Mousetrap
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Re: Mousetrap
The 'mousetrap' --- hand clutch booster--- first appeared in 1952 with the introduction of the 'new' foot-shift models. Not a factory production item in 1948.
However, the '48 could have been retrofitted with a foot-shift conversion kit. There's quite a bit involved with the conversion--- new left side gas tank, new transmission top (ratchet shift) and new left side foot controls. Although the gas tank was not a part of the 'conversion kit', I believe....
Also moving the front brake hand control to the right side of the handlebar.
However, the '48 could have been retrofitted with a foot-shift conversion kit. There's quite a bit involved with the conversion--- new left side gas tank, new transmission top (ratchet shift) and new left side foot controls. Although the gas tank was not a part of the 'conversion kit', I believe....
Also moving the front brake hand control to the right side of the handlebar.
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Re: Mousetrap
Be aware that aftermarket companies were selling their own versions of foot shift conversions, including hand clutch boosters, well before H-D ever released such an item. B&H and Thoro both offered conversion kits in the late '40s, and the H-D version was basically a revised copy of the aftermarket parts. What does the stuff on the '48 look like?
Robbie
Robbie
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Re: Mousetrap
It didn't use a clutch booster so it wasn't considered as relevant to this thread.Don't forget the Speed-E-Shift....bosheff
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Re: Mousetrap
Was the SPEED-E-SHIFT made by B&H? I think the side plate on the shifter looks very much alike. The iconic Hollister(Life Magazine)bike has a foot shift.
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Re: Mousetrap
No, it was not. It was a totally different company. I'll dig out some ads to help identify some of the stuff.Was the SPEED-E-SHIFT made by B&H? I think the side plate on the shifter looks very much alike. The iconic Hollister(Life Magazine)bike has a foot shift.
Robbie
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Re: Mousetrap
Here is the Thoro unit, a ratchet assembly that replaced the foot clutch, along with a clutch booster (mousetrap). Note the date, a couple years before H-D introduced their system.
And No , this is also not a Speedy-Shifter, that is still a different product.
The basic thinking at the time is that H-D stole the Thorlo design for their ratchet and B&Hs design for their mousetrap.
Robbie
And No , this is also not a Speedy-Shifter, that is still a different product.
The basic thinking at the time is that H-D stole the Thorlo design for their ratchet and B&Hs design for their mousetrap.
Robbie
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