which part brakes in the shift linkage device
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 493
Likes: 17
From: Ft LAuderdale
which part brakes in the shift linkage device
I have read many threads where folks go to shift and nothing. They find out that the shift linkage has broken and even fallen off. Which is the part that actually brakes in most cases?.
See attached picture and tell me if it is section a,b,c, or d. Can you explain how it brakes. Thanks
See attached picture and tell me if it is section a,b,c, or d. Can you explain how it brakes. Thanks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
sometimes just a nut backs off and the owner doesn't spot it.
The H-D heel toe shifter is meant to be adjusted so that the shifter lever cntacts the floorboard AS the gear change is made.
Some guys like the toe shifter higher as they up shift with the toe- that means when down shifting they can stress the shifter linkage--- which can make it break
Mike
The H-D heel toe shifter is meant to be adjusted so that the shifter lever cntacts the floorboard AS the gear change is made.
Some guys like the toe shifter higher as they up shift with the toe- that means when down shifting they can stress the shifter linkage--- which can make it break
Mike
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
In the picture you supplied, as was mentioned before, you have the Heim joints on your
shifter rod (B&D). On stock rods, they come with a round 'knuckle' that fits into a socket. as you rack up miles, the knuckle wears out the socket......and the knuckle can pop out.
Easily 'repaired' on the side of the road with a some plastic wires ties.
I have also experienced the splines, where the toe/heel shifter attaches...stripping.
I carry and extra in my saddle bag. Been there, done that.
chuck
shifter rod (B&D). On stock rods, they come with a round 'knuckle' that fits into a socket. as you rack up miles, the knuckle wears out the socket......and the knuckle can pop out.
Easily 'repaired' on the side of the road with a some plastic wires ties.
I have also experienced the splines, where the toe/heel shifter attaches...stripping.
I carry and extra in my saddle bag. Been there, done that.
chuck
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Hey, that's not your bike. There is only one bike with those fans installed and unless you have more than one alias here on the forum, I know that does not belong to you. The fans are a one-of prototype belonging to fabrik8r.
But to answer your question, the only failure I've witnessed was at location B and it was the fastener coming loose that caused the failure.
But to answer your question, the only failure I've witnessed was at location B and it was the fastener coming loose that caused the failure.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 389
Likes: 3
From: Third Coast TX
The linkage itself doesn't break, it's the piece that connects the linkage to the front shift lever. This piece uses a "ball and cuff" joint, allowing the linkage to move forward and backward as you operate the heel-toe shifter. After so much usage, the ball wears down, and eventually slips out of the cuff.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
The H-D heel toe shifter is meant to be adjusted so that the shifter lever cntacts the floorboard AS the gear change is made.
Some guys like the toe shifter higher as they up shift with the toe- that means when down shifting they can stress the shifter linkage--- which can make it break
Mike
Some guys like the toe shifter higher as they up shift with the toe- that means when down shifting they can stress the shifter linkage--- which can make it break
Mike
And the shifter lever is meant to be adjusted to hit the floorboard just as the gears change? Really? The service manual clearly states "To ensure proper gear engagement and avoid possible damage to transmission, the shift levers should not contact the floorboard when shifting".
I've owned three HDs over the years, removed the heel shifter from them all, rode thousands of miles, and never, never an issue with the shifter linkage or anything else in that area. I attribute that to the elimination of the useless heel shifter and the fact that minimal force is always being applied to the shifter mechanism by the finesse of my toes. Its not rocket science.
I guess some folks just like to "stomp".
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
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From: The Burgh
I have read many threads where folks go to shift and nothing. They find out that the shift linkage has broken and even fallen off. Which is the part that actually brakes in most cases?.
See attached picture and tell me if it is section a,b,c, or d. Can you explain how it brakes. Thanks
See attached picture and tell me if it is section a,b,c, or d. Can you explain how it brakes. Thanks
Last edited by frenchbiker; Dec 10, 2011 at 08:34 AM.
