Do they do anything or just look nice?

 

They connect the shifter peg to the transmission, so yeah, they shift.

 

don't know what stock setup is called, but plan on going to heim joints. Supposed to be stronger. If that's what you're asking.

 

Ahh so this is specific to forward controls though?

 

That's what I was thinking.

 

They do a couple of things, one of which is break from time to time. I have spare joints in my tool kit just in case although I have never had one go bad on me but better to have it and not need than need it and not have it.

 

the replacement linkage is better. It has a heim joint that should last a bit longer and shift a little better. Harley makes many of them, then there are guys who make custom linkages. I have seen custom ones online and at bike shows.

 

Not sure what you mean by do something but its gonna be hard to shift if you take it off.

 

I put a polished stainless steel shift linkage in my stock mid peg shifter...It has heim joints on both ends. Harley part number 33872-06.

 

Yep, pretty expensive & functional. I bought one & is sure is pretty!