Questions: Bagger Toe/Heel Shifter Arm Removal
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I use the heal shifter regularly; it is a rapid method of shifting and once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back. The problem is, HD doesn't set these at the proper height when you purchase the bike. If you find you have to lift you foot off the board to get to the heal shifter, it's set too high. Lower it so your foot can maintain contact with the board and your heal can rest on the heal shift comfortably. It should be set so that there is just enough room to click a gear. Once set right, you can bang through gears faster and smoother with the heal shift. There is no problem with removing it; looks better with it (just my opinion). Good luck
If you learned to shift on dirt bikes then you may have to think about it to use it. That may be why so many find it an annoyance, they are unable to adjust their way of thinking.
But once it's set right it is the best way to go.
Keeps you from scuffing up the toe on your riding boots too.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Mar 21, 2012 at 07:44 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
Just came from a metric that had toe/heel shift on it. On the HD, I had to pick my foot off the board to change gears. Figured out I could remove two bolts, adjust the levers and love it now. I do not think I will EVER go back to a bike with toe shift. First bike had just toe shift and if I jumped on it from the heel/toe one I bought to replace it, I was lost. I do understand that some do not like the heel/toe shift and it is a personal perference. Sort of like helmets, we all wear what we are comfortable with.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Dover, TN
If you wear size 14 boots like I do you need ALL that floor board space. I have always taken the heal shifter off my bikes. It gets in my way and I like the cleaner looks of just a toe shifter anyway. 
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 374
Likes: 1
From: Bakersfield
I hated my heel shifter for about the first 5 minutes that I had my new bike. I really like it now though. I adjusted the angles on the heel and toe shifter so that I barely have to lift my foot to shift and it makes for fast shifting.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: Austin, San Antonio, Canyon Lake, Houston, Palestine, Texas
This is my first bike with a heel shifter. Grew up on dirt bikes so I never thought I would like it. I'm in the Army and hated constantly having to clean the top of my left combat boot. Heel shifter keeps that from happening. Got used to using it quick.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 280
Likes: 10
From: Knoxville, TN
I took mine off, and it's the best mod I've made to the bike. I like long rides, and it allows me to move my foot around more on the boards to get comfortable. I never used it and I hated it being in the way.
Different strokes....
Different strokes....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I put a 2" extended heel shifter and have all kinds of room. Shifter is off the end of the board. I switch back to other dirt/street bikes with no problem. Love the heel shifter with the boards. Doesn't work with pegs.