Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Bengt Axel · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire

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.

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

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! Laughing

Cheers

Dave

Nic Jarman · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:08 pm Post subject:

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.

Bengt Axel · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire

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!)

Scotty · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 883

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! Confused

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. Cool

wrinx · Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 142 Location: Derbyshire

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! Laughing

wrinx
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Nic Jarman · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:18 am Post subject:

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.

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4850 Location: Swindon, Wilts.

Brian M · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:56 am Post subject:

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.
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

doug · Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 128 Location: s. w. scotland

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.

the fly · Joined: 11 Jul 2008 Posts: 95

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 .

Bengt Axel · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire

Bengt Axel · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire

Well, the deal is now done. I pick up my new (well 1982) Morini Maestro 500 next weekend.

doug · Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 128 Location: s. w. scotland

Post pics when you get the chance will you?

Bengt Axel · Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Posts: 293 Location: Cheshire