Heading home the other day downshifted off the interstate and my shifter didn't return, I realized I couldn't change any gears, even by grabbing the shift rod with my hand. I was hoping for a stripped shift shaft, but it turns out that it's actually broke, right at the weld between the plate and the shaft.

I found the replacement part on JP Cycles for $45, not bad. I also tore up the gaskets for the top cover and the dip stick cover so I'll replace those.

I'm about to order parts, and saw that Baker and Jims both have aftermarket shifter shafts. Has anyone ever installed one of these, and will it drastically improve the shifting of my motorcycle over factory? I didn't have many issues shifting before, but I would miss a gear every now and then. The two aftermarket units are about $100, but come as the whole assemble, not just the shaft and plate. Will I see a difference in these? Which one is better?

Anything else I should replace while I'm in there?