What do you guys mean by "heim"?

 

Mine didn't break but I noticed it was very sloppy so I replaced it with a beefy unit from eBay.&nbsp\\; The shifts are much crisper now with heim joints instead of the ball and seat design of the OEM

 

&nbsp\\;
see the linkage in Q Hog's post. those are heim joints

 

I replaced mine as soon as I bought the bike. Didn't want to be left on the side of the road when it's such an easy part to fix. Thank HD for using the cheapest possible solution to a very important part. Go with the heim joints and you won't have to worry about it again.

 

Mine broke at around 15k.

 

Mine broke on the HOG Posse ride last summer. Used the wire in tool kit to put together until a dealer could replace. No big deal, carry a&nbsp\\;decent tool kit.

 

Or just buy the heim joints and replace the joints on your OEM linkage.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/82,1...RH-Female.html
Perfect fit.&nbsp\\; This is what I'm using now.

 

OK OK not to bust anybody's bubble but I am going to change mine
but after 9 years of riding the same bike, the shift linkage feels just
as tight and strong as when it was new. What Gives? We're they made
better 9 years ago vs now? I think maybe riding habits may play a part
ya think?
Oh well did not know what to do with my extra 86.95 anyway.
Thanks

 

86.95?!!&nbsp\\; i bought 2 heim joints from these guys http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Heim-...3911.m14.l1318

for less than 10 bucks including shipping.&nbsp\\; picked up the stainless steel hardware at lowe's to bolt it on, and total cost was less than 15.00

with that other 70.00, go buy some beer

 

Not to burst your bubble, Saint, but driving habits had nothing to do with the failure of this cheap part.&nbsp\\; I typically get more miles than most out of my tires, brakes, etc.&nbsp\\; After my shift linkage failed on my 2005 Road King, I checked the linkage on my 2007 Low Rider and found it's design to be of similar "dime store" quality - I plan to replace it soon before it fails on the road.&nbsp\\; HD simply ought to be ashamed for installing low-quality parts on otherwise good-looking, good performing, and expensive bikes.
&nbsp\\;