Went for longest ride yet (~100 mi); I had to go to the dealer where I purchased my Heritage to have the rear cylinder shut off enabled. While I was there, had to spend more money (of course)...so highway bars, new gloves and other stuff.

While we were waiting on the shop to complete the firmware update, got to talking to one of the employees. He asked me if I had a gremlin bell for my new bike - honestly I didn't know what the heck we was talking about. He then says that I really need one, but I can't buy it....lol - he turns to my buddy and says he should buy it. To my surprise (keep in mind I am not sure this guy is serious) my buddy says, yeah, he has one on his RK and would be happy to buy one. I says okay (what ever)....so I pick one out...he buys it. Bike is done and we head off for lunch (I buy)...after lunch we ride for like another 3 hours. When I get home, I mount the bell....apparently this is a custom going back a ways...

I'd post a picture, but I am afraid it would be bad luck.

 

Yup. You can't buy one for yourself, that removes the magic. It has to be given to you as a gift by someone else. My first one was on my Sportster, purchased by my dad. I don't know whether you'd say it worked or not, because my front brake locked up and caused me to go down and slide for about 30-50 feet. The bike had some bumps and dings, but aside from a bit of rash, I was fine. Lost the bell though. Looked for it for a good 30 minutes. It vanished. So I like to say that it worked.


My second bell was also bought for me by my dad, and it's doing its job thus far.

 

OMG,, yes.. there is a complete set of rules and guidelines for buying, using and how to install the Gremlin Bell...

Please make sure you read them..(do a google search and you'll find it) so you don't do it wrong.. or it may Void its purpose and/or your bikes Warranty..

 

I didn't know the Heritage, or any Softail for that matter, had a rear cylinder shut-off function? I just thought it was for some of the touring bikes.

Nobody has bought a gremlin bell for me, so I don't have one.

 

It's also known as "parade mode," or more technically, the EITMS (Engine Idle Temperature Management System). I have it on my 07 Heritage, but I had to have the dealer enable it. It turns the rear cylinder off when the head temp reaches a certain temperature and you roll the throttle forward.

 

The Legend of the Gremlin Bell
..and they should be mounted as low on the bike as possible...