Shifter Linkage
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
If you want to keep it simple and inexpensive , pick up a couple of these.
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=301
I do this on each bike first thing and get rid of a problem before it starts.
I also drill and tap the primary at the front shift shaft for a 1/4x28 grease fitting.
You can see it in the picture at a 45 degree angle.
This combination makes the shifter feel more positive and neutral easier to find too.
Over the long haul . the shifter shaft gets loose and dry and will affect shifter feel eventually.
This combination works great and looks OK I suppose , not real fancy.
I keep a pair of stock joints in my tourpack for stranded travelers as a pay it forward kind of thing.
Mick
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=301
I do this on each bike first thing and get rid of a problem before it starts.
I also drill and tap the primary at the front shift shaft for a 1/4x28 grease fitting.
You can see it in the picture at a 45 degree angle.
This combination makes the shifter feel more positive and neutral easier to find too.
Over the long haul . the shifter shaft gets loose and dry and will affect shifter feel eventually.
This combination works great and looks OK I suppose , not real fancy.
I keep a pair of stock joints in my tourpack for stranded travelers as a pay it forward kind of thing.
Mick
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
Ended up giving the spare to a guy stuck in a parking lot with a broken shifter.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
I installed this one. Seems tighter and has more of a positive feel when shifting. Can find neutral easier too.
Custom Gear Shift Linkage - Harley-DavidsonŽ Scripted
Kick your custom into gear with this collection of high quality Custom Shift Linkages. Available in a variety of designs to match your bike's style, these linkages feature aircraft-quality rod ends for easy adjustment and smooth operation. The easy-to-install linkage kit includes a transmission lever cover and decorative acorn nuts and bolts for a complete custom look. Easy-to-install.
33801-09
Fits '86-later SoftailŽ and Touring models. (Does not fit '97-'99 FLSTS models or models equipped with SoftailŽ Extended Reach Forward Controls.)
MSRP US $129.95
Download Instruction Sheet
Custom Gear Shift Linkage - Harley-DavidsonŽ Scripted
Kick your custom into gear with this collection of high quality Custom Shift Linkages. Available in a variety of designs to match your bike's style, these linkages feature aircraft-quality rod ends for easy adjustment and smooth operation. The easy-to-install linkage kit includes a transmission lever cover and decorative acorn nuts and bolts for a complete custom look. Easy-to-install.
33801-09Fits '86-later SoftailŽ and Touring models. (Does not fit '97-'99 FLSTS models or models equipped with SoftailŽ Extended Reach Forward Controls.)
MSRP US $129.95
Download Instruction Sheet
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 36
From: Georgia Mountains
The shifter linkage isn't the issue, the issue is what's at both ends. Replace the 2 crappy ball joints by 2 heim joints and you won't be stuck in the middle of nowhere unable to shift. My front ball joint broke at 9,500 miles on a Sunday (dealerships closed). Luckily I had 2 plastic ties in my toolkit. I could ride back home.
I replaced it with a chromed rod with Heim joints and nice chrome hardware. It feels substantially better.
Just a reminder. They will fail. It's a crappy design and should come from the factory with Heim joints. Pack some zip ties if you have'nt replaced it yet.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 974
Likes: 13
From: Chesapeake Virginia
I definatley noticed an easier nuetral and overall more positive shifts up and down. Got mine on e bay for less than 1/3 new. Just wait for it. Guy sold bike and took off to sell later.
You just need a couple of 5/16-24 RH female heim joints, a couple of nylon washers and a couple of button head bolts to upgrade your shift linkage. Total cost is under 10 bucks at the hardware store.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,322
From: Western South Dakota
If you want to keep it simple and inexpensive , pick up a couple of these.
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=301
I do this on each bike first thing and get rid of a problem before it starts.
I also drill and tap the primary at the front shift shaft for a 1/4x28 grease fitting.
You can see it in the picture at a 45 degree angle.
This combination makes the shifter feel more positive and neutral easier to find too.
Over the long haul . the shifter shaft gets loose and dry and will affect shifter feel eventually.
This combination works great and looks OK I suppose , not real fancy.
I keep a pair of stock joints in my tourpack for stranded travelers as a pay it forward kind of thing.
Mick
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=301
I do this on each bike first thing and get rid of a problem before it starts.
I also drill and tap the primary at the front shift shaft for a 1/4x28 grease fitting.
You can see it in the picture at a 45 degree angle.
This combination makes the shifter feel more positive and neutral easier to find too.
Over the long haul . the shifter shaft gets loose and dry and will affect shifter feel eventually.
This combination works great and looks OK I suppose , not real fancy.
I keep a pair of stock joints in my tourpack for stranded travelers as a pay it forward kind of thing.
Mick
