Heel/toe shifter?

TJKII · Jan 14, 2011

Got to thinking today(dangerous, I know) but I was wondering if a heel/toe shifter was available for a Commando? I have one on my '77 HD FLH and just love the thing.For that matter, I'd wouldn't mind having one on my Sportster or TR6R either.

Just curious if anyone knew anything.

Trying to keep warm,

Tom

bwolfie · Jan 14, 2011

Harley=Barkalounger. Norton=Motorcycle. Nuff said.

Hobot · Jan 14, 2011

i'm sure it could be done but average leg length to be comfortable would place feet almost as far forward as the forks or out wide on end of crash bars. I put a bar across my RGM fork brace for long range leg stretch rest. It was fun to slowly creep up on Harley squads with my boot soles showing in their mirrors then drop em on rear set and SNorton on around em for some fun double takes. Would be a treat to see forward controls set up so let us know if it happens. There is something to be said for the King of the Road feeling with ya legs stuck out ahead. Refreshing in summer heat funneling air up to there.

rvich · Jan 14, 2011

bwolfie said:
Harley=Barkalounger. Norton=Motorcycle. Nuff said.

LOL!

I want a t-shirt with that on it!

bwolfie · Jan 14, 2011

A few years ago, i did the free harley test rides in vegas. rode some vrods, a fat bob and a road king. the king had heel toe shifter, floor boards, fat wite cushy seat and cruise control. all that was missing was a tv remote.

rvich · Jan 14, 2011

On the other hand...my 1972 Honda CT90 has a heel/toe shifter too!

http://honda.beavertonmotorcycles.com/f ... &fveh=3393

prmurat · Jan 14, 2011

1st thing I took off my Electra glide (and my GF's Chaly 30 years ago)...
Philippe

Diablouph · Jan 15, 2011

I like this one. It's hard to see, but there is a lever and a knob on the end, by the tank. You shift by hand. You can use you right hand, and not have a throttle, your left hand and not have a clutch, or you prehensile tail, and not have a future.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/2150008398.html

Jeandr · Jan 15, 2011

Diablouph said:
I like this one. It's hard to see, but there is a lever and a knob on the end, by the tank. You shift by hand. You can use you right hand, and not have a throttle, your left hand and not have a clutch, or you prehensile tail, and not have a future.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/2150008398.html

:lol:

Jean

PS On the ladder of evolution, the ones with prehensile tails have a few rungs to climb, we on the other hand are at the top, who has a future?

PS2 A prehensile tail would help a lot on a cold blooded Norton to activate the choke on a Mikuni or to scratch that anoying itch in the middle of my back :mrgreen:

79x100 · Jan 15, 2011

My 16H has a heel or toe gearchange. If you don't have an ankle that articulates through a full 180° and toes that reach to the knee joint then hooking it into first with the boot heel, trials rider style is the easiest way.

TJKII · Jan 15, 2011

Hobot,
I think you misunderstood the question. Not foreward controls (personally,I can't stand them) but a shift lever in the stock position with a lever fore and aft of the foot peg. The only problem I see is interference with the kicker. Heel/toe was an option on early right shift Sportys but the kicker is farther away from the shifter than it is on the Norton.
I do agree Hobot that a pair of highway pegs can be beneficial not only to relieve a leg cramp but to blow cool air up ones trouser legs and provide some ventelation to the sweaty center section.

Tom

Diablouph · Jan 15, 2011

by TJKII » Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:08 am

Hobot,
I think you misunderstood the question. Not foreward controls (personally,I can't stand them) but a shift lever in the stock position with a lever fore and aft of the foot peg. The only problem I see is interference with the kicker. Heel/toe was an option on early right shift Sportys but the kicker is farther away from the shifter than it is on the Norton.
I do agree Hobot that a pair of highway pegs can be beneficial not only to relieve a leg cramp but to blow cool air up ones trouser legs and provide some ventelation to the sweaty center section.

"Sweaty center section" Boy did this thread take a left hand turn. If asked, I would have bet good money we would have never seen the words "Sweaty center section", "prehensile tail", and "anoying itch in the middle of my back" in the same post.

Hobot · Jan 15, 2011

OHhhh, TJK, for the stock location, duh, sorry. I'd think a hick with stick welder, drill press and bench grinder could do one then have chromed or not. Fun to figure it out and may be easier-quicker to snick up/dn than reversing toe placement. I have seen toe shifters with two bars toe could stick in some to toggle up/dn in place.

geo46er · Jan 15, 2011

Greetings,
Through the years as a bike mechanic I have ridden many heel-toe shifted bikes. In fact I own two right now a Chinese Chang Jiang and a 1980 C70 Passport Honda. Unfortunately the problem with the typical heel-toe set up is that you usually end up having to raise your foot up off the peg in order to accomplish the shift (especially when using footboards). When riding my Norton in sporting mode personally I like to keep both feet on the pegs.
I suppose a heel-toe shifter could be fitted somehow, although it would look out of place on a Norton. Perhaps you could consider one of those over-under shift levers (IE two pegs that you place your toes between.).

GB

Heel/toe shifter?

Similar threads