"Backwards" Sportster Controls?

Any way to correct?

Topics on all other models that fit in no other section
Post Reply
1957flhchop
Member
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Oct 08, 2016 1:12 am
Bikes: 1957 FLH(sold - dumb decision. I know)
1973 FLH chopped
2002 FXST
Location: Iowa
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 1 time

"Backwards" Sportster Controls?

#1

Post by 1957flhchop »

I'm considering going to look at a chopped Sportster(think it's '71, but not sure). But, before I make the trip I had a question that will make or break the deal. It is old enough that it appears to have "backwards" controls(shifter & rear brake). Is there any good way to get the shifter/brake flipped to be on the "correct" sides?
Thanks
RUBONE
Moderator
Senior Member
Posts: 8376
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2008 4:09 am
Bikes: Multiple H-D, Ducati, BMW, Triumph, BSA,...
Has thanked: 478 times
Been thanked: 2933 times

Re: "Backwards" Sportster Controls?

#2

Post by RUBONE »

1957flhchop wrote: Mon May 02, 2022 10:18 pm I'm considering going to look at a chopped Sportster(think it's '71, but not sure). But, before I make the trip I had a question that will make or break the deal. It is old enough that it appears to have "backwards" controls(shifter & rear brake). Is there any good way to get the shifter/brake flipped to be on the "correct" sides?
Thanks
They are on the "correct sides". It is every other bike that is wrong! :P
But short answer is no, the cases do not have the internal passage to run a shifter rod out the left like a later one does. Also with the brake, fabrication would be in order. Long answer is anything is possible with time and money.
droptopford
Member
Posts: 205
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2020 1:02 pm
Bikes: ...
48 EL
57 FLH
78 FLH
86 FXST
98 ROAD KING
66 Honda CL 160 Scrambler
Location: OHIO
Has thanked: 209 times
Been thanked: 94 times

Re: "Backwards" Sportster Controls?

#3

Post by droptopford »

Or... you might consider spending some time learning to operate the right side footshift. It's not that difficult. You'll probably kick it down a gear once in a while when you mean to hit the brake but it's not a big deal.
And that 'old' set up worked a hell of a lot better than the later left-side shift IMO.
1957flhchop
Member
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Oct 08, 2016 1:12 am
Bikes: 1957 FLH(sold - dumb decision. I know)
1973 FLH chopped
2002 FXST
Location: Iowa
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: "Backwards" Sportster Controls?

#4

Post by 1957flhchop »

That's what I was thinking. Thanks!
Post Reply

Return to “Other models”