Left versus right-side shifting: Which handlebar gets the brake?

[harleytoprock]

I don't really get the left hand brake with the left hand shifter. I would like to be able to hand brake and down shift at the same time. If my hand is busy with the shifter, I can't apply the hand brake. When I ride a modern bike, I do use the front brake to hold on a hill and I can still work the throttle with the same hand. Cotten, sorry, I didn't answer the question either.

[T. Cotten]

Harleytoprock!

Conjured justifications for the nonsensical arrangement are a separate question of course, which I clearly had hoped to avoid.
Those who swear by it keep their pedals tensioned as if they were about to ford a stream, or push through deep mud, or just plain afraid. On a hack,... nevermind.

But if we are compelled to view History through the blinders of "as it left the factory", my first question should merit study.
Chris' photo is exemplary; (Somehow my WIN98 system calls Sarge's "corrupted".)

However, "as it left the factory" does not show up on all credible fossil evidence. Other than 'fleet' machines, it may be very likely that many machines were converted from inventory at the dealerships, and common sense had a chance to take over.

They must be scourged.

....Cotten

[Sargehere]

The people using the STOCK, "OEM" foot lever spring (36880-36) ("over-center spring") as it was designed, just want, when they disengage the clutch foot lever, for it to reliably stay out! All removal (of the over-center spring) does, is introduce an element of chance to every stop-in-gear. But I read that you clearly hoped to avoid rehash of our old 'sissy spring' discussion... by bringing it into this unrelated discussion, Tom.

Some riders don't even realize that the Harley clutch pedal actually has this over-center arrangement, and that the foot lever spring simply guards against the bike jumping off the line in gear while the left foot is resting on the ground. Also, it doesn't cost a thing, in either speed of engagement or effort, to adjust it as-designed, unless the rider is some limp-wristed, limp-ankled effete, I guess. The philosophy was "one limb (hand or foot) one control," in those days. How quaint.

PDNY Indian Chief & Harley UMG both with left throttle and right fr. brake levers again. Your Windows 98 is obsolete, Tom:

[Sargehere]

I don't really get the left hand brake with the left hand shifter. I would like to be able to hand brake and down shift at the same time. If my hand is busy with the shifter, I can't apply the hand brake. When I ride a modern bike, I do use the front brake to hold on a hill and I can still work the throttle with the same hand. Cotten, sorry, I didn't answer the question either.

The opposite hand front brake was designed to work with the left-foot clutch, which it does quite well, allowing the rider to progressively twist the throttle and release the brake while operating the clutch to initiate motion from a stop on an up hill. "Modern" hand clutch bikes are an entirely different problem.

[Sargehere]

...If a right-shift H-D rolled in for AMCA judging, on which handlebar should the brake handle be? And similarly for a left-shift Indian, I ask the same question ...Cotten

Right Handlebar. Both.

[T. Cotten]

Sarge!

Whatchu got against obsolete?

....Cotten