Adjusting a Harley Davidson Panhead Tankshift

[@donnixon3528]

Fantastic Mike enjoy the show. You of course have a belt drive so the need to move the Transmission is negated. This is when adjusting the shifter becomes necessary more often as well when you adjust the rear chain after adjusting the primary chain. I’m a Canadian guy riding his 49 and 62 pans. Thanks so much.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's one of the biggest reasons I started installing belt drives on the old bikes. I was adjusting my 52 every two weeks. End of problem. I'm a big fan of Kevlar.

[@W1RMD]

I've seen wave washers used in automotive and heavy trucking industry quite a lot. I don't remember what sizes, but GM and Ford use them on their cables like you did here. I learned something new about the suicide clutch. I've always thought it was because you had to take your hand off of the handle bars to shift, but I'll admit I'm still learning this stuff. I think that it was because people who don't know any better (myself) didn't know that the clutch is controlled by a PEDAL on not a lever. It's all clear to me now. Thanks for putting these videos together. Very informative and you are very clear in your explanations. Very beautiful motorcycle you have there!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Yes, terminology gets very confused on this stuff. The stock foot clutch is a "rocker" setup. If you modify it by removing or misadjusting the "overcenter" spring, the clutch pedal will no longer stay disengaged when you remove your foot. It becomes engaged and the bike will either kill its motor or launch out into traffic. Hence, the expression "suicide clutch" refers to a modified or custom pedal that engages the cluctch when the rider's foot steps off of it. A great many people prefer it to operate in this manner.

[@donnixon3528]

Mike thank you so much Canadian guy here. Some one on this page was commenting how he likes the brake lever on the right bar when it has a hand shift. You do that as well. The reason I like my pans brake lever on the left bar is that when your on a hill at a red light, it’s to keep your right foot on the ground left foot on the clutch and left hand on the brake and right hand on the throttle.. That how I’ve always done it. Thanks so much Mike Enjoy your show.

[@pacificmike9501]

I agree. The only problem is: When you constantly change bikes and ride other people's bikes, that right hand automatically reaches for the brake. Back when there weren't any footshift bikes around, it was no big deal. Nowdays, we change too often. I had a terrible time with a left hand throttle on an Indian. It's just a matter of what you get used to. You may very well be more graceful than I.

[@kevinc.9360]

What's funny is when I converted my 76 to foot clutch and jockey shift, I was just winging it with no guidance. I never even thought about putting the front brake on the left side of the bars. Makes total sense from a practicality viewpoint when needing to pull away from a stop on a hill (especially when you have someone on the back) but I also see why it would be a problem if you ride other bikes.

[@HellfighterPreacherman]

I love every one of your videos. You are a great teacher.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@old_shupshe]

Ah, this brings back memories. Back in the 70's-80's I had a 49 WL as my only transportation. Loved it! Traded it for a car during a hard winter when I got tired of riding in the snow. It was a good decision at the time, but I sure do miss that old bike.

[@pacificmike9501]

They're still out there. Yah, they're more expensive than they were. But it's worth it. All that old bike needs is you.

[@ricvis44]

My goodness! You showed and explained how the tankshift foot clutch works. I have never seen any video EVER that shows how it works. Thank you!

[@pacificmike9501]

You're welcome!

[@SebSar-ef4zj]

Mike , your videos are most entertaining , better than watching dumb TV . You , me and so many others share the same interest in toys. You inspire me to maintain my Harley even better than I have during the last 28 years. I look forward for more from you . . With thanks, Seb.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@lpd1snipe]

I like that you run the brake lever on right side and not stock left side. I own and ride three Harleys. One is a right hand shift (correct side shift) Sportster. One is a 2019 Low rider and the third is my 1949 EL with stock foot clutch/hand shift. I keep the brake on the EL on the right like the other two so I can't screw up. I run a clear crystal door knob too on the shifter.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's why I do it. Everything with a front brake works with my right hand. That knob on my Pan is bakelite door knob.

