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.

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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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

i moved mine down and use it for a heal rest and i some times shift with it.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

Here's an alternative if you just want more forward foot room but want to keep the heel/toe.

 

Took mine off when my pant leg got hung up on it, and almost went down at a stop sign.