Topic: Poll - Heel Shift ... or Toe only (Read 3095 times)

TIF2 · « **on:** September 19, 2009, 06:32:24 AM »

Thought it might be kind of fun to see how many folks use the heel shifter for up-shifts. I never had one for years and years of riding; the first bike I got with a heel shifter I tried to use it and never found the touch. It felt so odd to me - made my shift motion completely out of whack. I already have a chrome shaft cover on order so I can remove the heel shift. I know I'll never use it and it just gets in the way to me.

So sound off if you kick for shifts!

jerdawg · « **Reply #1 on:** September 19, 2009, 08:32:29 AM »

i broke my left ankle years ago, now i have little motion in my ankle, heel shift makes it easy for me. also easy to shift in a hurry that way

Black Diamond · « **Reply #2 on:** September 19, 2009, 08:42:36 AM »

Never used the heel shifter on the Fat Boy even tho it is still on there. Started using it on my 07 SG. Now when I ride my 84 FXR, I wonder how I missed the shift. (toe only)

JW

altugo · « **Reply #3 on:** September 19, 2009, 08:57:19 AM »

How bout both?? Would someone please add it to the poll?

crunch29 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:06:16 AM »

I use both. I use heel to upshift and toe to downshift?

iski · « **Reply #5 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:08:01 AM »

Took the heel shifter off the RK when I bought it in 2001. Bought extended shift levers from EZ Brake in 02 (only sold in sets) & left the heel shifter on when I replaced the OEMs. Started using it & after 2-3 rides, it was a LOT easier, so I continued heel shifting. Easier for me.

smkymtnboy · « **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:21:37 AM »

toe shift only for me!! don,t like the heel shift for some reason!!

Sean M Cary · « **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:30:19 AM »

My feet are too big to use the heel...took it off and put extended shift levers and brake pedal (EZ Brake)

JCZ · « **Reply #8 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:39:47 AM »

I think my 86 Heritage was the first bike that had a heel shifter. Felt awkward as hell at first but I kept reading that heel shifting is faster and a more sure shift in all the magazines and so I was determined. Finally got the hang of it in a couple of months. Been using both (depending on wether I'm up or down shifting) every since.

My 02 Ultra Classic I put on the E-Z Brake extended shifter rods.....the best thing I ever did for my size 12s. Now I have the heel sifter adjusted where it's just barely off the back of the floorboard so I barely have to raise my heel at all. The most comfortable and easy shifting yet!

sadunbar · « **Reply #9 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:44:25 AM »

Heel upshift and toe downshift....

iski · « **Reply #10 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:45:34 AM »

Have mine set up the same way, JCZ. Quickest/easiest shifting with that set up.

Did not need the EZ Brake levers on the 07 SEULTRA.

johnnymap · « **Reply #11 on:** September 19, 2009, 10:14:54 AM »

Toe shift only. Learned that way and it's too late to change now.

john

grc · « **Reply #12 on:** September 19, 2009, 10:22:53 AM »

First bike I ever owned (1966 Bridgestone) had a heel and toe arrangement, which I promptly modified with a hacksaw. I've always preferred toe shifting, and seriously doubt I'll ever change. And every time I see a Harley rider "stomping" on a heel shifter I cringe. If the trans requires a full leg movement and stomp, I think they should get that pig repaired before it starts spitting parts out.

Jerry

TIF2 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 19, 2009, 10:24:54 AM »

Quote from: altugo on September 19, 2009, 08:57:19 AM

How bout both?? Would someone please add it to the poll?

Done

Fired00d · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2009, 10:43:05 AM »

This has been discussed before in this thread - Do You Heel Or Toe Shift? it will be interesting to see how the polls differ.

BTW - I use them both heel to upshift.... toe to downshift. Have been doing it that way ever since I've owned a bike w/a heel shifter.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

JCZ · « **Reply #15 on:** September 19, 2009, 10:55:39 AM »

Quote from: altugo on September 19, 2009, 08:57:19 AM

How bout both?? Would someone please add it to the poll?

I think that's kind of a given since you can't down shift with the heel. Am I missing something or was that a joke?

Sean M Cary · « **Reply #16 on:** September 19, 2009, 11:13:31 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on September 19, 2009, 10:55:39 AM

I think that's kind of a given since you can't down shift with the heel. Am I missing something or was that a joke?

I had a SSgt in Oki without extended controls on his Sportser that would heel shift with a toe shifter...he was too cheap to buy the extended controls for it...

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #17 on:** September 19, 2009, 01:27:53 PM »

My 03 Fatboy was my first bike with a heal/toe shifter. I was going to take the heal shifter off. A good friend convinced me to ride our entire three day trip using it. If after that I did not like it to take it off.

Well after using it for three days, its still on the bike.

