Short throw shifter
I would definitely be a buyer. PM me how to make it happen.
Very nice job on the prototype
I would definitely be a buyer. PM me how to make it happen.
Very nice job on the prototype
Short Throw Shift Linkage
Someone made a suggestion I move this discussion to a new thread so here it is.
I know I have always disliked the long throw shift on my GTL. I ride several different bikes and every time I get back on my GTL it is like learning to shift all over again. Not to mention I have always felt like the long throw adds to the "clunky" feel, and sound, of this gear box. I measured the throw of the GTL at the toe peg (70mm) and several other bikes and found most have a significantly shorter throw than the GTL (35mm on the short end and 60mm on the high end). Granted my sampling was rather small. So, I worked up a method to shorten the throw on the shift.
I have been studying this for some time come up with a simple way to shorten the shift throw. The simple solution would be to shorten the lever on the ratchet shaft at the top of the gear box, or move the link further out on the foot lever. Problem is, either solution would have the link interfering with other components. What I came up with is a bell crank that I mounted on a pivot that is in place of one of the smaller case bolts. Worked out the leverages and geometry while still managing to steer clear of interference. The result is a throw of roughly 37.5mm so just a bit more than half.
What really surprised me was just how much difference this made in how this bike shifts. 1st to 2nd can be done with just a simple "flick". Down shifts are fun again! Neutral is harder to "feel" but not as bad as other bikes I have had.
Some others have expressed an interest in purchasing a kit and I can make some of these up since I own a machine shop. I am thinking somewhere between 100 and 150 bucks depending on how many are interested. This is a simple DIY install with some basic hand tools. I am still working on a version for the GT since the foot lever is different and therefore the geometry will need to be worked out. The set up I have working on my GTL would result in an impossibly short throw on the GT. If anyone local that has a GT in interested I could set them up if they were willing to be a "guinea pig"...
Anyone interested... Thoughts...
Here are some pics of the prototype setup I have on my bike.
I know I have always disliked the long throw shift on my GTL. I ride several different bikes and every time I get back on my GTL it is like learning to shift all over again. Not to mention I have always felt like the long throw adds to the "clunky" feel, and sound, of this gear box. I measured the throw of the GTL at the toe peg (70mm) and several other bikes and found most have a significantly shorter throw than the GTL (35mm on the short end and 60mm on the high end). Granted my sampling was rather small. So, I worked up a method to shorten the throw on the shift.
I have been studying this for some time come up with a simple way to shorten the shift throw. The simple solution would be to shorten the lever on the ratchet shaft at the top of the gear box, or move the link further out on the foot lever. Problem is, either solution would have the link interfering with other components. What I came up with is a bell crank that I mounted on a pivot that is in place of one of the smaller case bolts. Worked out the leverages and geometry while still managing to steer clear of interference. The result is a throw of roughly 37.5mm so just a bit more than half.
What really surprised me was just how much difference this made in how this bike shifts. 1st to 2nd can be done with just a simple "flick". Down shifts are fun again! Neutral is harder to "feel" but not as bad as other bikes I have had.
Some others have expressed an interest in purchasing a kit and I can make some of these up since I own a machine shop. I am thinking somewhere between 100 and 150 bucks depending on how many are interested. This is a simple DIY install with some basic hand tools. I am still working on a version for the GT since the foot lever is different and therefore the geometry will need to be worked out. The set up I have working on my GTL would result in an impossibly short throw on the GT. If anyone local that has a GT in interested I could set them up if they were willing to be a "guinea pig"...
Anyone interested... Thoughts...
Here are some pics of the prototype setup I have on my bike.
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Thanks to everyone for the feedback.
I have plans to work up a more production ready version in the next couple of days. Spent some time over the weekend verifying a bunch of measurements that I had done with a tape measure initially so I could update my CAD model (see pics). I will also be doing a version for the GT that I will do my best to test on my GTL. Still hoping for someone local (Denver area) with a GT that is interested so I can verify the results...
From the sound of things I am going to plan on 1 or 2 dozen kits to start with and if I can get these worked in without disrupting my shop schedule too much should be ready in the next couple of weeks.
I will keep everyone posted.
I have plans to work up a more production ready version in the next couple of days. Spent some time over the weekend verifying a bunch of measurements that I had done with a tape measure initially so I could update my CAD model (see pics). I will also be doing a version for the GT that I will do my best to test on my GTL. Still hoping for someone local (Denver area) with a GT that is interested so I can verify the results...
From the sound of things I am going to plan on 1 or 2 dozen kits to start with and if I can get these worked in without disrupting my shop schedule too much should be ready in the next couple of weeks.
I will keep everyone posted.
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1 - 20 of 239 Posts
