Can I make a shift linkage?

[Guest]

I have a gs1100 shift linkage I need to make longer on a Frankenstein project. Does anyone know the thread pitch for the linkage? I know one side is left hand thread all I've found is m6 was thinking about getting some round stock and cutting to length and threading both ends. Seem easy enough instead of trying to weld a piece in the middle and make it straight plus I don't have a welder easily accessible.

[bwringer]

The threads on the ones I've seen are M6 diameter X 1mm pitch, standard thread, but one end is left-handed.

You can get M6 rod and a left-hand die (and a right-hand die, of course) at McMaster-Carr.

M6 Steel rods:

https://www.mcmaster.com/#metric-rods/=dd96544932b84066b2f43144ec5353bajjlcd2m7

Left-hand M6 die:

https://www.mcmaster.com/#2596a22

You can also buy M6 linkage rod in various lengths already threaded. Google "M6 linkage rod".
For example: https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/TR6-500

Or haunt a motorcycle junkyard for a bit. Most Japanese bikes used linkage with the same threads.

Dime City Cycles also has various linkage bits and kits that might be what you need. Scroll down to "related products" to see more:

https://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-chassis-tranmission-parts-universal-diy-rearset-rear-set-linkage-heim-join-spherical-rod-ends-dstf-6.html

[curt4]

Awesome thanks that's exactly what I needed! I would hit up the local junk yard but there's not one in the Kansas City area so I resort to ebay hahah. I'm thinking of going to the local fastenal and seeing if they have what I need.

[bwringer]

Fastenal's website doesn't list left-handed M6 dies or linkage rod, so I doubt you're going to find anything there you can use, unless you want to cobble something together with 1/4" stuff. They do list M6 rod ends, but they're over $50 each.

[RichDesmond]

You can make an extender out of a coupling nut and a piece of all-thread or a cut off nut. Just JB Weld the bolt piece halfway down into the coupling nut.

Edit: Just to be clear, I meant a "cut off bolt". I'm sure y'all figured out what I meant.

[Chuck78]

Good thinking, just extend the right hand thread side!
I will take note of the left hand thread M6 dies from McMaster, however...

[curt4]

That's a great idea on extending the right hand side!

[mmattockx]

The threads on the ones I've seen are M6 diameter X 1mm pitch, standard thread, but one end is left-handed.

This is what the linkage is on my 82 1100E.


Mark