shift linkage install question...
I just upgraded my shifter linkage to heim joints. When I was attempting to connect the linkage to the front shift lever I experienced this same problem where the bolt head was very close to brushing up against the cylinder head. Its interesting that no one here made the necessary adjustments to correct this. The OP is correct in my opinion when he states that the linkage is woefully out of alignment if you connect it to the outside of the front lever. It is in perfect alignment when placed on the inside. However, the tolerances are much less when this is done causing the bolt head to brush the front cylinder. Remedy: Get yourself a button head screw first thing. I used a 1x24x5/16 SS with an acorn nut on the outside. Remove both heel/toe shift linkages. Loosen heim joint locknuts and adjust both ends equally until you're able to rotate the front shift lever forward until the button head bold is forward of the front engine cylinder when linkage is connected. Make connections and torque shift linkage into place. Now reinstall heel/toe shift levers, adjusting to desired location. The end result will be a properly adjusted shift linkage with plenty of clearance for the front cylinder head. Enjoy.
Banned
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Whether or not the shift linkage must be installed on the outside or the inside of the lever to avoid hitting the front cylinder is dependent on the adjustment of the lever. It works quite well either way and is not "woefully out of alignment." If you want to follow the installation instructions explicitly, make the shift linkage long enough to move the lever and the linkage away from the cylinder, then readjust the foot levers. I did not want to do all of that, so I installed the linkage on the outside of the lever on both my wife's 2007 Ultra and my 2008 RG.
Last edited by tedcmiller (Cry Baby); Jul 3, 2010 at 10:25 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 24
From: Melbourne, Florida
I ran into the same thing this weekend. See attached photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pccoder/8255962126/http://www.flickr.com/photos/pccoder/8255962126/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/pccoder/, on Flickr
I personally think that HD just dropped the ball on the instructions, as they clearly say that the front end of the shift linkage is to be attached on the BACK side of the rod (closest to the cooling fans), and there is physically not enough room for this to occur.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pccoder/8255962126/http://www.flickr.com/photos/pccoder/8255962126/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/pccoder/, on Flickr
I personally think that HD just dropped the ball on the instructions, as they clearly say that the front end of the shift linkage is to be attached on the BACK side of the rod (closest to the cooling fans), and there is physically not enough room for this to occur.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 605
Likes: 11
From: Southern IL
Can it be adjusted more forward? I just ordered one for mine. Or can you go to the local hardware and purchas a shorted chrome bolt?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 24
From: Melbourne, Florida
I don't know, but it actually looks better this way. As far as fit is concerned, it comes with these little bearings that rotate around so it fits just fine in either configuration (of course that would be assuming you could get it back behind rod).
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