shift linkage failures
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From: poway
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From: State of Confusion
Not doubting your explanation but its only a contributor to what causes it to fail - you say quality. I get it. Use better parts, sure, it gets a little better.
However, the REAL problem is the shifter is a lever and people think you need to stand on it and when you stand on it with the weight of your entire leg, you destroy it.
It's not typically used as a small snick into gear deal (like the front is) instead people jam their whole leg down on it slamming it to the end stop - and beyond.
It will shift with only 5 pounds of pressure, yet "typical user" continues down jamming 30-60 pounds more of pressure until yeah lever action... the shifter shaft gives.
Case in point, take off the rear shifter and ta-da...no issues. Like ever after.
Want to know why the shaft and associated linkage are soft and cheap? It's because they are easier and cheaper to replace than a shift drum or dog gear.
However, the REAL problem is the shifter is a lever and people think you need to stand on it and when you stand on it with the weight of your entire leg, you destroy it.
It's not typically used as a small snick into gear deal (like the front is) instead people jam their whole leg down on it slamming it to the end stop - and beyond.
It will shift with only 5 pounds of pressure, yet "typical user" continues down jamming 30-60 pounds more of pressure until yeah lever action... the shifter shaft gives.
Case in point, take off the rear shifter and ta-da...no issues. Like ever after.
Want to know why the shaft and associated linkage are soft and cheap? It's because they are easier and cheaper to replace than a shift drum or dog gear.
Last edited by mjwebb; Nov 20, 2016 at 09:06 PM.
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From: Charleston, SC
Well I disagree.. You case in point is incorrect. I've found levers loose on other bikes also.. Most recent was my bobber at about 37000 miles.
If the guy is stomping the lever, he'd be bending shift forks before the shift drum wears or a clutch dog is damaged. Take a file to a shift drum some time. Those suckers are hard.. Same with the clutch dogs.
What causes the arm to wear is simply letting it get loose. As soon as it does, the vibration of the motor causes the arm to rattle on the shaft and wears the splines in the arm as they are softer.. The reason why they are softer is because it is a cheap process and they can form around the shifter shaft which is hardened. You simply need to keep em tight. I've made shift levers out of aluminum and broached / formed the splines and they don't come loose.
If the guy is stomping the lever, he'd be bending shift forks before the shift drum wears or a clutch dog is damaged. Take a file to a shift drum some time. Those suckers are hard.. Same with the clutch dogs.
What causes the arm to wear is simply letting it get loose. As soon as it does, the vibration of the motor causes the arm to rattle on the shaft and wears the splines in the arm as they are softer.. The reason why they are softer is because it is a cheap process and they can form around the shifter shaft which is hardened. You simply need to keep em tight. I've made shift levers out of aluminum and broached / formed the splines and they don't come loose.
My case in point is correct. Rarely do front shifter only users damage the shaft/spines. It's because that part of the foot has fine motor control. A heel with full weight of leg behind it does not.
You'll also notice striped shift shaft splines are not a big topic on the dyna/softail forums. Most don't have heel shifters.
Anyway, yeah running the thing loose will ruin them. I get it. It gets loose because of use, but my point is abuse makes them loose faster and erodes the splines. You abuse it enough and you'll have "to make stuff" to fix your error. Of which it sounds like you have experience with. I myself have never had to re-tighten nor replace a shaft, lever, or linkage ever in any bike I've ever owned (20+). Customers bikes? 100s....
Last edited by lp; Nov 21, 2016 at 05:50 AM.
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From: State of Confusion
next time if it happens, think I may check these out..but really expensive for two...so might be last resort but if they work as advertised as a permanent fix the peace of mind might be worth it...I mean people spend ridiculous amounts on chrome parts for nothing more than aesthetic appeal so just a matter of perspective
https://betterlever.com
https://betterlever.com
Last edited by mjwebb; Nov 20, 2016 at 10:43 PM.
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From: poway
Shift forks, Yes, those too. Not good.
My case in point is correct. Rarely do front shifter only users damage the shaft/spines. It's because that part of the foot has fine motor control. A heel with full weight of leg behind it does not.
You'll also notice striped shift shaft splines are not a big topic on the dyna/softail forums. Most don't have heel shifters.
Anyway, yeah running the thing loose will ruin them. I get it. It gets loose because of use, but my point is abuse makes them loose faster and erodes the splines. You abuse it enough and you'll have "to make stuff" to fix your error. Of which it sounds like you have experience with. I myself have never had to re-tighten nor replace a shaft, lever, or linkage ever in any bike I've ever owned (20+). Customers bikes? 100s....
My case in point is correct. Rarely do front shifter only users damage the shaft/spines. It's because that part of the foot has fine motor control. A heel with full weight of leg behind it does not.
You'll also notice striped shift shaft splines are not a big topic on the dyna/softail forums. Most don't have heel shifters.
Anyway, yeah running the thing loose will ruin them. I get it. It gets loose because of use, but my point is abuse makes them loose faster and erodes the splines. You abuse it enough and you'll have "to make stuff" to fix your error. Of which it sounds like you have experience with. I myself have never had to re-tighten nor replace a shaft, lever, or linkage ever in any bike I've ever owned (20+). Customers bikes? 100s....
Still, making it part of the regular maintenance and check for looseness. Understand what is needed to keep it tight and you won't have any problems with the arm.. The control rod will be the next thing die but it helps if you periodically peel back the rubber cover and add a drop of oil on the ends. Especially if you ride in the rain.
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