Rocker --> Jockey/Suicide Clutch

[JSB55]

Hi Guys ... still working on my 65 FL tank shift + sidecar rig. It has the standard issue Rocker Clutch, but I'd like to set it up as a simple press and release foot clutch like on my Servi Car so I don't have to deal with two different kinds of foot clutches.

I could swear I've seen a simple kit to make the switch from Rocker to Jockey style, but now I can't find it. V Twin makes a kit #13601 for 1952-78 touring models, but it also says it doesn't work with foot boards.

Any help appreciated!

EDIT: Almost looks like I could use the pedal and rod from the Vtwin kit, or a Servi Car pedal, with the existing Rocker mounting/backing plate and be good to go, but that just seems too easy.

John

[T. Cotten]

No hardware needed, John!

I have always ridden with the friction/dampener spring completely relieved, so one could just toe down on the heel, and it would re-engage itself.

This was particularly useful with a passenger, as my ankle is not double-jointed.

The true meaning of 'suicide' was to depend upon the dampener in the first place.

.....Cotten

[Rubone]

Hi Guys ... still working on my 65 FL tank shift + sidecar rig. It has the standard issue Rocker Clutch, but I'd like to set it up as a simple press and release foot clutch like on my Servi Car so I don't have to deal with two different kinds of foot clutches.

I could swear I've seen a simple kit to make the switch from Rocker to Jockey style, but now I can't find it. V Twin makes a kit #13601 for 1952-78 touring models, but it also says it doesn't work with foot boards.

Any help appreciated!

EDIT: Almost looks like I could use the pedal and rod from the Vtwin kit, or a Servi Car pedal, with the existing Rocker mounting/backing plate and be good to go, but that just seems too easy.

John

There are various ways to do it, one simple type is to use a footshifter lever and bracket with the arm connected to the clutch arm to act as a release. Step down to disengage, release to go.

[Dablaze]

I put the Vtwin kit on my ‘48…but used modified mounts I welded on for older JD floorboards.

Craig

[JSB55]

No hardware needed, John!

I have always ridden with the friction/dampener spring completely relieved, so one could just toe down on the heel, and it would re-engage itself.

This was particularly useful with a passenger, as my ankle is not double-jointed.

The true meaning of 'suicide' was to depend upon the dampener in the first place.

.....Cotten

Thanks, Cotten. That was my "plan B". Seems like after 75 years, someone would have come up with a simple pedal mod to slide right into that bracket, but nooooooooo. I rode it a couple times with the Rocker before I took it apart. Not bad, but now with the Servi Car also, it would drive me nuts going back and forth between the two styles.

[JSB55]

There are various ways to do it, one simple type is to use a footshifter lever and bracket with the arm connected to the clutch arm to act as a release. Step down to disengage, release to go.

That's what I'm aiming for, Robbie. When you say footshift lever, do you mean like the Servi Car style? If it fit, that would be a simple mod.

[Rubone]

No, I mean a Footshift lever....like this but with the arm connected to the clutch are not transmission.
footshift lever.jpg

[T. Cotten]

I found it easy to release the friction, John,

Because my '65s came with a 36812-65 "stop pin", which was simple rod attached to the rocker (with a 7/16" CircleF 5/16"-24 bolt) to limit its travel within the footlever bracket.

PEDLSTOP.jpg

It prevents the pedal from banging the footboard or the heel rising too high. Not only does it tame the pedal, it tames the clutch basket travel, extending the life of chains.

I outfitted many earlier machines similarly.

....Cotten

[Rubone]

John,
If you have a pedal like Cotten's you can flip the arm on the back where the rod attaches to point up and remove the overt center tension spring to achieve what you are after.

[T. Cotten]

Just for clarity, John,...

I only pried the lockwasher to free the nut upon the friction assembly, and merely loosened the nut to where the pedal would return by itself.

Its the way I was taught.

....Cotten

[JSB55]

John,
If you have a pedal like Cotten's you can flip the arm on the back where the rod attaches to point up and remove the overt center tension spring to achieve what you are after.

Sweet. I'll definitely try that. Not quite ready to assemble it yet, but this thing is almost all original parts, so I should be good to go (with a little experimentation).

[JSB55]

No, I mean a Footshift lever....like this but with the arm connected to the clutch are not transmission.
footshift lever.jpg

Another great idea, Robbie. I'll try either that, or flipping the attachment on the rocker pedal as you also suggested. Whatever works!

[JSB55]

Some great ideas from the experts here. Thank you! I'm not quite at the point of assembling it, and need to parkerize a few parts, but I'll post an update in a week or two as to how I worked out the pedal arrangement.

[JSB55]

Mocked it up last night, and sure enough, turning the lever just 90 degrees reverses the action of the foot pedal without much effect on the length of the clutch rod needed. We shall see how it all works out when everything is assembled and foot boards in place. Thanks again for the several suggestions.
John