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...There's also a brain-adjustment period involved until the motions become natural and require no conscious thought.
Started using the heel shifter on my 06 RKC. Now, it's the only way I upshift.
I think the heel shifter, the perfect set of handlebars, and for the most part, what oil you run is dictated by what you are comfortable with or accustomed to. Basically, overthinking something that in time, you wouldn't even think twice about. You know what they say, "You'll get used to hangin' if ya hang long enough!"
Kudos to the OP for trying it to see if he'll like it. Hey! It worked for Mikey!
One thing not mentioned are medical reasons for the heel shifter. If it weren't for the heel shifter I wouldn't be riding. Nerve damage won't allow me to toe shift with floorboards. I can toe shift the Sportster with forward controls. Without the heel shifter on the Ultra Limited I would not be able to ride it.
I even added a hand shifter to the Indian and found I do like using it. Indian with hand shifter.
I would think shifter on throttle side would be very awkward.
How is it negotiating snake turns??
Pretty ride BTW!
I do regret using the term "stomping". I should have said. After fully pulling the clutch lever in all the way to disengage the clutch plates I gently press with the heel of my dainty # 13 boot on the rear peg of the shift lever to change gears in a positive manner .
Now. If talking about the old Indians. Everything was back *** wards from Harley. Throttle was on left bar. Circuit breaker adjust on the right bar. Shift lever was on the right side.
I would think shifter on throttle side would be very awkward.
How is it negotiating snake turns??
Pretty ride BTW!
I got used to the hand shifter quickly. The left foot shift peg can stay on and be used or the hand shifter can be used. It's the best of both worlds, in my situation.
Riding the twists and turns of the Rockies has been no issue whatsoever. The hand shifter makes finding neutral really easy. It may appear to be a gimmick to some, but I really am happy with the hand shifter. I wouldn't mind a hand shifter for the Ultra Limited. Hand shifting isn't the fastest method, but I feel entirely confident and safe using it.
Thanks for the compliment on the Indian. I really enjoy riding both Harley and Indian.
Last edited by MedicineBow; Jan 7, 2024 at 10:42 PM.
Heel shifting takes a few rides to get used to, but once you do, you won’t want to give it up. Maybe it is an addiction.
But I never heard of anyone trying to kick the habit.
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