Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 10:17 AM
  #1  
Harleypingman's Avatar
Harleypingman
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Default NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

Replaced the OEM shift linkage on my '04 EG with the HD round polished stainless linkage with Heim joints, 33814-98A. What a terrific improvement in shifting--no slop at all; just click-click, etc. up or down shifting.

I've had the bike two years and ridden 40K. I always looked at replacing the linkage as a purely cosmetic change--boy, was I wrong. That OEM shift linkage is a piece of junk compared to the positive shifting offered by the replacement. Had I known what a huge difference this change would make in the ridability of my bike I would have made the swap within 30 days of buying the bike. Even knowing the HD stuff is over-priced, the improvement in shifting was so good I actually think the item is outstanding value.
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 10:21 AM
  #2  
dugan's Avatar
dugan
Outstanding HDF Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

can a person with no mechanical knowledge replace this linkage? any tips?
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 10:27 AM
  #3  
Bryan TTM's Avatar
Bryan TTM
Banned
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,603
Likes: 10
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

same linkage i have...love it....didnt care for the doodad'd up linkages personally
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 10:29 AM
  #4  
dgator66's Avatar
dgator66
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 3
From:
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

Nice tip. I never would have thought that the linkage made that much of a difference.
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 10:58 AM
  #5  
BladeMan's Avatar
BladeMan
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

I changed mine. It looks better, but I can't tell any difference in the way it shifts.
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 02:23 PM
  #6  
iclick's Avatar
iclick
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

ORIGINAL: Harleypingman

Replaced the OEM shift linkage on my '04 EG with the HD round polished stainless linkage with Heim joints, 33814-98A. What a terrific improvement in shifting--no slop at all; just click-click, etc. up or down shifting.

I've had the bike two years and ridden 40K. I always looked at replacing the linkage as a purely cosmetic change--boy, was I wrong. That OEM shift linkage is a piece of junk compared to the positive shifting offered by the replacement. Had I known what a huge difference this change would make in the ridability of my bike I would have made the swap within 30 days of buying the bike. Even knowing the HD stuff is over-priced, the improvement in shifting was so good I actually think the item is outstanding value.
If the heim joint is the key, why not just buy a stock shift linkage ($25 new, IIRC) and rob the heim joint. Then you'd have two on your original linkage. I don't know why the shifting would improve, but I do know the ball-and-socket joint on the rear of the stock units will wear out and break in time. Ask me how I know this. For this reason and since I have a spare stock linkage here, I will try to adapt it to the rear of the stock unit and will report back.


 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 02:50 PM
  #7  
UGGA's Avatar
UGGA
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

ORIGINAL: Harleypingman

Replaced the OEM shift linkage on my '04 EG with the HD round polished stainless linkage with Heim joints, 33814-98A. What a terrific improvement in shifting--no slop at all; just click-click, etc. up or down shifting.
I replaced my stock linkage with the same part number as you - purely for cosmetic reasons. Can't tell any difference whatsoever in shifting. It was fine stock and it's fine now. I'll bet that your stock linkage was adjusted wrong and you inadvertently fixed the problem during the replacement process. Glad it's helping you out.

Doug
 
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 03:00 PM
  #8  
vegashd's Avatar
vegashd
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
From: Dover, Oh
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

ORIGINAL: UGGA

ORIGINAL: Harleypingman

Replaced the OEM shift linkage on my '04 EG with the HD round polished stainless linkage with Heim joints, 33814-98A. What a terrific improvement in shifting--no slop at all; just click-click, etc. up or down shifting.
I replaced my stock linkage with the same part number as you - purely for cosmetic reasons. Can't tell any difference whatsoever in shifting. It was fine stock and it's fine now. I'll bet that your stock linkage was adjusted wrong and you inadvertently fixed the problem during the replacement process. Glad it's helping you out.

Doug
that was my thoughts as well. just more in adjustment now.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 12, 2007 | 06:23 PM
  #9  
FLGEEZ's Avatar
FLGEEZ
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 837
Likes: 1
From: NORVA / Pittsboro, IN
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

ORIGINAL: iclick

ORIGINAL: Harleypingman

Replaced the OEM shift linkage on my '04 EG with the HD round polished stainless linkage with Heim joints, 33814-98A. What a terrific improvement in shifting--no slop at all; just click-click, etc. up or down shifting.

I've had the bike two years and ridden 40K. I always looked at replacing the linkage as a purely cosmetic change--boy, was I wrong. That OEM shift linkage is a piece of junk compared to the positive shifting offered by the replacement. Had I known what a huge difference this change would make in the ridability of my bike I would have made the swap within 30 days of buying the bike. Even knowing the HD stuff is over-priced, the improvement in shifting was so good I actually think the item is outstanding value.
If the heim joint is the key, why not just buy a stock shift linkage ($25 new, IIRC) and rob the heim joint. Then you'd have two on your original linkage. I don't know why the shifting would improve, but I do know the ball-and-socket joint on the rear of the stock units will wear out and break in time. Ask me how I know this. For this reason and since I have a spare stock linkage here, I will try to adapt it to the rear of the stock unit and will report back.
I have had those ball and socket mounts fall apart on my 76 Jeep Cherokkee for years. They are the same, with no good way to lube them. I did drill and attach a zerk fitting on the Jeep finally, but Heim joints are the way to go. 2 year old bke, 40,000 miles is a lot of shifting, and that been a while back for my 96. I'll take the advice and put one on.

I would hope an 06 would not have a link problem. New part for new part swap usually don't make much difference. Adjustment - lmao

Ride safe, warm and often
 
Reply
Old Mar 23, 2007 | 02:33 PM
  #10  
casique's Avatar
casique
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 11
From: Lorton, VA
Default RE: NEW SHIFT LINKAGE--WHAT A DIFFERENCE

Can the experts give a brief description of how to replace the linkage? I just bought a Kury and was looking at mine and it is not obvious how to remove. I see/feel a nut on the back of the front part of the linkage but nothing I can recognize in the rear.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sweetglide08
Touring Models
17
Jul 6, 2011 09:38 PM
Capt. Mike
Touring Parts
4
Dec 4, 2009 02:36 PM
russl179
Touring Models
45
Sep 14, 2008 05:42 PM
RANDIT
Touring Models
22
Jul 29, 2008 08:09 PM
chromedome
General Topics/Tech Tips
10
May 20, 2008 07:12 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:06 AM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE