shifter lever
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shifter lever
Ok, here's my problem...I'm a small guy, and I have relatively big feet. The problem comes when I try to ride my 83 xlx with boots...it's almost impossible to get my toe under the shifter to upshift. Sneakers are ok, but no pair of boots I've tried yet will work. I thought about reorienting the lever to be up further, but it won't have room due to the footpeg mount. A longer shift lever would probably do the trick, but all I've found are factory ones. Anyone, especially Piniongear, have any ideas?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: shifter lever
soco.....
First off, l must admit that I am not familar with the 1983 shift lever, other than the fact that it's on the left side. So let me ask you a couple of questions:
Is the lever made of steel or aluminum?
Is the shift shaft serrated or round (smooth)?
You are awaref the best fix by saying the lever needs to be longer. That will get the business end further away from the foot rest and give you the clearance you need to get the boot under it.
My first choice would be to look for a longer lever....and it sounds like that is what you are doing. Have you checked on Sportster levers from 1981 back to 1979? Your concern will be the size/type of connection to the shift shaft, as well as a longer length.
If that does not solve the problem, then my next choice would be to extend the lever that you have. I would look for a lever just like the one you have. Then I would cut yours in half. Cut what length you need for extension from that extra lever and weld it in place on your lever. That will require two welds. Then grind the welds smooth and give it a coat of paint. The weld will be easier done if the material is steel rather than aluminum, but this will work in either case.
Sorry I do not have a magic answer for another lever you can buy to solve the problem easier, but this is what I would do personally to make the bike rideable with boots. Perhaps another member has knowledge of a longer lever that would fit your bike. That would be good news.
Post a pic of that lever (installed on the bike) if you can and maybe we can find another solution....pg
First off, l must admit that I am not familar with the 1983 shift lever, other than the fact that it's on the left side. So let me ask you a couple of questions:
Is the lever made of steel or aluminum?
Is the shift shaft serrated or round (smooth)?
You are awaref the best fix by saying the lever needs to be longer. That will get the business end further away from the foot rest and give you the clearance you need to get the boot under it.
My first choice would be to look for a longer lever....and it sounds like that is what you are doing. Have you checked on Sportster levers from 1981 back to 1979? Your concern will be the size/type of connection to the shift shaft, as well as a longer length.
If that does not solve the problem, then my next choice would be to extend the lever that you have. I would look for a lever just like the one you have. Then I would cut yours in half. Cut what length you need for extension from that extra lever and weld it in place on your lever. That will require two welds. Then grind the welds smooth and give it a coat of paint. The weld will be easier done if the material is steel rather than aluminum, but this will work in either case.
Sorry I do not have a magic answer for another lever you can buy to solve the problem easier, but this is what I would do personally to make the bike rideable with boots. Perhaps another member has knowledge of a longer lever that would fit your bike. That would be good news.
Post a pic of that lever (installed on the bike) if you can and maybe we can find another solution....pg
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RE: shifter lever
thanks PG! I figured you would be the first to respond. I will take a picture hopefully tonight and get it up here....A friend of mine today suggested smaller pegs...the ones on there are oversized cushy foam type pegs, and perhaps the 1/2 to 3/4 inch I would get by getting smaller diameter pegs will do it. but i'll still try to get a pic up tonight just in cast it doesnt work. thanks!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Fort Campbell, KY
RE: shifter lever
I think the shift lever is aluminum. Does your lever look like this one in the picture? I have an 83 XLX as well. I wouldn't mind a longer shift lever either, but the longer the lever, the more distance you have to move your toes up to shift up. It would probably be worth it anyway.
[IMG]local://upfiles/23810/3D1E5B4A3F544E309F3E799A0EE6F018.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/23810/3D1E5B4A3F544E309F3E799A0EE6F018.jpg[/IMG]
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Fort Campbell, KY
RE: shifter lever
You might be able to slightly adjust the angle that the shifter lever sets by backing off a little set screw and pulling the lever off, then sliding it back on at a different angle. I have not done this, but it looks like it should be movable. I think my bike has the original main foot pegs.
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