converting right shift to left shift

what is involved with converting an 850 commando right side shift transmission to a left side shift configuration ? just the trans mods, not the primary or shift linkage. is there a thread around maybe covering this ?
thanks

Now why would you want to go and do that? Everybody knows a proper motorbike shifts on the right side

it's for a 45 harley solo project and a left shift setup solves a few fabrication issues.

I'm not sure, but you can check out parts drawings here www.oldbritts.com 75 left hand shift, earlier right hand

pelican said:

I'm not sure, but you can check out parts drawings here http://www.oldbritts.com 75 left hand shift, earlier right hand

Click to expand...

i've been comparing those and it looks like the inner cover, outer cover and shift ratchet shaft are the main parts involved but i'd like some experienced advice before i start buying up hardware
i'd really like to find somebody with a left shift trans that wants to swap parts to make theirs a right shift.

Hi there , I had in the shed a set of new inner/outer gearbox cover plus different ratchet for a left shift Commando MK3 , they are totally useless for me ,though I am currently living in France I can send them /exchange for the same about right shift...............PM me if interested, Pierre.

Hi again, that could be a bit more complex than just swapping bits, because: the left shift aka 850MK3, has a fixed tranny and so as you cannot play with the primary chain tension anymore by moving the gearbox , you will need an automatic primary chain tensionner (un less going to a belt.......?), as told you I have most of the visible parts (covers and few ratchets) but then after.............it's , i am afraid ,another story.........if you don't know , where you are going , my mind will advise you to keep on right shifting. Being said , I still have on the shelf useless new MK3 covers!!!!!

marinatlas said:

Hi again, that could be a bit more complex than just swapping bits, because: the left shift aka 850MK3, has a fixed tranny and so as you cannot play with the primary chain tension anymore by moving the gearbox , you will need an automatic primary chain tensionner (un less going to a belt.......?), as told you I have most of the visible parts (covers and few ratchets) but then after.............it's , i am afraid ,another story.........if you don't know , where you are going , my mind will advise you to keep on right shifting.

Click to expand...

But lilbill intends to fit this Commando gearbox to a Harley 45.

So to convert a right side shift Commando gearbox to left side operation should be a matter of fitting the MkIII inner and outer covers and all other specific MkIII parts, which must include the (065150) oval shaped knuckle pin roller.
The MkIII quadrant (065148) also has a shorter spindle and is retained by a circlip instead of a bolt to allow clearance for the MkIII shaft and coupling sleeve.

lilbill, note that the MkIII gearchange shaft (pawl carrier) is angled slightly from right to left, it is not aligned squarely across the frame, which you may need to allow for when making up a cross shaft linkage.

Changing over to a MkIII primary wholesale would be necessary anyway, so the hydraulic camchain tensioner would be cake to include. So, complete primary drive with the attendant monkey-motion gears, relocated alternator, chain tensioner, crossover shaft and Inner and outer gearbox covers. Why the hell anyone would want to add all this crap is beyond me. I converted mine back to right shift by swapping the gearbox covers, shitcanning the crossover and gears and plugging the extra holes.

the main reason for converting the gearbox to left shift is to move the gear selector splined shaft to the inboard side of the inner cover. i plan on useing a tank mounted hand shifter linkage that will connect to a cross shaft.