3 touring bikes, all had shift linkage issues.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I've had the levers or the linkage vibrate loose one time each on a couple of bikes in the course of a couple of hundred thousand miles. I just put some locktight on the bolt and roll on. I do have an aftermarket linkage (from Harely). I've never thought of it as a design flaw just something to check on a motorcycle that vibrates a lot. I can't bitch because the last time mine came loose was on the inside and I had tightened that bolt myself but didn't locktight it. It can be a little disconcerting when downshifting for a corner at 100mph and there is just a floppy shifter but no shift. 
Now I check them on every oil change. If they start to loosen up either the lever or the shaft will strip.
If you depend on the tool kit Harley gives you with the newer bikes you are screwed. My'09 at least had a usable tool kit. I bought a Carhart tool roll from amazon and filled it with everything I need to work on the bike on the road.
Oh yeah, I actually like the heal shifter once I got used to it ages ago. I wouldn't say I stomp it though.
Now I check them on every oil change. If they start to loosen up either the lever or the shaft will strip. If you depend on the tool kit Harley gives you with the newer bikes you are screwed. My'09 at least had a usable tool kit. I bought a Carhart tool roll from amazon and filled it with everything I need to work on the bike on the road.
Oh yeah, I actually like the heal shifter once I got used to it ages ago. I wouldn't say I stomp it though.
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