Heel Shifter
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
I like the heel shifter. 6'2" w/ 10 1/2 boot. I don't understand the "rear shifter gets in my way problem". My feet are forward of that all the time. Usually heel on floorboard, toe on highway peg. If I moved my feet back far enough for the heel shifter to be in the way, except when shifting, I'd feel like I was riding a crotch rocket!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
When adjusting that shifter be SURE that it's not hitting the floorboard and you have full engagement of the gears. I hack off the bottom half of the round rubber peg to get it closer. There are flatter replacements out there as well.... and for the love of GOD, use blue lock-tite!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 756
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
Didn't know that I opened a door but since you asked 5'8" 150, 29 inch inseam. I can flat foot my bike at red lights and whip it around like my sporty, parking lots and twisties. Only problem I have is backing it up and putting it on the centerstand when I am on it. I just reach down with my left hand, grab the bag rail, with my right I pull back on the bar, step down with my left foot to touch the centerstand on the ground and pull back, when it dont go on all the way, I hold the front brake to reset and finish putting it on the stand. When that dont work, I put the bike on the kickstand, get off, stand it back up and grab the left bar with my left hand, right hand on the bag guard, touch the center stand to the ground and pull it on. Other than Big Red needing to go on a diet sometimes, I LOVE IT. Wonder what took me so long to trade my sporty in on her.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
While I like using a heel shifter, I don't like the way it blocks my foot. I'm short limbed, so I frequently have my foot hanging off the tail of the footboard. With a heel shifter, I can't do that.
For me, the negatives of restricted foot positioning outweigh the positives of upshifting with my heel. No heel shifter on my bike.
For me, the negatives of restricted foot positioning outweigh the positives of upshifting with my heel. No heel shifter on my bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
Never tried to put a big tour bike on a center stand, but when I rode the metrics back in the 70's it was all in the foot. Hold steady on saddle bag guard and pull but the foot does most of the work pushing. Those lighter bikes would come up almost by them selves. May not help much on the big bikes.
Centerstand is like a backrest, once you have one, you will wonder what took you so long to get it. Its not that bad to get it on the stand, takes some practice. The only thing that sucks about the HD display stand is that the catch for it is right under the rear floorboard, makes it akward to get at it. Don't want to hijack the thread, I LOVE MY HEEL SHIFTER,
Novice
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, Texas
I've got 150 miles on my RG Ultra - my first ride with heel shifter. I like shifting with it. I don't like it behind my heel while running down the road. Overall, I'll keep it. I may try one of the extended shifters mentioned in this thread.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Never had a problem with heal shifter until I put lowers on. Put extended arm on and all is good. I think the heal shifter works great with footboards. Completely different than with pegs.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,138
Likes: 6,161
From: SE Michigan
I like the heel shifter. 6'2" w/ 10 1/2 boot. I don't understand the "rear shifter gets in my way problem". My feet are forward of that all the time. Usually heel on floorboard, toe on highway peg. If I moved my feet back far enough for the heel shifter to be in the way, except when shifting, I'd feel like I was riding a crotch rocket!
My foot rests on my heel and when I want to shift I just bump it with my toe.