I do all my up shifting with the heal and down shift with my two. Seems to me I can up shift quicker with the heal.

JasonDeezy · « **Reply #18 on:** September 19, 2009, 01:29:07 PM »

I started riding Jap sportbikes in 1988, so toe shifting was the only option. I never used "proper" riding gear like riding boots so my tennis/basketball/running shoes were always getting the dirty smudge mark on the top from shifting. I HATED IT!!! I would wrap a cloth around the shifter to help prevent this but then people would always ask me what the rag was on there for (and it looked ugly to boot!). When I got the SERG I was excited to try the heel shifting. Boy did it take me a few days to get used to it! Now I wouldn't ride without it! My Fat Boy has floorboards and a toe shifter only and I HATE it! Wouldn't go back now...

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #19 on:** September 19, 2009, 02:18:29 PM »

I've never been able to develop the "feel" on the heel shifter for some reason, so I'm toe only. Left it on the SEUC, mostly for looks, but removed it on my current ride as they offered a better looking toe only shifter. It may have something to do with the size of one's feets...a larger boot size might make it a bit easier to use the heel shifter, but I always found myself having to move my foot back to use it, and the movement of raising my heel seemed unnatural to me.

kb · « **Reply #20 on:** September 19, 2009, 02:31:10 PM »

Has anyone tried to downshift w/ a heel shifter?

red ben59 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 19, 2009, 03:02:08 PM »

Just depends on line of thought. Sometimes its just old riding habits, toe,toe,toe. then other times I CLICK my heel. Dorathy we are not in Kanas anymore.

NETacoma03Fatboy · « **Reply #22 on:** September 19, 2009, 06:58:00 PM »

1st thing to go is the heel shifter...

I ride with a buddy that put on forward controls and left his shify as it. He uses the heel to shift up or down. Alway laughs and says no one will ever steal his bike for this reason and I concur...

Funny side note. He has a wreck and replaced his forks with inverted one. I was checking out his bike with him and said to him, "wow, nice forks. But it's not like you can ride it hard enough for fancy forks!". LOL! Instant ballistic reponse..

NVTHIS · « **Reply #23 on:** September 19, 2009, 07:59:50 PM »

Toe shift only on my Fatboy but I'm going to try the heel when my Ultra comes in.

Black Diamond · « **Reply #24 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:09:20 PM »

Quote from: kb on September 19, 2009, 02:31:10 PM

Has anyone tried to downshift w/ a heel shifter?

Just thinking the same thing. Not sure what / how this means / is done?

JW

TIF2 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 19, 2009, 09:16:51 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on September 19, 2009, 10:43:05 AM

This has been discussed before in this thread - Do You Heel Or Toe Shift? it will be interesting to see how the polls differ.

Thanks d00d - I appreciate you calling me out!
I try and search ... missed this one entirely.

To your point I wonder if things have changed since the previous poll? I would doubt it though - what I am seeing is very few folks that "convert". My hat is off to those that have - for me it's not that I CAN'T kick-shift, it's more that I don't want to.

Only comment I'll make is regarding the post(s) that heel shifting is faster ... My comment to wit:

It may be easier .. it may be better (for you) ... it may even be "cooler" ...
But run with me and you'll see that the last thing a heel shift is .... is FASTER!

The original Poll was targeted for "UP-SHIFTS" ... I added a "both" scenario by request...

cahdbiker · « **Reply #26 on:** September 19, 2009, 10:24:11 PM »

I took the heel shift off of my 1995 Heritage, and I had the heel shift removed from my 09SEUC before I pickeds it up. I have two reasons;First, when I am cranking it up an onramp I feel I can shift faster with just the toe shift because that is what all my bikes before Harleys had and after all the riding I am too used to it to change. The second reason is that two times when I was wearing chaps and idling in neutral the chaps got caught on the rear shifter and kicked it into first before I was ready. CAHDBIKER

JCZ · « **Reply #27 on:** September 19, 2009, 10:40:30 PM »

Quote from: NVTHIS on September 19, 2009, 07:59:50 PM

Toe shift only on my Fatboy but I'm going to try the heel when my Ultra comes in.

It seems it's awkward for everybody at first but if you perservere I think you'll end up like the rest of us.........wouldn't have it any other way, now that we're used to it. So much easier to shift and don't miss a gear, either.

You might make a commitment to yourself......ride for at least a week or ten days then if you can't get the hang of it, you can decide then but for that committed time you'll use the heel shifter every time. You'll see.

TIF2 · « **Reply #28 on:** September 20, 2009, 10:01:40 AM »

Quote from: JCZ on September 19, 2009, 10:40:30 PM

It seems it's awkward for everybody at first but if you perservere I think you'll end up like the rest of us.........wouldn't have it any other way, now that we're used to it. So much easier to shift and don't miss a gear, either.