[@JamesCarter-ii4up]

Thank you Mike... Marry Christmas and happy New Years... Thank you for being there brother... Lot of Old Harley's getting back into the wind with your Help.... Thank you All

[@pacificmike9501]

And, thank you. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all of yours.

[@everettcalhoun8197]

I know this is an older video but I just ran across it. Lots of good info. FYI. Tank shifting changed in '47. Won't even talk about '39 but that was a unique shift pattern. working on a '40 and forgot if the arm goes up or down on the tranny lid. Thanks Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I put those lids together pretty rarely these days and I have to figure them out every time. One of my buddies just gave me a brass shifft gate. I'll use it even though it is a three speed with reverse . It's way cool.

[@Only_and_Lulu]

Yes!! It’s suicide clutch, not suicide shift 👍🏼 One of the most mis-used terms in the older Harley/chopper world. Great info on this channel. Thanks Mike, as an old Harley man (in more ways than one 😉) I always look forward to your videos. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. Getting old means we''re fortunate.

[@Only_and_Lulu]

Pacific Mike yes it does 🙏🏻

[@61espo]

Great video Mike! I enjoy every one! Thank you for taking the time to make them!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@johncasor9698]

I learn something... wave washer is for no more rattling... i would of never of thought of using those... thanks a bunch SIR...

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@jamesdrescher3050]

Such a great relaxing way of explaining !!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you liked it

[@justinhensley7592]

Your voice and demeanor is as smooth as Bob Ross, keep up the good work!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks, will do!

[@jens-3949]

Great videos, Mike. Even when I work on Harleys for more than 38 years, I'm just about to rebuilt my "new" 1950 Pan, so time time to learn some new stuff! I also appreciate your very clear pronunciation....:-)

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. I love Panheads. And, we all keep learning new stuff. And, people keep making better stuff for us. Congrats on your "new' Pan.

[@rayfarris5000]

Keep em coming Mike!, us old generator owners appreciate you vast knowledge,

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. Old Harleys forever.

[@dgadver]

I am at this very stage with my '46 FL... thanks for the education!!!

[@pacificmike9501]

That's a nice place to be. Thank You. Enjoy it.

[@modularsynthguy6694]

Thanks Mike! All that tribal knowledge your sharing is amazing!

[@pacificmike9501]

I appreciate that!

[@johnhnetkovsky8917]

Just found your channel today,the video with primary belt giving up the ghost. My first Harley back in the 80s was a 52 panshovel with Tank shift and suicide clutch.Had to explain that " suicideshift" many times also.True suicide=no front brake! Still have the 52, thirty something years later,but its been apart for awhile.Anyway just subscribed to your channel,enjoying videos,thanks!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@TheRonald6524]

Stumbled on to your channel. I love it when I lean something new. Actually a couple of things. Great 👍 video!!! Pacific Mike is one coooool cat !!! Great video!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. We have a bunch of videos up. Just go to our channel and click on "Videos."

[@shovelhead.]

毎回素晴らしいクオリティのビデオをありがとうございます！

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@pacificmike9501]

I'm sorry. I'm experiencing difficulty with translation.

[@fxrst_anvers6976]

You are a great teacher very interesting and very instructive 👌🏻

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@leibstandartejager8582]

So Kool,easy listening,very smart brother, ride on

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. These are the things I do.

[@ronetuley]

Thanks Mike for another educational video. Ride safe my friend

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks, you too!

[@ironearl69]

Hello Mike, as usual want to thank you for your videos and time answering questions. One thing I do not think you have ever talked about was the tension to shoot for on the detent ball/spring via the threaded cap on the hand shift tranny lid. Can you provide some insight as to what I should be after when tensioning this? Thanks in advance.

[@pacificmike9501]

If the parts are in good shape, clean them up and install them. The tightness of that cap will make the ball lock in tighter or looser against the shifter cam. That's a matter of making it comfortable for you. Notice that the factory adjusted it when new then smacked it with a chisel to keep it from losing its adjustment. There will be a line across the screw slot and just lightly locking it in place on the case. But, no rules printed on this in the service manual. Tighter or looser is on you.

