Heel shifter......!?!?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
I have that stealth heel shifter. That helps me use more of my 19 inch banana boards.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
My, oh, my. How shifting mechanisms have changed. On the 1964 and earlier models there was a thing called a "mouse trap" which was operated by a cable from the clutch lever on the handle bar to the "trap" which pulled a rod connected to the clutch lever which disengaged the clutch plates. Shifting was accomplished "toe shifting" or heel was a option, that connected the shift lever ,with a rod, to something that was called a ratchet top which rotated the shifter drum in transmission which moved the clutch dogs from one gear to the next. Mine is the Police Special model. So. It has foot clutch and tank shift. On my 2007 Ultra and 2018 Ultra I prefer a heel shifter .Because . In my opinion it provides a more positive shift. "Stomping " down with the heel is more "force" than lifting up with toe. I also have a #13 boot. No problem where to put it. Don't worry. You don't have to baby the tranny. It can take it. As a foot note. My 2018 has the hydraulic clutch. I found that It allows shifts so much faster than a cable operated clutch. As on the 2007. Take my opinion with $5.00 and buy a Starbucks. 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,257
From: San Diego, CA
My, oh, my. How shifting mechanisms have changed. On the 1964 and earlier models there was a thing called a "mouse trap" which was operated by a cable from the clutch lever on the handle bar to the "trap" which pulled a rod connected to the clutch lever which disengaged the clutch plates. Shifting was accomplished "toe shifting" or heel was a option, that connected the shift lever ,with a rod, to something that was called a ratchet top which rotated the shifter drum in transmission which moved the clutch dogs from one gear to the next. Mine is the Police Special model. So. It has foot clutch and tank shift. On my 2007 Ultra and 2018 Ultra I prefer a heel shifter .Because . In my opinion it provides a more positive shift. "Stomping " down with the heel is more "force" than lifting up with toe. I also have a #13 boot. No problem where to put it. Don't worry. You don't have to baby the tranny. It can take it. As a foot note. My 2018 has the hydraulic clutch. I found that It allows shifts so much faster than a cable operated clutch. As on the 2007. Take my opinion with $5.00 and buy a Starbucks.
While "Don't worry. You don't have to baby the tranny. It can take it" is still somewhat true, it's the shift linkage that has many issues if a "stomper" can't contain himself.
The poor bushings and the ball joints on the shift linkage rod, can be problematic on their own. The added force of a "stomper" will only exacerbate the problem...
I like & use my heel shifter, and I am NOT a stomper... Yet on my bagger, I have replaced my shifter bushings twice in 38K miles.... Immediately on buying the bike. I ditched the ball joint shift rod for one with heim joints...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
hattitude.. I only used the "stomper" term as a reference. I fully engaged the clutch lever before I use my heel to shift. As was said. It is personal preference,. To tell the truth. I do baby my "baby". I do not abuse my bike. To me using the heel to shift just feels more like a positive shift.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 436
Likes: 156
From: Ga
I've only had Harley ElectraGlides, 1989, 2002 and now a 2019. I like the heel shifter. It did take getting used to on my first Harley.
Now I run a Stealth heel shifter https://baggernation.com/product/the...l-shift-lever/ so I can use my 19 inch Cyclesmith banana boards.
Now I run a Stealth heel shifter https://baggernation.com/product/the...l-shift-lever/ so I can use my 19 inch Cyclesmith banana boards.
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Joined: Feb 2016
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From: NC
I watch Amazon for sales and buy stuff then. At times folks are reducing inventory
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2,297
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From: space
I've only had Harley ElectraGlides, 1989, 2002 and now a 2019. I like the heel shifter. It did take getting used to on my first Harley.
Now I run a Stealth heel shifter https://baggernation.com/product/the...l-shift-lever/ so I can use my 19 inch Cyclesmith banana boards.
Now I run a Stealth heel shifter https://baggernation.com/product/the...l-shift-lever/ so I can use my 19 inch Cyclesmith banana boards.
The Stealth Heel Shifter is interesting, I like that, but WAY too much money.
I'll occasionally use my stock heel shifter, but prefer my toe.