Super Easy Shift Linkage Mod
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
I wish that I had known about this mod back in 04,
I could have saved 80 bucks + tax on a new SS
shifter rod. Then in 07 I could have saved another
80 bucks + tax on another SS shifter rod for my
Road king.
I could have saved 80 bucks + tax on a new SS
shifter rod. Then in 07 I could have saved another
80 bucks + tax on another SS shifter rod for my
Road king.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Shifter Mod
I did this mod to my Road Glide about 6 months ago...The rod end bearings came from Summit and my process was the same except I could not shorten the total overall length enough. I had to take a 5/16 x 24 die and thread the rod further down it's length, but you are correct in that the shifting is much more crisp.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: 204
Just performed this yesterday after bookmarking it a few days ago, ironically. Meant to tackle this just as an ounce of preventative measure, but on my way home from work yesterday afternoon my front-most shift linkage end failed (thankfully in 2nd gear lol).
Got this tackled for under $25 (CANADIAN FUNDS!! Princess Auto to the rescue) and also found all the necessary hardware to also relocate, extend and upgrade my air shock plumbing to a more convenient fill/measure location.
It might be worth pointing out, however obvious it may seem to some (ok, fine, MOST
) people that the Heim ends are significantly longer in length than the factory ends, and you will definitely have to relocate the set nut on the rods, and possibly adjust their heel-toe shift pegs on the spline shaft to retain the original setting locations.
Got this tackled for under $25 (CANADIAN FUNDS!! Princess Auto to the rescue) and also found all the necessary hardware to also relocate, extend and upgrade my air shock plumbing to a more convenient fill/measure location.
It might be worth pointing out, however obvious it may seem to some (ok, fine, MOST
) people that the Heim ends are significantly longer in length than the factory ends, and you will definitely have to relocate the set nut on the rods, and possibly adjust their heel-toe shift pegs on the spline shaft to retain the original setting locations.
Last edited by Hesh81; Jun 19, 2015 at 09:45 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
OP: Now you can get rid of that ugly cap on the end of that splined shifter shaft.
Just mark the shaft where the cap meets the shift lever and cut that baby off with a hack saw or cut-off wheel.
Polish the end with a a file and a couple of fine grades of sandpaper and you're good to go. Maybe 1/2 to 1 hr. tops.
Now you have more foot room and if someone asks you can say you customized it yourself.
Note: That shaft sells for around $15 so replacing it is really cheep-cheep.
Just mark the shaft where the cap meets the shift lever and cut that baby off with a hack saw or cut-off wheel.
Polish the end with a a file and a couple of fine grades of sandpaper and you're good to go. Maybe 1/2 to 1 hr. tops.
Now you have more foot room and if someone asks you can say you customized it yourself.
Note: That shaft sells for around $15 so replacing it is really cheep-cheep.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,865
Likes: 32,872
From: King George, VA
Dang, I would have at least run the garden hose over the bike before taking the pics.
I did the Heim joint replacement several years ago after the original link broke on me while on the road. Duct tape got me home.
You're moving along ok. Shift shaft customized, now the shift linkage, next thing will be an engine job.
I did the Heim joint replacement several years ago after the original link broke on me while on the road. Duct tape got me home.
You're moving along ok. Shift shaft customized, now the shift linkage, next thing will be an engine job.
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
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
It might be worth pointing out, however obvious it may seem to some (ok, fine, MOST ) people that the Heim ends are significantly longer in length than the factory ends, and you will definitely have to relocate the set nut on the rods, and possibly adjust their heel-toe shift pegs on the spline shaft to retain the original setting locations.
) people that the Heim ends are significantly longer in length than the factory ends, and you will definitely have to relocate the set nut on the rods, and possibly adjust their heel-toe shift pegs on the spline shaft to retain the original setting locations.OP: Now you can get rid of that ugly cap on the end of that splined shifter shaft.
Just mark the shaft where the cap meets the shift lever and cut that baby off with a hack saw or cut-off wheel.
Polish the end with a a file and a couple of fine grades of sandpaper and you're good to go. Maybe 1/2 to 1 hr. tops.
Now you have more foot room and if someone asks you can say you customized it yourself.
Note: That shaft sells for around $15 so replacing it is really cheep-cheep.
Just mark the shaft where the cap meets the shift lever and cut that baby off with a hack saw or cut-off wheel.
Polish the end with a a file and a couple of fine grades of sandpaper and you're good to go. Maybe 1/2 to 1 hr. tops.
Now you have more foot room and if someone asks you can say you customized it yourself.
Note: That shaft sells for around $15 so replacing it is really cheep-cheep.
