I have been looking for a newer shift linkage for a while, but on a recent return from the coast my stock one fubar'd... A lil over 13,000 miles and the front ball popped out of the joint. I was a mile away from home so I slipped it backtogether and shifted lightly.

The guy at Harley said the stock shift linkage ball joints fail all the time. You can buy the updraded 'Heim Joint' ends for 20 bucks a pop.

Before


After, Chrome HD Skull linkage with Heim Joints

 

Nice job, driven2fish, but I'll wager that Willie G Zombie set ya back a bit more than $20

 

I don't have a problem with the H-D shift rod upgrades. Just not crazy about the length of that front bolt. And yes, I'll be in the market soon before mine causes me problems. Then throw the old one in the bag in case someone else has issues when on the road.

 

Guess there's no point in letting you know those Heim joints are available for cheap at just about any Indy, hardware, or auto parts/fastener outlet. You can usually buy the pair for the same $20. You'd think Heims would be OEM after the thousands of ball ends that have broken through the years. Experience has taught me to replace the stock ends ASAP on any bike I've owned. Your new linkage looks great. Ride on with confidence my man.

 

I lost the rear shaft and shifter peg on a ride today. I downshifted and went to upshift and it was gone. WTF, it is an 09 with 3000 miles.

 

Yes more than 20 for the complete package, but I was looking to upgrade before being forced.

 

Here are some photos of my garage made linkage. I should qualify it by saying I have a milling machine.

 

Nice. I need one of those milling machines.