I might give that a try ...

For those that have converted, does it make it awkward to ride a bike that doesn't have a kick-shift?
That would be my concern.

JCZ · « **Reply #29 on:** September 20, 2009, 10:18:23 AM »

Quote from: TIF2 on September 20, 2009, 10:01:40 AM

I might give that a try ...

For those that have converted, does it make it awkward to ride a bike that doesn't have a kick-shift?
That would be my concern.

No, it's kind of like learning to drive an automatic after learning on a stick shift........now you'll know both ways but will prefer the easier of the two, especially the more you ride.

Black Diamond · « **Reply #30 on:** September 20, 2009, 12:09:58 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on September 20, 2009, 10:18:23 AM

No, it's kind of like learning to drive an automatic after learning on a stick shift........now you'll know both ways but will prefer the easier of the two, especially the more you ride.

I agree with JC. When I ride the FXR I may try to heel shift once or twice then the light bulb goes on and I'm good to go from there.

JW

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #31 on:** September 20, 2009, 02:09:31 PM »

Quote from: Black Diamond on September 20, 2009, 12:09:58 PM

I agree with JC. When I ride the FXR I may try to heel shift once or twice then the light bulb goes on and I'm good to go from there.

JW

Same here, that is what I found when I got on the wifes XL883.

BUBBLEHEAD · « **Reply #32 on:** September 21, 2009, 09:28:52 AM »

I always remove the Heel shifter. I like to move my feet back so just the balls of my feet are on the back of the boards. Can't do that with the shifter in place. Being 6'3" tall I also find it comfortable to put my feet back on the pasenger pegs for a diffferant seating position once in awhile. 08 SERK

9 1/2 Beers · « **Reply #33 on:** September 21, 2009, 09:48:20 AM »

First mod :I took the rear shifter off the bike, I like the room for my left foot, feels equal on both sides

nidan · « **Reply #34 on:** September 21, 2009, 11:21:13 AM »

When I first switched from my CVO Wide Glide I remember asking if they good loose the heel shifter. The tech puttin on the 103 kit said " give it 1000 miles , then I'll glad take it off. Now I can imagine life without it.

GtreetSlide · « **Reply #35 on:** September 21, 2009, 11:42:18 AM »

I use my heel shifter; it works great for holding my toolbox lid open..

jimbob

Gecko · « **Reply #36 on:** September 21, 2009, 12:44:07 PM »

Took the back one off my Fatboy and it was the first thing to come off the SERK.

Myko · « **Reply #37 on:** September 21, 2009, 01:59:28 PM »

Been using heel/toe for 25 years now. It didn't take long to adapt and I've had some injuries in the past that prevented me from "pulling" with my toe. Now if I ride a toe only shifter it does take some adjustment. The give away is the peg vice floorboard!!

Indenial · « **Reply #38 on:** September 21, 2009, 03:09:15 PM »

I'm not smart enough to use two shifters, so I took the rear one off. My brain doesn't have to think now.
My 1972 Suzuki TR 250 only had one shifter and it is second nature. If I have to think too much while riding, I crash.

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #39 on:** September 21, 2009, 03:27:02 PM »

Certainly, there is no single "right way." I like to use both but I lower both shifters to make it easier. This way, I never use the front for up shifts though I leave just enough room in case I ever half to. Seems comfortable to me without needing "extended" shifters.

Here's a small mod for the shifters. I installed a Chrome spacer and since the shifters had to come off, I flipped them to hide the allen heads (which did not seen to be available in chrome). You have to pull up on the front pet to get an allen wrench on the inside nut. Then loosen the pegs themselves, flip over and retighten. Looks a little better, I think.

drod2020 · « **Reply #40 on:** September 21, 2009, 03:49:28 PM »

Both. Just depends on what bike I'm riding. On the deluxe I use the heel because I'm to lazy to lift the toe shifter so I can fit my foot under it. The SERK has both still on but for some reason I just use the toe shifter.

09S/E roadglide · « **Reply #41 on:** September 21, 2009, 05:36:05 PM »

mostly depends what mood Im in. Most of the time I use the heel.

Greg I did that on my road king, had them low like that until the toe shifter stripped out

and I had to down shift with the heal

Trapperdog · « **Reply #42 on:** September 21, 2009, 07:04:23 PM »

Better add "other" for Jon (jonga)

freshkeg · « **Reply #43 on:** September 21, 2009, 07:35:32 PM »

Heel upshift and toe downshift....

moscooter · « **Reply #44 on:** September 21, 2009, 07:57:03 PM »

Geeez, the few comments I read here that say.....I can't get used to the heel shifter, or it's in the way or it doesn't feel natural.....

I know some of you (like myself), were around when many bikes like my Triumph and Bultaco, etc. shifted on the right and the brake was on the left.

