Heel toe mishap
Heel toe mishap
I remember this being a topic a couple years ago but they were just close calls. I have had several close calls but they are so few and I ride so often, I've never considered it a real danger.
I'm talking about the heel shifter getting caught on clothing. I wear jeans and in colder months, add leather. Last night after a 125mi ride, leaving my friend's house I stopped at a stop sign and couldn't get my leg down. I managed to stay up a couple seconds, trying to treat my leg free, but to no avail.the bike down on the left side. My leg, still tangled, took most of the damage. The bike suffered some.
I have a long ride north on Friday morning so I'm getting the parts I need to ride so I don't miss the trip. Among the casualties are my bars, mirror, clutch lever, clutch housing, and the rear turn signal.my primary was damaged but it looks to be just scratches.
The parts will be picked up today and I'll start working on them as soon as I get off work tonight. My plans also include the permanent removal of the rear shifter. I love the heel shift, so it will be missed.
I'm talking about the heel shifter getting caught on clothing. I wear jeans and in colder months, add leather. Last night after a 125mi ride, leaving my friend's house I stopped at a stop sign and couldn't get my leg down. I managed to stay up a couple seconds, trying to treat my leg free, but to no avail.the bike down on the left side. My leg, still tangled, took most of the damage. The bike suffered some.
I have a long ride north on Friday morning so I'm getting the parts I need to ride so I don't miss the trip. Among the casualties are my bars, mirror, clutch lever, clutch housing, and the rear turn signal.my primary was damaged but it looks to be just scratches.
The parts will be picked up today and I'll start working on them as soon as I get off work tonight. My plans also include the permanent removal of the rear shifter. I love the heel shift, so it will be missed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
That sucks. I've personally never had it happen but if you still have the rubber peg on there, you might try one of the flat aftermarket shift pegs with the chrome surround if you're feeling adventurous. I can't see how anything but bell bottoms could get stuck on one of those. I adjust the lever as close to the board as possible while still being able to completely engage the gear. Glad you're leg is ok!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 510
Likes: 83
From: SW Virginia
I just bought my heratige a few days ago. Before I rode off the lot I took the heel shifter off.
I did is just because I ride several bikes and I toe shift all of them. I have never thought of it from a safety angle though. I also like having more room on the floor board without the heel shifter.
I did is just because I ride several bikes and I toe shift all of them. I have never thought of it from a safety angle though. I also like having more room on the floor board without the heel shifter.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 695
Likes: 50
From: South Carolina
Soooooo you couldn't apply hand brake, and put your right leg down? Guess I am missing something.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
??? The way I read it, the OP had stopped, using whatever brake, and when he tried to put his foot down his pant leg caught on the 'heel shifter'. When that happens, 'stuff' happens fast and he fell over. I had never heard of the solution offered in post #6, but I have used rubber bands for the same function.
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NOT A MODERATOR
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 27,730
Likes: 23,320
From: Paradise
As to the topic. I love my toe/heel shifter and would never remove it. I just make sure my pants/laces are properly dealt with to avoid something like this happening.
Large ones of these work great in a pinch for dealing with your pant legs.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 390
From: NJ
i have never heard of this problem ever. maybe even a set of those boot straps that hold your jeans from flying up your leg might help hold things in place.