M8 Gear Shift Shaft
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 707
Likes: 332
From: Indiana
Where did he say he was using a heel shifter? Also I'm pretty sure many have been stripped using toe only. I don't get all of the hate for heel shifters,it's a great tool if you know how to use it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 851
From: Puyallup, wa
Even if he was using a heel shifter, now they are assuming that people stomp on it like it is a spider. The heel shifter is a great tool and no need to stomp on it. Just as easy to stomp on the toe shifter when down shifting esp. in an emergency situation.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 507
From: Florida
To be clear , once I got my first bike with heel / toe shift , I've not been without it.
Stomping is the main cause.
An underlying cause is lack of maintenance on the fasteners and over kill shift pressure. In this order.
Stomping is the main cause.
An underlying cause is lack of maintenance on the fasteners and over kill shift pressure. In this order.
Last edited by V-Twins & Bowties; Nov 27, 2022 at 12:21 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 506
Likes: 241
From: CA
Inner arm lever?
Looking at the Thrashin one, with a proper snug fit and a drop of threadlock on the bolt it should never strip - assuming you're talking about stripping the splines.
https://www.thrashinsupply.com/produ...-touring-black
Looking at the Thrashin one, with a proper snug fit and a drop of threadlock on the bolt it should never strip - assuming you're talking about stripping the splines.
https://www.thrashinsupply.com/produ...-touring-black
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 186
Likes: 38
From: bendigo
empirical evidence
Hammered might be a bit harsh, but there is enough empirical evidence that supports the hypothesis that heel shifters lead to excessive wear in the gear shift mechanism. With the foot planted on a board/peg, gentle plantarflexion/dorsiflexion is possible through the extra feel through the toes, as opposed to a heel that is planted with more pressure and under less control. There is a reason that lots of people remove their heel shift shaft. Mine went after a week!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,997
Likes: 6,898
From: NC
Hammered might be a bit harsh, but there is enough empirical evidence that supports the hypothesis that heel shifters lead to excessive wear in the gear shift mechanism. With the foot planted on a board/peg, gentle plantarflexion/dorsiflexion is possible through the extra feel through the toes, as opposed to a heel that is planted with more pressure and under less control. There is a reason that lots of people remove their heel shift shaft. Mine went after a week!
My 2002 had over 40k miles with no lever issues. But I applied locktite when changing to extended levers when I bought the bike with 12k miles.
2019 FLHTP now has 14k+ miles. Extended shift levers installed at 2000 miles.
Use the heel shifter all the time.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Empirical Knowledge. Look it up and do some research on your own. I'm not your secretary.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Hammered might be a bit harsh, but there is enough empirical evidence that supports the hypothesis that heel shifters lead to excessive wear in the gear shift mechanism. With the foot planted on a board/peg, gentle plantarflexion/dorsiflexion is possible through the extra feel through the toes, as opposed to a heel that is planted with more pressure and under less control. There is a reason that lots of people remove their heel shift shaft. Mine went after a week!
