shooting at you at a stoplight.  On a bike you need to be worried about getting out of the way, not fighting back.  Can't stop a semi or an SUV with a 45.   ;)
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Alphamazing on October 30, 2005, 11:05:40 PM
Quote from: GeePCan't stop a semi or an SUV with a 45.   ;)

Depends on where you hit the vehicle and or person. :lol:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Jim-in-Toledo on October 31, 2005, 10:55:43 AM
Anyone know what weapon retention means?
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: MPA on October 31, 2005, 02:09:44 PM
he's afraid someone possibly attempt steal his weapon while stopped and would like the ability to drive off while fighting them off w/ his right hand (since that's the side the gun is on) rather then trying to fight and control the throttle w/ his right hand :)
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Jake D on October 31, 2005, 02:14:54 PM
I wonder if it would be easier to holster your weapon (while riding, at least) on the left side?  The obvious answer is, well, obvious.

:dunno:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: GeeP on October 31, 2005, 02:28:11 PM
Quote from: MPAhe's afraid someone possibly attempt steal his weapon while stopped and would like the ability to drive off while fighting them off w/ his right hand (since that's the side the gun is on) rather then trying to fight and control the throttle w/ his right hand :)

Left foot down, right foot on the rear brake, in first with your left hand on the clutch.  Right hand free.  MSF class, day two - starting on a hill.  What's wrong with that?  Heck, that's how I ride any bike - too damn short to touch with both feet.   :dunno:

If something happened you could hit the kill switch and bail the bike in quite a hurry.

If somebody on foot was trying to get at it, I'd just split traffic.  Anyway, what I'd be worried about would be someone running me over so they could pry it from my cold dead hands.  Makes far more sense than fighting me for it...    :mrgreen:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: MPA on October 31, 2005, 03:03:51 PM
I know that - but he's figuring that he'd be using his right hand to fight the guy off, so his left hand would be free to work the throttle/clutch.

Now how easy that would be to do is questionable :).


edit: realized I forgot the words LEFT HAND out of my previous post :D
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: DMac on October 31, 2005, 03:27:37 PM
I'm just a bit confsued... Why do ppl need to carry loaded guns all the time inless you're in law enforcement.. That's what they're there for? W/o opening a can of worms, can someone try to explain. Thanks

Whatever the reason, holstering it on the left side seems like an easy solution.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Jim-in-Toledo on October 31, 2005, 03:48:28 PM
Quote from: DMacI'm jsut a bit confsued... Why do ppl need to carry loaded guns all the time inless you're in law enforcement.. That's what they're there for? W/o opening a can of worms, can someone try to explain. Thanks

1: I carry because of my job, I am a Private Investigator and Security Supervisor for a company that responds to, and checks, burglar alarms 24/7, we also transport money for smaller stores and restaraunts as well.

2: Normally the Police show up after they receive a call. (In other words, after somebody finds your dead or battered body.)

3: I won't go into the 2nd amendment issues.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: dbNnc on November 01, 2005, 06:57:52 AM
On my '04, the throttle, brake and clutch are separate from the other controls (choke, kill switch, etc.). So those controls could stay where they are if the throttle, clutch and brake were swapped. Maybe the '93 is different.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Alphamazing on November 01, 2005, 11:53:04 AM
Quote from: dbNncOn my '04, the throttle, brake and clutch are separate from the other controls (choke, kill switch, etc.). So those controls could stay where they are if the throttle, clutch and brake were swapped. Maybe the '93 is different.

Nope, your throttle sleeve slips into the little plastic box where your kill switch is. It houses and protects the cables that move the valves on the carbs. The brake lever is seperate, yes, but the throttle is connected to the kill switch box by default.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: budget speed demon on November 01, 2005, 09:41:33 PM
I'm pretty sure they have all this stuff for harleys, or custom choppers atleast. so make yourself up a set of bars that are 1inch diameter where the controlls fit and 7/8 where they attatch to the tripple clamp and then figure out some way of makeing it work. I KNOW that they make twist clutch grips and its on the left side, and I know somone who converted this to work both of the brakes, so why couldn;t you modify it to pull the trottle instead? and then just rig up ur master cylender on the left side and convert the lever....and on the other side make the lever pull the clutch cable and your done, + you get a very chrome and bling'd out set of controlls.

I love how I make this sound so easy, when infact I'm sure this would be rather difficult

but I would check it out to see if you can find a set of chopper contolls that has things the way you want it, ie; brakes and throttle on the sides you want and figure out if you can make those work.... be prepared for the price though....
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: scottpA_GS on November 02, 2005, 09:40:10 AM
I saw this on here a while ago  :thumb:

(http://scoot.net/gallery/bbs/i520281sq01a.jpeg)

Couldnt you also learn to pull your weapon from the left? and cary left?
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: My Name Is Dave on November 02, 2005, 09:47:34 AM
Quote from: scottpeelI saw this on here a while ago  :thumb:



Couldnt you also learn to pull your weapon from the left? and cary left?

I keep my .45 in my left jacket pocket. I've had no problems pulling it out when I needed it.

Dave :cheers:
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: dmanben on November 02, 2005, 10:15:50 AM
Don't forget the clutch is on the left hand control.  If he is stopped at a light and worried about pulling away while fighting for his weapon he needs the clutch too.  He only wants to move the throttle because the other right hand controls are redundant(brake) or not necessary while the bike is already running. Clutch and throttle on the same hand would take some getting used to but he would be doing the equivalent of heel toeing a stick shift car.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: Toledo Jim on November 02, 2005, 04:54:12 PM
Quote from: 2005-GS500-PDX
Quote from: scottpeelI saw this on here a while ago  :thumb:



Couldnt you also learn to pull your weapon from the left? and cary left?
I keep my .45 in my left jacket pocket. I've had no problems pulling it out when I needed it.

Dave :cheers:
He said he is in Ohio, therefore that mount won't work. Holster has to be on his person, and in plain sight, in Ohio. Same for carrying in a pocket.

As far as left side carry, possibly the simplest solution to his problem.
:dunno:
Quote from: dmanbenDon't forget the clutch is on the left hand control.  If he is stopped at a light and worried about pulling away while fighting for his weapon he needs the clutch too.  He only wants to move the throttle because the other right hand controls are redundant(brake) or not necessary while the bike is already running. Clutch and throttle on the same hand would take some getting used to but he would be doing the equivalent of heel toeing a stick shift car.
Good point, any suggestions on how to accomplish that?
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: rritterson on November 02, 2005, 06:45:01 PM
Quote from: Jim-in-ToledoThank you for the reference to Indian Motorcycles Jared.

As to why, in Ohio, if you have a concealed handgun licence, you have to carry a handgun in a holster in plain sight if you are in a motorvehicle or on a motorcycle (I didn't write the law) and I have concerns about weapon retention at stop lights etc.


As to the purpose of the law, it's probably so an officer will see it immediately if he pulls you over and approaches your vehicle.

Personally, I think it'd be easier to learn to shoot left handed than learn reversed motorcycle controls.
Title: Left hand throttle?
Post by: knowlsey on November 03, 2005, 11:59:12 AM
Quote from: Jim-in-ToledoAnyone know what weapon retention means?

real big problem at nudist camps :mrgreen: