Heel or Toe?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,312
From: Virginia
I hated heel shifters the first few times I rode bikes with them. Was constantly hitting the shifter as I put my feet up on the floor boards taking off from a stop, which resulted in my hitting 2nd gear way to soon and almost stalling the bike.
When I got my ultra classic back in August my plan was to remove the heel shifter. But after a couple tanks of gas I was used to it. I only have a size 10 1/2 boot, but I would still like a little more room, I'm thinking about adding an extended heel shifter.
I ride my daughters Sportster occasionally and have no problem switching back and forth.
When I got my ultra classic back in August my plan was to remove the heel shifter. But after a couple tanks of gas I was used to it. I only have a size 10 1/2 boot, but I would still like a little more room, I'm thinking about adding an extended heel shifter.
I ride my daughters Sportster occasionally and have no problem switching back and forth.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
28 years ago I bought a bike with a heel shifter. I figured Id try it then take it off when I got the bike home. By the time I got home from the dealer I understood why the heel shifter existed. 28 years and 250,000 miles later I wouldnt be without it.
For me, trying to upshift with a toe shifter and footboards is too awkward as I have to pivot my foot at the rear of the heel instead of the instep, as I would with foot pegs. This requires different and less efficient muscle groups to upshift.
For me, trying to upshift with a toe shifter and footboards is too awkward as I have to pivot my foot at the rear of the heel instead of the instep, as I would with foot pegs. This requires different and less efficient muscle groups to upshift.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 798
Likes: 726
From: Moncton, NB
Both my Harley's have had heel/toe shifers and have grown accustomed to them. Thing is, I don't usually hit the rubber at the end of the heel shifter. I end up hitting the heel shaft instead and rarely ever miss a shift.
I guess I'm doing it wrong...
I guess I'm doing it wrong...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,552
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
I started riding with toe shifter only, always took the heel shifter off. Tried it a few times and got used to heel shifting and have never looked back. I keep the heel shifter on the new bikes now and use it religiously. Now for the question no one has asked yet. . . how often have you heel shifters had a brain fart and downshifted when you meant to upshift?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,410
From: Jackson, OH
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I've been using the heel/toe shifters so long that I wouldn't know how to use just the toe lever.
Helps to have to heel shifter set at a low-to-the floorboard position so you don't have ti lift your leg in order to upshift.
Helps to have to heel shifter set at a low-to-the floorboard position so you don't have ti lift your leg in order to upshift.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,152
Likes: 9,564
From: central NC
Likewise. I am finally getting to the point that I at least pause and dont release the clutch when I suspect I did a dumdum.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 867
Likes: 160
From: Vermont
I find that I have more dexterity doing upshifts with my toe. Stomping down as mentioned is more likely with me, because in order for me to upshift with the heel, my foot needs to hang in the breeze unsupported. Finding neutral for me is made easier by downshifting with my toe to first and then tap it with my heel to the neutral position.