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Left hand throttle?

Started by Jim-in-Toledo, October 30, 2005, 08:21:51 PM

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Jim-in-Toledo

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?

Phaedrus

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:
Richard died in a motorcycle accident that was at no fault of his own.  We lost a good friend and good member of this board.  Though Rich may be gone, his legacy will live on here.

Photos from the June '06 Northeast GStwin Meet

Alphamazing

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).
'05 DR-Z400SM (For Sale)
'04 GS500E (Sold)

Holy crap it's the Wiki!
http://wiki.gstwins.com/

Jim-in-Toledo

I heard they used to set up Police bikes that way, so they could access their handguns while moving.

Alphamazing

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.
'05 DR-Z400SM (For Sale)
'04 GS500E (Sold)

Holy crap it's the Wiki!
http://wiki.gstwins.com/

John Bates

The brake fluid reservoir would be upside down.  Don't think it would work that way. :nono:

:cheers:
----------------------------------------------------
Bikes don't leak oil, they mark their territory.  (Joerg)
----------------------------------------------------


2002 Harley Sportster XLH883 with V&H Straight Shots
Prior owner of 1992 GS500E stock
Fairfield County, OH
USA

Mr.7

You could just try puting the handlebar on backwards
1997 GS500E-blue
Buell signals//new metzlers//new tiny mirrors//removed ugly stickers//fixed melted front fender//that's about it

Alphamazing

Quote from: Mr.7You could just try puting the handlebar on backwards

And push the throttle on? :lol:
'05 DR-Z400SM (For Sale)
'04 GS500E (Sold)

Holy crap it's the Wiki!
http://wiki.gstwins.com/

natedawg120

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.
Bikeless in RVA

Mr.7

And push the clutch and the brake

I'm not saying it's recomeded, but it's possible.
1997 GS500E-blue
Buell signals//new metzlers//new tiny mirrors//removed ugly stickers//fixed melted front fender//that's about it

Alphamazing

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.
'05 DR-Z400SM (For Sale)
'04 GS500E (Sold)

Holy crap it's the Wiki!
http://wiki.gstwins.com/

Jared

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?
When the 2nd Amendment is lost, the rest will soon follow.

Torque is LBs-FT Damn it.
Yeah that was me.    One of my rides

Jim-in-Toledo

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.

un1261

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:
"Nothing is gained without passion."

05 F=street/ Dyno jets/ K&N lunchbox/ Led tail light with T/S
92 E= Track bike.

un1261

Here is a pic of him just waiting, notice the out rigger set up.


That's me on the scooter in the back ground. Took some laps on a scooter and made some friends..... :lol:
"Nothing is gained without passion."

05 F=street/ Dyno jets/ K&N lunchbox/ Led tail light with T/S
92 E= Track bike.

Alphamazing

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.
'05 DR-Z400SM (For Sale)
'04 GS500E (Sold)

Holy crap it's the Wiki!
http://wiki.gstwins.com/

GeeP

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.   ;)
Every zero you add to the tolerance adds a zero to the price.

If the product "fails" will the product liability insurance pay for the "failure" until it turns 18?

Red '96
Black MK2 SV

Alphamazing

Quote from: GeePCan't stop a semi or an SUV with a 45.   ;)

Depends on where you hit the vehicle and or person. :lol:
'05 DR-Z400SM (For Sale)
'04 GS500E (Sold)

Holy crap it's the Wiki!
http://wiki.gstwins.com/

Jim-in-Toledo

Anyone know what weapon retention means?

MPA

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 :)
98 500R
V&H, short stalks, Sport Demons

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