Some 2020 changes, base model ultra gone
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 6
From: Hart, Mi.
The heel shifter was intended as a way to protect the toe area of polished boots - such as what motorcycle police officers would wear. If you wear really nice boots while riding, and seek to keep them that way, a heel shifter provides functional benefit. Other than that, it is just an extra thing that, in some cases, has contributed to excess wear on the shifter shaft and related components by much more force being applied by the operator than what is required to upshift.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 1,348
From:
I wear Chippewa Rally Boots, with a shifter patch - while riding my Harleys; I guess someone could say I a confused.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 749
Likes: 287
From: Detroit area
unfortunately trying to ignite new interest is what's "pissing off the loyalists." There was a ton of bitching here when they showed the Streetfighter, Pan America, and Custom concepts. As if the MoCo was about to put a gun to their heads and force them to buy one.
Advanced
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 75
Likes: 37
From: NoVa
Havent seen a new Ultra Classic Base all summer at the local dealer. Everything is Ultra Limited. I had asked earlier and they stated they have only been shipping them Limited models since March. Apparently, the base model does not sell all that well comparatively. I think it's a given that the base model is going to get axed from the lineup. I wouldn't be surprised if the Street Glide base is axed as well as they don't seem to sell that well compared to the Special. Most people with the money to spend on a Street Glide are going to spend the extra few grand for the Special with the 114 and premium fairing and bags etc....There is a glut of unsold SG base models at my dealer. They sold out of the Specials last month..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
The heel shifter was intended as a way to protect the toe area of polished boots - such as what motorcycle police officers would wear. If you wear really nice boots while riding, and seek to keep them that way, a heel shifter provides functional benefit. Other than that, it is just an extra thing that, in some cases, has contributed to excess wear on the shifter shaft and related components by much more force being applied by the operator than what is required to upshift.
I had the dealer install the heel shifter on my 19 Heritage before I would take delivery.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 6,716
From: WI
Agreed and I think this is why the MoCo is doing this. If they remove it, then they make money on the riders who like it and want to add it back on. If they ship them with them on, they make no money off the riders who don't like them and take the back one off...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
Yup. Just one more sign that the MoCo is going broke.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
My local dealer has one, if the MoCo hasn't shipped them since March then it's been sitting there longer than I thought. I looked at it and it's ok but I'd just spend a couple thousand more and get more bells and whistles and a better looking bike with a SG standard.
get a 2019 FLHTCU.
Since these will be the last air/oil cooled, and I don't want a Shower-Head Harley..............
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 1,348
From:
I certainly get that. Perhaps H-D should have two marketing strategies, one for new blood and one for us old timers who appreciated dealers (and a MoCo) who was for us in$tead of again$t u$ in ju$t about every $ituation.