When they mandated all bikes shifting on the left and the brake on the right, we all had to re-learn the "drill" to stop and go.......Thus, I label the above excuses...........B.S. You either don't wanna deal with a heel shifter (which is much faster) or you learn to do it.....which might take a whole day or two.......

spydglide · « **Reply #45 on:** September 22, 2009, 08:16:10 AM »

Have used the heel shifter in the past and leave it on both bikes now, but only for emergencies when I can't use the toe shifter for all shifts. Seems to be better 'control/feel' for me. ( Hard to get a foot cast under the toe shifter ).

har! spyder

Odin · « **Reply #46 on:** September 27, 2009, 10:21:05 PM »

Use the toe for up shifts and downshifts. The only reliable way I can get it in neutral though is by using the heel. Just seems easier for some reason.

Hoist! · « **Reply #47 on:** September 29, 2009, 03:37:55 PM »

Removed the heel shifter on my SERK early on and never looked back. I never used to on my previous 4 RK's. But I love having the full floorboard to use for changes in seating positions. With 4 street bikes in the stable along with my SERK, all shifting is consistent now! I'll never use a heel shifter again!

Hoist!

HUBBARD · « **Reply #48 on:** September 29, 2009, 03:56:43 PM »

Quote from: Hoist! on September 29, 2009, 03:37:55 PM

Removed the heel shifter on my SERK early on and never looked back. I never used to on my previous 4 RK's. But I love having the full floorboard to use for changes in seating positions. With 4 street bikes in the stable along with my SERK, all shifting is consistent now! I'll never use a heel shifter again!

Hoist!

You Yankees just ain't coordinated 'nuff for that back and forth chit. Hurry up and move South, and you'll pick it up in nuthin' flat!

Later--HUBBARD

Hoist! · « **Reply #49 on:** September 29, 2009, 03:58:50 PM »

Quote from: HUBBARD on September 29, 2009, 03:56:43 PM

You Yankees just ain't coordinated 'nuff for that back and forth chit. Hurry up and move South, and you'll pick it up in nuthin' flat! Later--HUBBARD

DAYUM!!! Looie who all's postin! Great seeing ya the other day Carl! Hopefully we'll be neighbors soon enough! Wasn't the same on our Hellride thru the Smokies without ya!

Hoist!

moscooter · « **Reply #50 on:** September 29, 2009, 07:52:38 PM »

If we happen to be in any kind of a race from lite to lite, I'll guarantee the guy shifting DOWN with his heel is gonna make the shift faster than the guy trying to l-i-f-t his t-o-e.

TIF2 · « **Reply #51 on:** September 29, 2009, 08:07:14 PM »

Quote from: moscooter on September 29, 2009, 07:52:38 PM

If we happen to be in any kind of a race from lite to lite, I'll guarantee the guy shifting DOWN with his heel is gonna make the shift faster than the guy trying to l-i-f-t his t-o-e.

I'd take you up on that one ...

Billy · « **Reply #52 on:** September 29, 2009, 08:14:10 PM »

The floor board room is more important than the heel shift which seems to much trouble for me. billy

moscooter · « **Reply #53 on:** September 29, 2009, 08:25:47 PM »

I'd take you up on that one ...

Hoist! · « **Reply #54 on:** September 29, 2009, 08:28:39 PM »

Quote from: moscooter on September 29, 2009, 07:52:38 PM

If we happen to be in any kind of a race from lite to lite, I'll guarantee the guy shifting DOWN with his heel is gonna make the shift faster than the guy trying to l-i-f-t his t-o-e.

Quote from: TIF2 on September 29, 2009, 08:07:14 PM

I'd take you up on that one ...

Me too! I'll have shifted before you can lift your foot to shift, and never move my foot position at all! But that ain't all there is to it to racing! Just a very small part of it!

Hoist!

Grizzly · « **Reply #55 on:** October 01, 2009, 05:31:04 PM »

I started using both heel & toe shifters when I purchased my '91 Heritage Softail and now get a lot more wear out of my boots! No more wet toes!!!

On the softails it is considerably harder to shift using both due to the height of the shifter above the floorboard... With the EG's it is a dream to shift with both. I wouldn't ever think of going back to my Honda days with just the toe.

Those who are complaining about room on the floorboards with the heel shifter in place can quickly remedy the problem with the installation of the "Floorboard Extensions" discussed in other posts on this site. Both feet will then be happy.

BG · « **Reply #56 on:** October 02, 2009, 09:28:49 AM »

I only use to use the toe shifter untill we got my wifes deluxe. Now everytime I ride my Fatboy I find myself trying to use the heal shifter that isn't there....

Author Topic: Poll - Heel Shift ... or Toe only (Read 3095 times)

Sean M Cary

Sean M Cary