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[Midnight Rider]

This may be a dumb question, but I'm going to ask anyway....

I'm installing some floorboard extenders (Kuryakyn 3/4 inch) this evening, and while I've got all that stuff apart, thought I would play around with the angle of the boards, shifter position, etc.  This is my first bike with a heel shifter...I've just always ridden with toe only shifters previously.  I've tried the heel shifter on the bike and sort of like the concept, other than it is too high off the board for my liking and is somewhat awkward to use because of that.  So, I'm thinking I'll drop it down a notch or two when repositioning the boards tonight, angle the front end of the board up a hole...the idea is to have the toe shift down far enough to make it easy to position my foot for downshifting, and do the same thing for the heel shifter so I won't have to lift the heel or toe of my boot up very far to accomplish the task of upshifting or downshifting.

How many of you guys actually USE the heel shifter, and do you see any advantages/disadvantages to using/not using it?  I'm talking from all aspects here....efficiency, safety, ease of operation, convenience. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Feel free to ridicule, persecute, make wise cracks, jokes, or otherwise humiliate me in public, but add the occasional useful bit of information as well.  

[Fired00d]

Terry,
Before owning H-D's I had never used a heel shifter, but since owning them I use it always. I've gotten to the point that I can shift better/faster using my heel then I could previously using my toe. Once you get used to it, and have it positioned comfortably for you, you will like it (at least I do).

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[Gordito]

I've had three Harleys with the heel shifter and two without. I prefer having heel/toe. Just seems natural after all of these years.

You'll get use to it.

[Twolanerider]

I take the heel shifters off.  Like having more room for more positions to move my foot on long days.  It's a comfort thing and the toes can still shift.

[BLM777]

TC....When you re-position the shift arms, be certain that enough room remains between the pad and the footboard to click into all gears with a 1/4" or so of room.  Use it for a month and you won't be without it.

[Midnight Rider]

I take the heel shifters off.

[Twolanerider]

I only wear a size 8 boot, so the room thing is not really an issue for me.

Do you angle your boards?

[WI George]

The heel-toe shifter is the best thing IMO. It saves getting the black rubber mark on top of my boot toe area plus since I have gout, it would flare up by the pressure of upshifting with the toe since that area of the foot is what would always swell. So for me it was a medical saviour  
Also, I find I can shift very quickly with the heel. Only downside is my big foot, size 13 but I've learned to live with that.

[Midnight Rider]

I've tried it.

[Twolanerider]

attempt to get used to it prior to really needing my brain programmed for that purpose during the MV rides.

That part really is different until you get used to it Terry.  I'm so used to doing it without the heel shifter.  But occasionally get on a bike with the shifter still in place.  Then when just for grins I try to use my foot gets completely confused.

[grc]

Terry,

The first bike I ever owned had a one-piece heel/toe shifter (1966 Bridgestone), and the first modification I made was to hacksaw off the heel portion.

[ultrafxr]

Might want to look into this:

[Tbone]

Terry,
I'm sure you've come to the conclusion now that it's all personal preference.  I rode 35+ years with only a toe shifter and never considered anything else.  Then I bought my first H-D and I'll never have anything other than the heel - toe.  The mark on my boot always bugged me but I'm anal that way... [smiley=nixweiss.gif].  I did get confused a few times when I would switch from the H-D to the Honda but now that we're an all H-D family I don't have the problem anymore.  I'm sure switching to the DUC is part of your problem too.
Bob

[Midnight Rider]

Some good thoughts and idears here from everyone...

I will have to admit that one of the reasons I'm wanting to change my habits is because of the scuff mark on the top of my left boot...I'm kind of anal about that too, plus I wear them to work when I ride in, so have to look halfway decent.

[Bubba]

Terry I used mine all the time on my RK and my CUSE but they need to be adjusted IMHO down. That's what I did is move it down one tooth and it works great for me size 11 shoe.  I do like the longer linkage, looks like it would give you more room on the foot boards.  So I guess its just a matter of what you feel is right for you.