Simple shifter rod change with unexpected benefit
#11
08-17-2014, 02:13 PM
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Thanks for your review... I will definitely check out the Arlen Ness shifter rod before I switch to the Harley accessory rods..
I got curious about the OEM rod versus the Harley accessory rods. So I did some checking. Mostly to get it straight in my mind, but also to share what I found.
I couldn't find any reference to anything HD, other than the "ball & cuff" or Heim joint with bolt.
I checked my bikes, both of which I bought new...
My OEM '03 Softail w/ "ball & cuff" (or whatever it is really called);
My OEM '12 Touring w/ "ball & cuff"
I looked up the installation instructions for the Harley accessory shift rods. It (-J00200.pdf) shows an exploded view of both the OEM set-up and the accessory rod.
The OEM view, with "ball & cuff" style connection:
The Harley accessory rods have the heim joint, but it appears they don't use a "ball". Looks like a bolt goes through the heim joint and secures it to the trans & shift levers....
I certainly don't like the OEM set-up. Although I have never had an issue, I have read that many people do. That is why I've been planning (although dragging my feet) to switch to the HD accessory shift rod. Based on your recommendation, I will now need to see an Arlen Ness in person, so I can decide which way to go...
I got curious about the OEM rod versus the Harley accessory rods. So I did some checking. Mostly to get it straight in my mind, but also to share what I found.
I couldn't find any reference to anything HD, other than the "ball & cuff" or Heim joint with bolt.
I checked my bikes, both of which I bought new...
My OEM '03 Softail w/ "ball & cuff" (or whatever it is really called);
My OEM '12 Touring w/ "ball & cuff"
I looked up the installation instructions for the Harley accessory shift rods. It (-J00200.pdf) shows an exploded view of both the OEM set-up and the accessory rod.
The OEM view, with "ball & cuff" style connection:
The Harley accessory rods have the heim joint, but it appears they don't use a "ball". Looks like a bolt goes through the heim joint and secures it to the trans & shift levers....
I certainly don't like the OEM set-up. Although I have never had an issue, I have read that many people do. That is why I've been planning (although dragging my feet) to switch to the HD accessory shift rod. Based on your recommendation, I will now need to see an Arlen Ness in person, so I can decide which way to go...
#12
08-17-2014, 06:13 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
You don't need to spend a bunch to get an improvement. A $10 set of heim joints with the stock rod will be noticeable. It's the slop in the stock connectors that is improved over using the heim joints. Not to mention the stock joints are prone to break apart at the worst possible time.
I looked at some close up pics of the Arlen Ness shift rod that the OP, Jim G, reviewed in this thread. They use a "specially designed spherical bearing pressed in for a clean look and no unsightly heim joints". Looks interesting.. I'd like to see one in person.
I don't mind spending the $ if there is a rod style I like... I find most of them gaudy... Both HD and Arlen Ness have one that appeals to me.
Thanks
Last edited by hattitude; 08-17-2014 at 06:21 PM.
#13
08-17-2014, 06:53 PM
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I went with this one from HD, looks goods on the bike, not to much or to little I think.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg
#14
08-17-2014, 07:01 PM
I went with this one from HD, looks goods on the bike, not to much or to little I think.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg
Jim G
#15
08-17-2014, 07:18 PM
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Has your wife ever asked you to leave the room, you are way to **** Jim.... I think its looks great and much better than OEM rod.
another pic
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/...aa4b242f_b.jpg
another pic
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/...aa4b242f_b.jpg
#16
08-17-2014, 07:21 PM
Has your wife ever asked you to leave the room, you are way to **** Jim.... I think its looks great and much better than OEM rod.
another pic
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/...aa4b242f_b.jpg
another pic
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/...aa4b242f_b.jpg
I agree it is much nicer than the stock rod.Jim G
#18
08-17-2014, 07:34 PM
I went with this one from HD, looks goods on the bike, not to much or to little I think.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg
#19
08-17-2014, 07:37 PM
#20
08-17-2014, 07:38 PM
