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After years of riding metric bikes, I thought the heel shifter on my FLHR would be sure to go. In the two mile ride home from the dealership, I became a convert to the heel shifter. I love it and use it for 100% of upshifts. I wouldn't have it any other way. My size 13s are comfortable on the floorboard with it.
Suspect this might even split debate and like someone else commented , it comes down to personal preference and choice.
For me , after several years of riding with forward and mid controls, I gave my best effort to converting to toe/heel shifter on the new glide. That said I did not adjust height of heel shifter peg, (perhaps this may contributed to my impressions), however a good month of my attempt to convert, it just did not seem to be happening for me. One afternoon I was parking the bike and the cuff or edge of my jeans got hooked up on the rear shifter peg while dismounting and that really gave me a surprise, (and they were just regular jeans), so maybe just a fluke, but I took it off the next day. So count one for too old to learn and toe shift only. I was hoping it might work out for me, but guess not. LOL
I thought about taking it off when I first got the Road King, after decades of only having a toe shifter. But I find myself using it more and more. (It has nothing to do with saving my boots.) At this point I would say I use it the majority of the time when I am upshifting.
Took mine off never needed it and would like to extend the toe shifter out a little for more footboard space and when I'm at the local hangout...the mark on my boot is either proof that I ride or that I just "borrowed" some boots from someone who is a rider
The first week of ever having a heel shifter I couldn't stand it, that was many years ago, now I feel lost without one, all have different opinions but mine is staying and if I buy another bike it will weigh heavy on the purchase.
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