M8 Heel Toe Shift
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: DFW
M8 Heel Toe Shift
I have been considering a touring bike and rented an M8 this weekend. I really like the bike but coming off standards and sportier bikes, I can't figure out any use for the heel toe shifter other than to confine the left foot. Shifting with my toe is much more sensitive and more natural but maybe because what I am used to. Am I missing something?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
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From: Illinois
Over the years and a number of touring bikes I could never get on with the heel shifter. I would give it a good try then give up and take it off. My big feet just wouldn't fit without some effort to get in between the two.
I agree that I was too tuned into using a toe shifter and at 76 I must be too old to learn a new trick.
When on road trips I carry the spare in case the front one falls off.
I agree that I was too tuned into using a toe shifter and at 76 I must be too old to learn a new trick.
When on road trips I carry the spare in case the front one falls off.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,590
From: South Florida
I have been considering a touring bike and rented an M8 this weekend. I really like the bike but coming off standards and sportier bikes, I can't figure out any use for the heel toe shifter other than to confine the left foot. Shifting with my toe is much more sensitive and more natural but maybe because what I am used to. Am I missing something?
You are 100% correct in my opinion. I hate the heel kick down lever and I took it off every bike I owned including the one I just purchased if you days ago.
Then I a put a chrome On the end after I take the kick downhill shifter off.
You are "right on" about it limiting my left foot from going back.
I always took it off and will always continue to take it off.
BuzzCap7
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
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From: poway
I'm with you guys. I do the mod a little different tho.. I cut the shaft off and paint the end so that it won't rust.. I then install the shaft backwards with the plated side out.. It looks like it was supposed to be short..
One thing I've noticed is that the M8 are a little harder to pop into neutral than earlier bikes. At first I was thinking it was clutch drag but suspect that they changed something in the shift mechanism since it doesn't overshift into 2nd when finding neutral in first.
One thing I've noticed is that the M8 are a little harder to pop into neutral than earlier bikes. At first I was thinking it was clutch drag but suspect that they changed something in the shift mechanism since it doesn't overshift into 2nd when finding neutral in first.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
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From: Carlsbad, CA
Geeze...this topic has never cone up before.
I like the heel shifter so I don't scuff up my beautifully polished wing tips shoes.
But, you shouldn't use it all the time. Ba da bing...cross thread points,
I like the heel shifter so I don't scuff up my beautifully polished wing tips shoes.
But, you shouldn't use it all the time. Ba da bing...cross thread points,
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
You a salesman or a lawyer?
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From: Doghouse... mostly
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 564
Likes: 48
I love the heal shifter set up only after I change things around a little. I can not stand it in the stock configuration from the factory. The below set up is what I have done on every touring model Harley I have owned and its a great set up.
Pic's below of my 2017 Tri Glide floorboards below with floorboard extensions, V Twin manufacturing ext rear chrome heal shifter arm, La Choppers front ext shift peg. Also the angle of the shifter arms have been re-adjusted to my liking with the rear shift peg set low. Now there is plenty of room on the floorboards and the bike shifts like a dream. Also no scuffed up toes of the boots.
Ride Safe All,
Bill G
Pic's below of my 2017 Tri Glide floorboards below with floorboard extensions, V Twin manufacturing ext rear chrome heal shifter arm, La Choppers front ext shift peg. Also the angle of the shifter arms have been re-adjusted to my liking with the rear shift peg set low. Now there is plenty of room on the floorboards and the bike shifts like a dream. Also no scuffed up toes of the boots.
Ride Safe All,
Bill G
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,076
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From: Camp Lejeune, NC
I have been considering a touring bike and rented an M8 this weekend. I really like the bike but coming off standards and sportier bikes, I can't figure out any use for the heel toe shifter other than to confine the left foot. Shifting with my toe is much more sensitive and more natural but maybe because what I am used to. Am I missing something?