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Bengt Axel
Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:59 pm Post subject: Foot confusion??? |
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Having spent all my biking years (29 of them) on bikes with 'modern' format foot controls (i.e. left foot gear change / right foot brakes), I'm now considering buying an old Morini V-twin, which is t'opposite way around.
This may sound a bit daft, but do people struggle to convert to 'British' feet, especially as I will be keeping my 'modern-footed' Guzzi.
I've got myself a bit worried about this, so any experiences and advice would be most welcome.
Thanks. |
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buzzy bee

Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:02 pm Post subject: |
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Hi
Just about to take lessons, for a 125, that has them on the opposite side to the BSA we have, I am totally mixed up!
Cheers
Dave |
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Nic Jarman

Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 1031 Location: Stoke by Clare, Suffolk
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:08 pm Post subject: |
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Hi, I trained as a motorcycle mechanic in the '70s which meant I was jumping from Brit Iron to Japs and never had a problem. However now I am a lot older and a bit slower I find myself looking for the clutch pedal in my partners automatic car. So I think the answer is when you are not thinking ( on autopilot ) you may jump on the gear pedal instead of the brake. Good luck. |
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Bengt Axel
Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:25 pm Post subject: |
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I'm still only (!) 42, so I'm hoping a sufficient number of grey cells are still in place to do it 'consciously', I'm more wondering what would happen in an emergency stop situation, or as you say, when in 'autopilot'
I know my dad (biking since the early 1950's) had an interesting experience a couple of years back when he stamped down a gear on his new Yamaha (he's a Velo man really) to overtake a car and ended up sitting on the tank in the middle of the road!. (Oh, what I would have paid to see it!) |
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Scotty
Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 883
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:45 pm Post subject: |
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I've got a vision of when a manual gearbox driver uses an automatic for the first time and goes to dip the clutch pedal as they stop - bingo, screeech ...... dead halt!
How many of us have done that I wonder?
After a lifetime of a standard set up I think it'll be a wee bit difficult getting into the habit of t'other way 'round BA. Its not the day to day driving that I think will be too difficult as you'll be very aware of the opposite set up, its when something untowards happens and you go into automatic pilot and instinct takes over - that, you have no control over.
Sounds like an interesting bike.  |
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wrinx

Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 142 Location: Derbyshire
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 12:02 am Post subject: |
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Having tried to left foot brake in my car...and bounced off the windscreen, I'd hate to be on a bike when something similar happens!
wrinx _________________ www.alfaromeo155.co.uk | www.alfamatta.co.uk
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Nic Jarman

Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 1031 Location: Stoke by Clare, Suffolk
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:18 am Post subject: |
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I don't think you will have too much trouble as you will be pressing down with both feet anyway during braking. I have a bad habit of leaving my left foot under the gear pedal. I don't know how many times I have gone for the clutch pedal and put my hand on the autoshifter when about to move away, I just look abit stupid, no change there. It will feel a bit odd putting your right foot down when you stop as you need your left foot to engage 1st. |
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Penman
Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4850 Location: Swindon, Wilts.
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 2:22 am Post subject: |
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Hi
Scotty wrote: | I've got a vision of when a manual gearbox driver uses an automatic for the first time and goes to dip the clutch pedal as they stop - bingo, screeech ...... dead halt!
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Which is why we recommend right foot braking in autos.
I remember a few years back getting offered a short drive in an automatic Volvo fire appliance after a skid pan training session.
All went well until I had to stop, my left foot went forward and down and an almighty noise rent the air.
They had fitted the 2 tone control just where the clutch or one of those foot dip switches would have been. |
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Brian M

Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 783 Location: Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:56 am Post subject: |
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In 1965 my Dad was looking for a new car and went for a test drive in a Ford Cortina Mark1 AUTOMATIC. My Mum and I were in the back and the superslick salesman was turning round to sell the interior features to us when my Dad changed into second using the brake pedal!
The Salesman knocked himself unconscious for a moment or two on the windscreen and we returned to the dealer with a very groggy passenger. My Dad felt so guilty that he placed his order having only driven an auto for about 100 yards. _________________ Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk |
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doug
Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 128 Location: s. w. scotland
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:17 am Post subject: |
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I have had Jap bikes for 30 years and had no problem with changing sides when I bought a Norton it just needs a bit of thought. Not only does my other bike swop sides with the brake/gearlever but 1st gear is up and the other three gears are down. Again just needs a think before changing gear. |
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the fly
Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 95
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 12:04 pm Post subject: |
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Hello BA re left or right foot controls I am able to use either but have been at em a long time . My advice to you is if you are in any doubt then convert the Morini to what you are used to regards The FLY . |
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Bengt Axel
Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:45 pm Post subject: |
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the fly wrote: | Hello BA re left or right foot controls I am able to use either but have been at em a long time . My advice to you is if you are in any doubt then convert the Morini to what you are used to regards The FLY . |
Years ago my dad (a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, as well as a life long biker) converted his first 'modern', a BMW R65, to British feet, as per his Velocette.
He did a very good job with it, and seeing as he still has his lathe, milling machine etc, it could be a nice project for him...... |
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Bengt Axel
Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:51 pm Post subject: |
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Well, the deal is now done. I pick up my new (well 1982) Morini Maestro 500 next weekend. |
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doug
Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 128 Location: s. w. scotland
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:29 am Post subject: |
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Post pics when you get the chance will you? |
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Bengt Axel
Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire
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Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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doug wrote: | Post pics when you get the chance will you? |
Will do (pick it up next Sunday) |
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