I just purchased a’08 FLSTC and am having a hard time getting accustomed to the “Heel/Toe” shifter! Am I just not retainable or do other riders have the same problem?

Also I have a heck of a time finding “Neutral”; is it because the bike is new (25 miles) or are there some tricks to using heel/toe? I never had these problems on any of my previous bikes.

Any input would be deeply appreciated!

Jim

 

I think it took about 50 feet for me to get the hang on the heel toe, but YMMV. As far as neutral goes, if your other bikes were metrics, yeah the HD is harder fo find neutral on. It might get better in time with the 6 speed, but mine it can still be a bit tricky. Not impossible, but not as easy I guess.

 

You'll get used to it just give it some miles and you wont even think about how to shift.

Yes on my 06 softail classic it is hard to find neutral, I have to watch for the light to light up cause I can't seem to feel it.

 

I just use the toe portion of the shifter. If that's what you're used to you will find neutral alot easier that way.

I feel like a monkey and a football trying to find neutral using the heel part.

 

I never liked the heel shifter myself,on my second E-Glide now and took the heel shifter off.

 

I too have an '08 FLSTC and I didn't have enough room for my boot between the front and rear shifters. I like to occasionally move my feet back for a different position and having only the right one back just wasn't right.

I also saw someone nearly dump a brand new bike while pulling up to a stop light and having their pant leg catch on the rear shifter.

I took it off and installed the chrome cap. Neutral is a bit hard to find on mine too.

 

Bret,

I've had it catch my pants leg a couple of times,,,,Nothing worse cause there is nothing you can do except panic at that point. I've lucked out so far, but once it happens you learn.


Trivia Question
Can anyone tell me why there is such a thing as a heel/toe shifter?

 

Because it is cool to "kick" it into gear??

 

I don't use the heel shifter myself, its in the wrong place for my feet. I have ordered a piece that covers the spline when I remove the heel shift next week.

 

NO,

Back in the day, actual gentlemen rode Harleys with the shined and polished shoes. Now you cant just use the toe shifter and ruin that shoe shine.

That's my story and I'm stickin to it.