[@ironearl69]

Thank you Mike for your thoughts. I fully understand its purpose. This was bought used and so no idea of where the factory originally set it. I would think it obvious if you did not tension it enough that the shifter cam would not hold in place and cause a problem.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Watched and very much enjoyed.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you

[@CaptainSwoop]

Happy Xmas Mike. Love yer bike ... love yer video's and I'd be in love even more if I had a tank shift to adjust.

[@pacificmike9501]

Happy Xmas to you. Thank you. Never give up the dream. Anything is possible.

[@biblejournaling66]

You can get wave washers in stainless at McMaster Carr.

[@pacificmike9501]

Don't they "work harden?"

[@johnwright6995]

Best on KZbin really enjoy your videos 👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@braingodfrey]

Thanks for this video Mike! Ive been watching your vids for years to keep my 72 flh happy. I just built a 52 hydra glide and stoked on it. I adjusted the linkage just as you did, and as the fsm says to however when i go for 3rd it seems to hit a false nuetral on the road but will engage on the bench. I rebuilt the transmission in the process of building the bike (took me multiple attempts to get it correct) and measured and shimmed the dogs making sure the dog rollers were in place etc. does this sound like a linkage adjustment?. Thabks for the great content! Edit: I just checked for the first gear play as you showed and mine was not correct. Adjusted the heim joint out one full turn and all gears are engaging on the shop floor, time for a test ride!!! Thanks again!!?

[@pacificmike9501]

I always use the fixture to set up the shifting at the trans. The linkage is trial and error, but you need to get them both right. That linkage does wear and all the pieces are available new in aftermarket.

[@fireball1322]

Do you have a video of setting up and adjusting the clutch booster, AKA "mousetrap". I used an old HD manual once, and tried to follow it's instructions for an hour. Never could get it set up....until the dealership owner told me I should start at the last listed (#10 of 1-10 IIRC) and work up to #1. I did and it took only a few minutes. Seems the H-D manual listed the order of things to do in reverse. I always wondered if H-D had listed the procedures in reverse on purpose in the manual....

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, it is in our list of videos. Go to our KZbin Homepage and click on the word "videos." I think it's what you're looking for.

[@chadstitz5687]

Mike, my 2nd gear is a nightmare to hit. I have gotten fairly good at hitting it over the years, It would be cool to be able to hit 2nd gear as reliably as the other gears. On my 58 panhead, hitting 2nd gear is like threading a needle. (almost accurate). I think this video has highlighted some issues I am having... When I start out on 1st gear it is not nice slow and smooth like your panhead. I almost need to dump the clutch on 1st gear to get going or else the Panhead will sputter and die...

[@pacificmike9501]

I think you have more than one issue. Too hard to diagnose without more info. There are adjustments to the linkage. There are adjustments to the shifting mechanism inside the trans. I need more info. So far, I get that it is a 58 Panhead with a tank shifter. I assume it has a stock jockey or non-ratchet type lid on the trans. Now give me a problem or question. I'll try.

[@chadstitz5687]

Pacific Mike I will see if I can’t get you a video response in the next couple of weeks

[@psychlism]

You can get wave washers up to 1/4" out of McMaster-Carr.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep. Thank You.

[@deadheadlights]

Im glad you cleared that up. Every time a new wave of bikers come out they get some of our slang terms wrong. BobberChopper is a term that always gets me going haha. I try to explain the difference between a Chopper and a Bobber. Thanks Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

I'll try that one on another video. It's a tough one. Don't want to insult the builders. Gets down to opinion. Thank you.

[@horsedood13]

yet another great vid Mike!.....thanks & keep on wrenchin' :)

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@erwinballings9155]

Thanks Mike, great video and a beautiful bike. Happy Xmas. Grtz Erwin

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you and backatcha.

[@ironearl69]

Hello Mike and Happy Easter weekend! We've chatted about a recent rebuild I did with Andrews gears on my '57 Pan. At the same time I converted it to hand shift/foot clutch. Took some time to get all original parts, so to be clear I am using proper '57/'58 hand shift tanks, not the frame mounted hand shift from '66 and up. The only piece that is not OEM is the hand shift rod. It has a couple mild dog legs in it, but I do not have a factory one to compare it to...I have to think that its bends are close to factory. Now I do not have another pan that is hand shift to try to ascertain what end of the rod goes to the tranny lid inner shift arm and what goes to the tank shift lever. Can you provide any informative description as to what end goes where? I watched your video very closely to see if I could see any indication and all I took from it was that at the tank lever there was a dog leg that kicked outwards on the rod before it attached to the tank lever, but the one I have has similar dog legs at both ends. Maybe one clue may be that one end has less threads for adjustment? Any help you can provide would be great. Nothing in any of my manuals either.

[@pacificmike9501]

Well, we have now exceeded my level of expertise. My Little Panhead and I are very close. I love her in spite of any and all of her imperfections. So, when exacting restoration is required, I consult with the book I'm looking through right now. It's usually pretty accurate. I don't always have a "known correct" example to go by. I've enjoyed this book for a long time: How to Restore Your Harley-Davidson, by Bruce Palmer III. Published by Motorbooks International. Try page 330. There's lots and lots of useful stuff in the book. I've learned a bunch from it.

[@ironearl69]

Hi Mike, thanks for taking the time to reply. I have Palmer's 1st and 2nd editions and I found what you mentioned on page 330 yesterday, but it gives no indication or pics to help ascertain how to install it, if doing so for the first time like I am. Would be different if my bike had always been a hand shift bike and I could simply have noted how it was previously installed...provided it shifted nicely. Thanks anyhow Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry 'bout that. I have lubes every joint and every place where two pieces of metal touch. I do always install it on the trans with the inner primary off.

[@ironearl69]

All good Mike...keep up the good work! Your videos help a lot of folks!

[@FreedomRider1982]

Very cool, Mike. Have a great day, take care ride safe ✌🌴☮

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you and you too.

[@glennthompson4166]

Those washers are found in the footpegs as well.

[@pacificmike9501]

No, these are very thin, not like footpeg washers.

[@Snorky_88]

Im building a bobber and want to switch my 55 pan witch came with a mouse trap and hand clutch back to a foot clutch and jockey shift. Do i need to change anything on the trans? How do i go about doing this? Is it just a simple linkage hookup change?

[@pacificmike9501]

You'll need to add a lever to your ratchet lid or change to a jockey lid with a lever. Clutch hookup is the same as to the mousetrap. Just decide on what kind of pedal you want and by the appropriate rod from the clutch arm to the pedal.

[@joeabbott7839]

When I work on most things I take each bolt an wire wheel them make them like new then put together

[@pacificmike9501]

I really don't mean to be rude. When you clean a bolt with a wire wheel, you "dull" the edge of the threads and remove or at least, thin out, the protective plating.

[@waltstovall372]

Enjoy your videos emencly.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@davidcook1166]

Mike....I noticed that your fuel feed line (hose) seems to dip way below the height of that carb's actual inlet. (not seen in vid) I've often wondered as to how this dip effects gas flowing to the carb. Apparently it has NO effect.....thoughts?....walt...tulsa,ok

[@pacificmike9501]

That's correct. It will work just like the plumbing under your bathroom sink.

[@dannysmith4495]

Hi Mike. Have you ever installed a clutch tamer on a big twin. I'm really struggling with jerking and dragging.

[@pacificmike9501]

If everything is in good shape, they work. be sure those "fingers" are smooth. Make sure the hub is straight on the shaft. Plates all clean. Nut seal in place. Adjust for a clean straight break when pulling the clutch.

[@dannysmith4495]

Thanks Mike the hub plates and basket are all pretty new. I'll give the plates a proper clean, I should try new steels too. I've been at this for months 😔

[@joeabbott7839]

I was adjusting the shifter on 1947hudson suzzy work ok again clutch is cork an like Harley you use fluid in it clutch

[@pacificmike9501]

Not something I know.

[@a.anthonycapoccia6102]

1974 Harley if you want you can a Shafter too

[@pacificmike9501]

Excuse me?

[@garybarker9934]

I always tell the person that call's my Tank shift a suicide shift, it hasn't killed me yet, yep I get it all the time!

[@pacificmike9501]

Frustrating, but, it's your job to set 'em straight.

[@lawrenceveinotte]

great videos, so is the trans different? you dont really ratchet up and then ratchet back down when shifting.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. The shifting mechanism is just a rotating mechanism, but, It doesn't ratchet. It's all done, like the ratchet type, in the lid. We'll show it. Another one of those things I 'll have to show, but there are great illustrations in the service manuals.

[@tonysvets]

ahh that was mean it hurt when you said you were going for a ride i am in new jersey my bike is sleeping in the living room with the battery on a tender it snowed yesterday and today its a heat wave of 20 degrees peace

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry 'bout that. Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season and, AN EARLY SPRING.

[@KowboyUSA]

Had an antique crystal door knob as a shift knob on my 1954 Servi-Car chopper. Like pretty much all my scooters, let it go way too cheap.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yah, but you had it. You experienced it. You got to live it. Hopefully, that stuff is still out there, giving someone pleasure.

[@KowboyUSA]

@@pacificmike9501 you're absolutely right. Paid $600, made improvements and rode it a lot. Just misread the intentions of the fella who bought it, I thought he wanted it bad because he appreciated it the way I did and wanted to ride it. Sold it to him for $600. Couple weeks later I discovered he had sold it for $1,800. If I had known the buyer's motivation was strictly profit, I would've asked a lot more for it. But there is upside to the story; While visiting a bike shop looking for parts a few years ago I discovered the shop owner's wife now owns it. She rides it and has no interest in selling. Took the long way, but found a good home in the end.

[@dawg141]

Great video!!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@elintonvelho]

Hello from Brazil.

[@pacificmike9501]

Hello to you, from SoCal.

[@tonycurtis4427]

Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

You're welcome

[@thomaskimball3789]

Get a Go Pro and take us all for a ride!

[@pacificmike9501]

It will happen. So hot here. We kinda want to do it up. We'll see. Thanx for asking.

[@randallmcwilliams4966]

I’d love to send you my 97XL1200C motor and let you go through it!

[@pacificmike9501]

Not looking for work, but, Thank You.

[@marcuslambert2162]

fun to ride with much practice speaking for myself a lot of practice .

[@pacificmike9501]

Yah, I like 'em all.

[@kennethwcole2879]

It was red to

[@pacificmike9501]

Way Cool.

[@kennethwcole2879]

Mike my name is Kenneth and I am trying to earn my wings at 48 you seam like real motor cycle people I bean saveing $ can we speak and how a friend Kenneth Cole ?

[@kennethwcole2879]

Mouse trap clutch was on a hand clutch man that bike tuke off and left him standing there saying o no it won't trip in gear man that bike went a half a mail

[@pacificmike9501]

I get it.

[@ans2the]

Catch that WAVE! You are a National Treasure MC PM cont.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I'm trying to do what comes naturally.

[@ans2the]

@@pacificmike9501 and that's why we love you brother father MC PM - National Treasure

[@kennethwcole2879]

Mike mouse trap on baby dal

[@pacificmike9501]

No. Babydoll has a "rocker clutch" or "treddle clutch. Basically, a stock foot clutch. A "mousetrap," which is slang for what Harley calls a "Clutch booster assembly," is just that. It is a mechanism mounted to the left downtube of the frame, and due to its ingenious design, makes the hand operated clutch lever easier to pull and easier to hold disengaged during a stop.

[@kennethwcole2879]

58 pan

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. 58 was the first swingarm Pan and a real fun bike. Lots of improvements over the earlier Pans.

[@jerryrobertson7300]

Dig it

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@robertmedina6875]

Lubing is wayyy cool!!!! Lol

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep.

[@dawndavenport9139]

Bob Ross of motorcycles

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.