After hearing about the problems associated with the stock shift linkage failures I’ve decided to retrofit mine with something different. I’d like to hear from those with touring models that have switched to different linkages with their choices, pro or con.

 

As long as it has Heim joints it's fine, the rest is cosmetic

 

I just went with polished stainless. I did see a beautiful Indian a while back that had a polished brass and chrome arrow for a shift rod. It was the coolest thing. If you want something different, I know they make custom rods with whatever you want printed on them. Here's my plain jane.

 

I have green LED's on my bike. I found a linkage that has led's in it, so I bought it. I also went out and bought some heim joints for it. Looks great when it is lit up, and goes with the rest of them. I saved some bucks on my joints. I went to a local nut and bolt shop. They sell them. I got two for about $7. They aren't chrome, but look just fine. If you have any type of theme running on your bike, I suggest going with something along those lines. But, like someone mentioned, it is the heim joints that are most important...

 

+1 on the heim joints. I had the stock linkage go on me 180 miles from BF nowhere, and good thing I had a spare in the bag or I would've been hooped. Bought the plain jane polished one for a $100 and now have no worries. PapaTravis summed it up pretty well.
Hey PT, Sweet Custom! Nice work.

 

I agree with the Heim joints. I noticed the rubber grommets on the end were dryin up and startin to crack and break. I repced it with 1 from Harley...the blacked out one.