Simple shifter rod change with unexpected benefit

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Aug 17, 2014 | 02:13 PM

#11

stailjim61

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 569

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From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by hattitude

Thanks for your review... I will definitely check out the Arlen Ness shifter rod before I switch to the Harley accessory rods..

I got curious about the OEM rod versus the Harley accessory rods. So I did some checking. Mostly to get it straight in my mind, but also to share what I found.

I couldn't find any reference to anything HD, other than the "ball & cuff" or Heim joint with bolt.

I checked my bikes, both of which I bought new...

My OEM '03 Softail w/ "ball & cuff" (or whatever it is really called);

My OEM '12 Touring w/ "ball & cuff"

I looked up the installation instructions for the Harley accessory shift rods. It (-J00200.pdf) shows an exploded view of both the OEM set-up and the accessory rod.

The OEM view, with "ball & cuff" style connection:

The Harley accessory rods have the heim joint, but it appears they don't use a "ball". Looks like a bolt goes through the heim joint and secures it to the trans & shift levers....

I certainly don't like the OEM set-up. Although I have never had an issue, I have read that many people do. That is why I've been planning (although dragging my feet) to switch to the HD accessory shift rod. Based on your recommendation, I will now need to see an Arlen Ness in person, so I can decide which way to go...

You don't need to spend a bunch to get an improvement. A $10 set of heim joints with the stock rod will be noticeable. It's the slop in the stock connectors that is improved over using the heim joints. Not to mention the stock joints are prone to break apart at the worst possible time.

Aug 17, 2014 | 06:13 PM

#12

hattitude

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,158

Likes: 11,247

From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by stailjim61

I've read that on this forum before.... I will be looking into that as an option.. but I wouldn't mind adding a little bling over the OEM rod.

I looked at some close up pics of the Arlen Ness shift rod that the OP, Jim G, reviewed in this thread. They use a "specially designed spherical bearing pressed in for a clean look and no unsightly heim joints". Looks interesting.. I'd like to see one in person.

I don't mind spending the $ if there is a rod style I like... I find most of them gaudy... Both HD and Arlen Ness have one that appeals to me.

Thanks

Last edited by hattitude; Aug 17, 2014 at 06:21 PM.

Aug 17, 2014 | 06:53 PM

#13

usmcbuck

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 331

Likes: 0

From: East Texas

I went with this one from HD, looks goods on the bike, not to much or to little I think.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg

Aug 17, 2014 | 07:01 PM

#14

JimGnitecki

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 2,710

Likes: 529

From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmcbuck

I went with this one from HD, looks goods on the bike, not to much or to little I think.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/...9e6730e7_b.jpg

But it still has the exposed threads at each end.

Jim G

Aug 17, 2014 | 07:18 PM

#15

usmcbuck

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 331

Likes: 0

From: East Texas

Has your wife ever asked you to leave the room, you are way to **** Jim.... I think its looks great and much better than OEM rod.

another pic
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/...aa4b242f_b.jpg

Aug 17, 2014 | 07:21 PM

#16

JimGnitecki

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 2,710

Likes: 529

From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmcbuck

Has your wife ever asked you to leave the room, you are way to **** Jim.... I think its looks great and much better than OEM rod.

another pic
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/...aa4b242f_b.jpg