mjbell1

My 07 Classic Touring is equipped with the standard heel and toe shifter. Which to me is a pain in the ass, being accustomed to just a toe shifter. If you need to use your heel to down shift you've got a problem somewhere. Dwelling on the problem the other day I remembered that I had picked up a universal toe shifter in case of breakage on the dirt bikes. The shifter other than not being chromed was a perfect match to the shape of the toe section of the shifter. Installation would require removal of the complete toe/heel shifter linkage. Installation of the toe shifter would go directly onto the splined shifter shaft at about a 45 degree down angle. Would also need to make a cover for the previous bolt hole. Has anybody ever tried this mod, results good/bad? All replies gratefully appreciated.

Lester532

After riding for over 30 years switching to a heel toe shifter was a little odd for me as well but that didn't last long, now it's second nature. But if you're using your heel to shift down maybe you have the problem I have found it much easier to us my heel to shift up. As to your toe shifter mod idea sounds like it would work as long as you don't get your foot caught between the shifter and floor board.

mjbell1

Roger that, no wonder I was having so much trouble.

Still interested in hearing from others who have made the change to toe only shifter.

Molinoman

After many years of having only the toe shifter on many of the bikes that I have owned, I have been extremely satisfied with the heel/toe shifter on the Classic R3. This is my second bike with that (the first being a 2001 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic).

One of the things I really like about it is that I don't scuff the toes of my shoes anymore or, now, my boots that I usually wear when riding.
Dennis

boogerdave

I switched to a heel toe from a toe shifter that came on my R3. I had added the Rivco floorboards and decided to not scuff up my boots anymore . . soooo I guess my question is why go through all the stuff to adapt an aftermarket toe shifter on it when you can just get one that fits it??

RocketDaryl

I like a heel / toe shifter. It's not a *must*, or a deal breaker on a bike, but it sure saves my tennis shoes tops (yes, I sometimes ride in tennis shoes).

HeR3tic

My Tourer is the first I've owned or ridden with a heel toe shifter. I also adapted very quickly to the concept and it became second nature. I would personally not go back, as long as foot boards are involved. And I can't see another bike in my future without foot boards. I find no need for highway pegs to relieve a stagnant cramped position as is the case with standard pegs. My 1400 Intruder has forward controls and it is the shiznitz though it is almost impossible to lift your ass up off the seat with such an arrangement.

Scuffing the top of my boot (I never wear tennis or "running" shoes or flip flops anymore) is not my cause for the change in preference. The relieved comfort is more than I thought possible. Occasionally I revert back to only toe shifting both up and down. I'm not familiar with an adapter for using the toe shifter to down shift with the up stroke. How does that work?

chiburbsguy2006

I struggle with the heel/toe shifting. For some reason I just can't get into the habit of shifting that way. I have to be very conscious of my shifting to remember. As soon as my thoughts drift off to the scenery or traffic or whatever, I'm back to just toe shifting.

I agree. My R3 is the first bike I've had with foot boards. I never thought they were necessary. After having them for a year, I don't think I would have another bike without them.

Maybe pull the shifter lever off and reinstall backwards or upside down??

dougl

I don't get the floor board thing. It seems like sitting on a chair. It doesn't seem like you can use your legs as efficiently to control the bike. With the heel-toe, do you have to lift your foot off the board to shift up or down? I don't like the idea of my foot flailing around when I'm power shifting up and down at high speed. I like my left foot anchored to the peg.