Super Easy Shift Linkage Mod
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 602
From: The 9th Island
I put a heim joint shift linkage on my bike because of the stories of the stock linkage failing... and guess what, my heim joint failed.
This is rare mind you but I feel its because of a poor quality joint that I picked up at a rally a few years ago. Just a word of caution for those going to E-bay and buying cheap him joints.
This is rare mind you but I feel its because of a poor quality joint that I picked up at a rally a few years ago. Just a word of caution for those going to E-bay and buying cheap him joints.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
I put a heim joint shift linkage on my bike because of the stories of the stock linkage failing... and guess what, my heim joint failed.
This is rare mind you but I feel its because of a poor quality joint that I picked up at a rally a few years ago. Just a word of caution for those going to E-bay and buying cheap him joints.
This is rare mind you but I feel its because of a poor quality joint that I picked up at a rally a few years ago. Just a word of caution for those going to E-bay and buying cheap him joints.
You must have found out during servicing perhaps?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 602
From: The 9th Island
Unfortunately no.... I found out that heim joints can fail in Utah outside of Zion National Park. The bolt head that held the linkage together is smaller in diameter than the eyelet of the heir joint. So when it failed, it just slipped right off. I zip tied it together and made it to the nearest dealership. The lesson learned is to use a bolt with a larger head or a washer so next time it won't slip off.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
Unfortunately no.... I found out that heim joints can fail in Utah outside of Zion National Park. The bolt head that held the linkage together is smaller in diameter than the eyelet of the heir joint. So when it failed, it just slipped right off. I zip tied it together and made it to the nearest dealership. The lesson learned is to use a bolt with a larger head or a washer so next time it won't slip off.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 13
From: Beautiful CNY
I put a heim joint shift linkage on my bike because of the stories of the stock linkage failing... and guess what, my heim joint failed. This is rare mind you but I feel its because of a poor quality joint that I picked up at a rally a few years ago. Just a word of caution for those going to E-bay and buying cheap him joints.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 822
Likes: 61
From: Northern Kentucky
Thanks for posting about your helm joint failure. I'm going to add larger headed fasteners and will include my shift rod assembly in my beginning of the riding season inspection.
Bill
Bill
I put a heim joint shift linkage on my bike because of the stories of the stock linkage failing... and guess what, my heim joint failed.
This is rare mind you but I feel its because of a poor quality joint that I picked up at a rally a few years ago. Just a word of caution for those going to E-bay and buying cheap him joints.
This is rare mind you but I feel its because of a poor quality joint that I picked up at a rally a few years ago. Just a word of caution for those going to E-bay and buying cheap him joints.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Georgia
I did this to my road king today. The stock links had a lot of play, both rubber covers were split and you definitely feel they were close to shot at 25k miles. Replaced with the heims and bolts/spacer I got at true value and it doesnt have near the play and looseness as before. I will be taking her out for a test ride tomorrow.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,157
Likes: 740
From: new caney, tx
And done!
Turns out 1/4" was 1/16" over middle for me in back, so I added an extra washer for a total of 4/16'. Yeah, can't help my **** compulsiveness when a good ride's on the line... Shifted great before. Now I barely feel or hear a sound. Yeah Heim. Who ever the **** you were.
Turns out 1/4" was 1/16" over middle for me in back, so I added an extra washer for a total of 4/16'. Yeah, can't help my **** compulsiveness when a good ride's on the line... Shifted great before. Now I barely feel or hear a sound. Yeah Heim. Who ever the **** you were.