Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello - so I have been gaining some good experience on my 79 CX 500 Honda - highway riding and the like - now for next year - live in Wisconsin so winter is pretty much out for riding - I can get a good deal on a cool looking and good running 72 Ironhead Sportster - the thing that is making me hesitate slightly is that its right side shift - now I will still have my old bike wich is left side of course but wanted to see if anybody else has ever had this issue or if switching between bikes would be dangerous as I may be used to one then switching - I feel I could do it with out any problem but just wanted to see if there was any inout to this decision - thanks

It just takes getting used to. You might try to downshift and slam down on the rear brake instead but it's no biggie. A little bit of skill and not panicking will get you through these few times. Trying to up shift the brake pedal might make for a couple of embarrassing moments at the intersections too,but again no biggie. I did that a couple times when I first rode my uncles triumph, but you get used to it pretty quick. It becomes natural after a few rides.

I wouldn't let that stop you from getting a bike.

I remember having to adjust left to right back in the 70's, but going a couple of blocks always took care of it. Going back and forth between bikes was not an issue.