Yep mine fell apart too, zip tied it back together till I got home. removed it and tried to fit the ball and socket joint. Took a punch to the side of the socket joint after putting the ball into it. It did not work, got into 2nd gear and it come apart again. Replace both ends with helm joints. Bought them from HD dealer, after market Drag Specialties, here in Canada.

 

You can't use a HD linkage cover with heim joints, which is the first thing you should replace on your bike cause the stock ones are gonna break sooner or later. Once you've replaced the 2 crappy ends by heim joints, polish the stock linkage, he'll shine as much as chrome and it's free, or go to Home Depot, buy a straight piece of chrome sink water line and run the stock linkage inside.

 

I've never had a failure, but I know someone who has. It doesn't seem very common, but hey, anything can break. I replaced mine with the HD slotted linkage because I like the look. I think the stock linkages are pretty bland and an upgrade is an easy way to dress up an area that is highly visible.

 

I've had several bikes I've put these on. No rattles and looks great, you'll be happy with it...

 

I agree. The stock linkage is junk. A linkage with heim joints provides a firmer feel at the lever and looks better.

 

I put the Kuryakyn plain chrome on.


Nothing flashy but certainly better than the stock and adds the much needed dash of chrome.

 

There is an aftermarket ss linkage that has a simple and somewhat unique install...you might want to google it. I saw it when I was researching that issue last year.

 

I have had the chrome HD cover on my stock rod fpr over a year, zero issues so far

 

Easy enough to make your own linkage with some S/S round stock, a couple of Heims, and a threading die. It can be polished to a near chrome shine and you'll have the pride of knowing you built a custom linkage all by yourself.
Also there seems to be some snarky-ness regarding the stock linkage (that some "have never had a problem with"). You will - it's just a matter of time. The weak point with the stock set-up is the ball joint at the of the shaft.

 

H-D part number # 33184-98A - - $89.95 it's chrome & has heim joints on both ends.
Anything you do make sure you get rid the stock shifter linkage, they are prone to brakeage.
Or you can go to ( www.rodendsupply.com ) Order 2 heim joints end size - LXF - 5/16X5/16-24
and replace the ends yourself.