early bike clutch on RHS

**Wilky** · #1 2 Jan 2009

Folks does anyone know of a bike c1920s-1940s that had the clutch on the RHS and the throttle on the LHS.
My old mum in law is reminiscing about the motorcycles her husband rode. She keeps mentioning this particular one with reversed clutch and throttle.
It's possible it may have had a suicide clutch but have no idea.

Cheers
Wilky

**Dodger** · #2 2 Jan 2009

The bike was more than likely an Indian ,they had a left hand throttle [with a foot clutch]..
Ostensibly so that American cops could shoot right handed at fleeing criminals ,but actually because the very early bikes had a right hand control that altered the ignition timing and thereby the speed of the engine .
When a throttle was developed they just put it on the left as the right handlebar was already occupied .

**Wilky** · #3 2 Jan 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger

The bike was more than likely an Indian ,they had a left hand throttle [with a foot clutch]..
Ostensibly so that American cops could shoot right handed at fleeing criminals ,but actually because the very early bikes had a right hand control that altered the ignition timing and thereby the speed of the engine .
When a throttle was developed they just put it on the left as the right handlebar was already occupied .

Fantastic, thanks Dodger.
Cheers
Wilky