Warning About Stock Shift Linkage

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Sep 14, 2008 | 12:21 PM

#41

flyingace

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Joined: May 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vettedog72

For guys that don't have a clue (me), specifically, what do you check and how?

I dont know that you can really "check" it. It just wears out and fails. Until it does, it will seem to be fine. One day the ball will just fall out of the socket and thats the end of it.

Sep 14, 2008 | 12:21 PM

#42

flyingace

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Joined: May 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by I SPY

OK...I'm convinced. I just ordered a replacement.

Let me ask this, though: Do you think that failure problems are caused by "stomping" too hard on the shifter...or that there are more failures on heal shifter equipped bikes than on toe shifter only bikes?

Just wonder'n.....

Could be, but I think the real problem is that its just a cheap POS design.

Sep 14, 2008 | 12:24 PM

#43

flyingace

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Joined: May 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Conehead

Thanks flyingace, what did you replace it with?

I just use this one:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US

Is the cheapest one they offer. As others have pointed out, you can get a couple heim joints, a length of rod, thread the ends of the rod, and roll your own for probably under $20.

Sep 14, 2008 | 12:26 PM

#44

flyingace

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Joined: May 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vindyl

38,000 miles and still on the stock linkage And no problems at all. But since my bike is a 96 and I bought it used 96 might be a better linkage I know it is the original because I know the original owner so I asked if it was ever changed.

I think the older ones where built better/different, as I have heard of a lot of guys with pre-2000 bikes who have never had a problem and have lots of miles like you do.