Heel and toe shifter?
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 223
Likes: 39
From: Uniontown, PA
Heel and toe shifter?
Im curious if anyone has ever considered installing a heel and toe shifter on an M8 street bob, with future plans on a set of forward controls for my 21 bob, the thought has crossed my mind a time or two. The area i ride in requires a lot of shifting, for which my shin gets tired about an hour into my ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 731
From: Pennsylvania
Not sure. I just purchased a 2019 Heritage and I am old school and not really thinking seriously about a heel/toe shifter. My foot is small and ironically I am finding I really do not have a lot of space there to keep my foot out of the way if I had the heel part. Perhaps the highway pegs are part of that "package" In all fairness I was, however, keeping it in mind in case I had trouble finding neutral. I have heard that is a thing on the 2018+ Heritage. I have also heard that problem goes away after a few thousand miles. With 6k on mine I am hoping I am home free with that issue. But with only 10 miles of my own since delivery last week, I cannot be sure. I was ok on my first ride. We'll see.
All that said, my wife decided to get the heel/toe shifter on her 2021 Heritage as part of her cosmetic upgrades (brake pad, grips, shifter pegs, levers). We're not sure how that is going to go. I suppose it can always be removed. Interestingly enough, she has already found that sweet spot with neutral.
Not sure if this helps you or not
All that said, my wife decided to get the heel/toe shifter on her 2021 Heritage as part of her cosmetic upgrades (brake pad, grips, shifter pegs, levers). We're not sure how that is going to go. I suppose it can always be removed. Interestingly enough, she has already found that sweet spot with neutral.
Not sure if this helps you or not
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
I added the heel shifter before I took delivery of my 19 Heritage because Ive used one for the past 25 years. No issues other than wishing the heel lever was about an inch longer, placing the lever behind the footboard, like my Evo Heritage and not over the footboard.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
My '94 FLSTN came with the heel shifter. I figured I'd give it a try for a week and see before taking it off. In the time it took to ride home from the dealership I was convinced that footboards and heel shifters were a perfect match. I haven't ridden without one in 27 years.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 731
From: Pennsylvania
I added the heel shifter before I took delivery of my ‘19 Heritage because I’ve used one for the past 25 years. No issues other than wishing the heel lever was about an inch longer, placing the lever behind the footboard, like my Evo Heritage and not over the footboard.
I do not have the biggest foot but I do wear bulky boots. That was part of the reason I don't want to go with a heel/toe shifter. I don't feel I could move my boot around effectively to use it.
My question is, since my boot is rather bulky - namely the toe, I felt I didn't have a lot of room between the floorboard and the toe shifter. I can shift with no issues but it is somewhat tight. It just seems a little different in that area than my Wide Glide. Which I am sure should be expected. No floorboard, just a peg. But strangely, when just standing there looking at the Heritage, there appears to be plenty of room. My boot cannot be that big! LOL
How is yours?
Last edited by bduds65; Mar 23, 2022 at 07:26 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
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From: Upstate New York
Size 9. I have plenty of room. You can also adjust the height of the front and rear shifters to suit either by changing lever position in the splines or adjusting the length of the shift rod.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 731
From: Pennsylvania
At the end of the day, I'm trying to get certain things "positioned" similar to my WG which is extremely comfortable for me. I have effectively done it on the 2019 with the handlebars. Same grips even. With the heavy breather, though, I can't even see my rear brake, so it has to be a natural feel. Besides, this whole Heritage purchase was intended for long ride comfort