Heel toe shifter
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
I rode a '93 Sportster for 12 years. It didn't have a heel shifter. Last January I bought a '02 Heritage and the previous owner had taken the heel shifter off.
I wanted to see what it would be like with one so bought one off ebay. I wouldn't ride without one now.
.
I wanted to see what it would be like with one so bought one off ebay. I wouldn't ride without one now.
.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Guess I will try it for a month and then see which side of the fence. At least I know it can be removed and has a cover as well. Very helpful.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 490
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
Mine is still on. Dont think Ive ever ridden a bike without one though, except for a ol ironhead with right side shift.
I adjusted mine so the levers are only about 1" above the floorboards so they arnt sticking up. Useful and sleek.
I adjusted mine so the levers are only about 1" above the floorboards so they arnt sticking up. Useful and sleek.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 671
Likes: 159
Depends on how im riding if I use mine or not. Most of the time I use it and I actually have my toes sticking off the front of my floorboards which is very comfortable. On long trips I tend to lift my feet up and rest on my heels while riding. Stretches you out a little bit but I change position and shift only with my toe.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
I did try it for a bit, here is my 2 cents.
With Softails, our front brakes are silly, you need everything to stop the bike in an emergency, and downshifting is the most effective way to enhance braking.
So, in an emergency when I am downshifting hard, rear wheel locking and sliding (yes I am describing at least two different instances of this happening to me).. the last thing I want is my heel not firmly on the boards/pegs. so no toe-heal shifter for me.
On another note, the floorboards are one of the best mods to any FX softail.
With Softails, our front brakes are silly, you need everything to stop the bike in an emergency, and downshifting is the most effective way to enhance braking.
So, in an emergency when I am downshifting hard, rear wheel locking and sliding (yes I am describing at least two different instances of this happening to me).. the last thing I want is my heel not firmly on the boards/pegs. so no toe-heal shifter for me.
On another note, the floorboards are one of the best mods to any FX softail.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 490
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
I did try it for a bit, here is my 2 cents.
So, in an emergency when I am downshifting hard, rear wheel locking and sliding (yes I am describing at least two different instances of this happening to me).. the last thing I want is my heel not firmly on the boards/pegs. so no toe-heal shifter for me.
So, in an emergency when I am downshifting hard, rear wheel locking and sliding (yes I am describing at least two different instances of this happening to me).. the last thing I want is my heel not firmly on the boards/pegs. so no toe-heal shifter for me.
With all the training Ive had ive never had this explained as the proper way of emergency breaking. I even seem to recall seeing the rear wheel locked demonstrated as a "what not to do" example, but I guess if it works for you have at it.
Nice scoot by the way.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 51
From: Ft. Worth
It was the first thing to come off when I got the bike home. It was in the way big time. I even cut the shaft off.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 12
Took mine off when my pant leg got hung up on it, and almost went down at a stop sign.