1981 Yamaha XJ650 (H?) Maxim

Hello! So I have an XJ650 I love him. First bike, definately needs a great cleaning and I'd love to change everything on him but I don't have the money and the mechanics say it is great condition, little wear and tear parts aren't to be worried about.. Anywho...
My question pertains to my modifications I am putting on him. Most in particular is the clutch shift. The extra (what I can only describ as the sensor that tells the engine 'Hey he's using the clutch') wiring running from the clutch.
My query is more of a "what should I do with it". My goal is to remove the entire stock clutch handle/cable/wire from the bar and move it to a new location (basically creating a jockey shift with the clutch on the shifter as A) I don't trust a foot pedal clutch B) reaching across with my right hand is a silly idea if can be avoided and C) the engineering I've done to have the jockey on the right side (while it does work!) has a mounting issue as the oil tank dips just below the frame).
Rerunning the clutch cable, potential hang-ups but I think I can figure that one out but as to rerunning the switch wire is more complicated as it is bundled with all those oter wires. I've heard of just jumping the circuit but I'd like to keep the sensor working.

Synopsis ::

Can I extend the wiring somehow to elongate it enough to reach my new position? If so what kind of wire wold be needed? Would I need to snip wires and sodder? or could I get an extra set of male/female an plug them in? (if so any suggestons of the types I should look for?

For confirmation, this wire does tell the engine the clutch is in correct? and it is a safety to keep it from starting in gear without the clutch in correct?

Thanks for your time and responses. I am a lamen when it comes to technical jargon (hence the lengthy post with such detail) So simplicity and detail would be great!

 

It is ONLY part of the safety interlock system; the engine doesn't care when you use the clutch.

If you don't have enough ready cash to make small repairs, I wouldn't make potentially dangerous modifications like the one you're describing.

You need to be worried about things like brakes and tires, not re-engineering the clutch and shifter. Especially not on your first bike, when you have no experience with what such a mod will do to adversely affect your safety. What you're describing I wouldn't recommend even for an experienced rider.

Have you disassembled and checked the rear brake shoes yet? http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html That can kill you quicker than a "suicide shifter."

 

i this some kind of joke?

 

I'm really worried that it isn't hence my response.

 

No this is not a joke why would I search for help with a joke? It would be a waste of time right? lol.

I have perhaps been a bit too vague when I said first bike I ment the first in my name that I'm revamping I have experience riding. As for a suicide it is not a true suicide minor difference with a jockey being a forward lever and the suicide beind behind the leg. I have checked the brakes and tires all already gone over and solved at purchase with spic-span professional replacements. I've had a back tire lock up once... scary as heck and thank heavens it wasn't catastrophic.

I do appreciate the concern on the fact I never have ridden a jockey before and the chages being made is a risk but riding in general is a risk as we all know. But any modifications to any bike is a risk no matter what. The standard 2 seats that majority of manufacturers produce is idiotic as bikes were initially designed for 1 person. But, I digress as with anything experience helps alleviate the risk.

My question remains. Its a personal choice such as a soft vs rigid a bobber vs a full scoop. muffler vs straight pipes.

 

I truly do take heed to your warning and concern bigfitz. It is honestly taken to heart but its something i've always wanted to do since started riding (only 4yrs). Now if an XJ isn't a great bike to use a kit on in this aspect that's another story, if there's someone with experience or tried itand it just didn't fit right or even if there's a suggested better make/model i'd love to hear it.

 

if the shifter and clutch is on the right, i guess the throttle is a foot control ?
might as well move the side stand to the right too

 

yes that was one possibility. but with the basic kit (which i'm strongly considering as it's a more standard tried and proven set up is the right side woudn't change and the jockey lever would be the standard left side, basically a replacemet of the foot shift (really neat as it still has a bar attached to the lever so you can use your foot to shift. it's basically clutch just being moved onto the jockey lever's handle. but the kit's new clutch switch wire isn't long enough, which is the problem in general and the question as to if there was a way to make it longer with sodder etc.

What would be great is if there was a way to keep a clutch in the standard spot and have a second clutch on the lever aswell but that's just highly improbable. so can use the standard shifting method along with the jockey... but as I said... highly improbable (though definately something worth researching I'd think!)

 

as an addition. there is the possibility of a different kit I have which simply makes the clutch a foot controled mechanism. but that's even more dangerous as all hands and feet will be working coming off a stop light (power walking is no longer an option with the foot control)

 

I do have to add everything is being put on by someone who has experience with the kits and bike work. I just need to do the running of the wires/cables

 

So with credence taken I have decided to eliminate the left -> right side swap on the bike. It's an idea for another time.

It has yet to hinder the jockey shift but I am leaning towards getting a rocker costs a lot more but slightly safer (provided i can find one that fits) than a full blown suicide or even the somewhat safer version of a hand clutch on a jockey lever.

Any constructive thoughts as to were to get one?

 

Hi I know this is an old thread but was this jockey shift ever made ad I have an xj 750 trike which I would like to put one on.

 

its just a rod with a piviot point as leverage.. and linkage to the shifter. look up forward controls
ever consider an air shifter?