Shifter linkage Failure
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,020
Likes: 0
From: Alberta
Shifter linkage Failure
Something just occured to me. Is there a link to people that use a heel shifter and people that have shifter linkage swivel failure or breakage? Maybe to much force is applied to the linkage. Just a thought, I took my heel shifter off and have no problems so far. Later, Claire
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 944
Likes: 2
From: Tennessee
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
I'd be willing to bet that the people who break their rear shift arm are also having problems with the linkage. I heard people say the stomp the chit out their shifters and I can't see any good coming from that.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
Maybe I'm missing your question, but the linkage should be designed to withstand A LOT more abuse than a person just shifting. I've heard the problem is more the way HD designed their linkage than due to poor usage. As a matter of face their expensive replacement linkages have the better design. Go figure. 
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,020
Likes: 0
From: Alberta
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
It wasnt as much of a question as a observation. People that have had problems around here with the linkage, still use their heel shifter. Thought there might be a connection..............
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
Maybe more force applied when using the heel?
I removed the heel on mine and at 13000 mi. the stock linkage is still working.I'm in the the process of making a replacement with rod ends.
I removed the heel on mine and at 13000 mi. the stock linkage is still working.I'm in the the process of making a replacement with rod ends.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
I might be wrong, but I think it's more the design of the joint. I use the heel shifter on my stock linkage and all is still good. But I'm thinking about getting one with thebetter designed joint to avoid a future problem.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 227
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
If the shaft that slides thru the inner primary up front has a lot of slop on it and the heel or toe shifter gets used with a lot of force, it twists the linkage back to the shifter arm on the tranny and can pop an end off the linkage and it can also cause the shifter arm on the tranny to loosen over time.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,020
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From: Alberta
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
I only have 20K on my bike. I dont want the thing breaking 2K from home in the middle of nowhere, i also dont want to spend $200.00 for a good linkage. Warrenty wont be much good in the middle of the desert in Idaho.............107 degrees when we went through there this summer.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 791
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
HD stock linkage is crap! I have five friends who have theirs broken during road trips. To me, this was a design (and safety) flaw that HD will never admit to. Most of us now carry two or three tie wraps just for this issue. I've changed my linkage years ago, and glad I did!
ORIGINAL: petemac
I might be wrong, but I think it's more the design of the joint. I use the heel shifter on my stock linkage and all is still good. But I'm thinking about getting one with thebetter designed joint to avoid a future problem.
I might be wrong, but I think it's more the design of the joint. I use the heel shifter on my stock linkage and all is still good. But I'm thinking about getting one with thebetter designed joint to avoid a future problem.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Shifter linkage Failure
What timing! Was on a mile ride last Monday.....got within 25 miles of home and felt the shift peg hit the top of my boot....looked down and sure 'nuff.....there it was. Fortunately I'd paid attention in forum class and zip tied it.....then rode 6 more days till the replacement (upgrade) came in. My '05 has 26K on it and I shift 100% with the toe shifter...just not taken the heel shifter off (needed that when the toe shifter stripped on the way to Big Bend this spring and decided to leave it there).
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