Heel Toe Shifter on a Motorcycle: How it Works & the Pro's vs Con's

[@ms.t.g.9176]

As a BRAND NEW 55 yr old rider, THANK YOU! Very informative.

[@bradwilliams4921]

I have ridden with a heel/toe shifter for 18 years, I couldn’t imagine life without it.

[@rangerdoc1029]

My latest came with it. Took some getting used to, but I love it now.

[@UpperCaseX]

Then y watch this vid

[@tristonmurdock4586]

I've never touched one and I'm buying a Heritage Softail in a couple days with one on it, it's gonna be an interesting experience. Definitely seems better for me because I wear combat boots all the time though

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

I’ve got one year wirh floor boards and heel toe and there’s no going back. Can’t imagine riding with Pegs again !

[@freebehindbars8654]

First thing I took off.

[@danwolf9536]

I started out ten years ago on sports bikes and within the past three years I've had a softail and now a roadglide with the heel/toe shifter. I found the transition to be fairly easy and I immediately liked the heel/toe shifter better.

[@jamesbthejoke5614]

I love the rocker-shifter. Tap into first, stomp up to speed up, tap down to slow down. It also makes positive shifts easier. No false neutrals.

[@roadglide1142]

I just bought a 2020 Roadglide Special & had them install the heel toe shifter before I took delivery! Luv it!

[@donzollars8187]

Took mine off on my 2015 roadking.

[@natepinkley]

Does that not come standard anymore?

[@roadglide1142]

Capt'n-RGS used too. Not anymore lol 😂

[@natepinkley]

@@roadglide1142 wow. Typical Harley for you. Anything to nickel and dime you.

[@14Marathons]

@@natepinkley Matt said their dealership puts it on for free if you want it.

[@deanpiccolo7276]

I rode both ways, I like the option with the heel schefter as you mentioned the pro's of having it on, for myself it doesn't really matter but I left it off because it gives me more room to move my foot around on Long rides and makes it more comfortable to place my foot in different positions on the floorboard

[@jakegambrell]

Got my first bike with the heel/toe shifter this spring. Didn’t think I’d like it, but man was I wrong. Couldn’t see not having it now, at least on my Road King!

[@gmoney1592]

For me there is no comparison. The heel toe shifter and floor boards are much more comfortable and practical.I wear Harley riding boots and they get scuffed up no matter what . Thanks good video

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for the comment!

[@karenshoucairmcgray4902]

I was used to forward control for 2 years on my first bike. I absolute love my heel toe shifter on my touring. Would not go back. It’ s all about getting used to it. Yes....I have made mistakes, but I always listen to my motor when I slowly ease the clutch out. It’s your friend! 😊 Nice vid Matt! Thank you!

[@ecec5863]

yeap you are right once you install this shit you will not want to go back the old one, like me

[@imgzrona09uc72]

Been using the heel shifter since '03. I prefer it. Some buddies don't. Be careful, do not stomp it, and keep your linkage tight. When tightening the rear it helps to push the arm back/vertical.

[@gilesforrest3945]

Hi Matt thanks for the video. I have a heel toe shifter on my bike but have always use the toe to shift gears. With your explanation and visual description I will now be practicing using the heel toe shifter more. Thanks for the great video on this.

[@kristabarkleyacct]

I'm a brand new rider, been out now 5 times and I have heel implants in both feet. I'm super stoked to try this out - as I can't shift up without lifting my whole leg up in a slightly 'jerkish' fashion, and occassionally upsets my balance. My left ankle is very rigid and both are locked at 90 degrees with very little ROM. I've been practicing on my boyfriend's 2000 Kawasaki w650 and it has been great to learn on. Pressing down on the heel and toe is not the problem at all, it's that upward toe-under motion that I really get stressed over, and pain for days when I do a lot of it.. This will be so awesome! I'll report my impression and feedback when I get one 👣 Thanks for the great info.

[@rayestanley517]

Heel shifter, definitely. Had one on a previous bike and loved it. My first mod with my new bike will be the heel shift. Never had a problem, even with big work boots

[@quetimporta213]

Even when I was a noob, I never accidentally hit the heel shifter. I have a 2021 Road Glide Limited and installed a heel shifter

[@beatstreet33]

I never had a heel shifter until I bought my Road King. I watched a couple of vids like this one to see what it’s all about and acclimated quickly. Now I prefer it. I did buy an extended heel shift lever to get more room on the floorboard and it made a huge difference especially since I have longer iso floorboards on it.

[@seanbutler5592]

Definitely the heel/toe shifter for me on my road glide.

[@cptdenny007]

While in the military I always had to have spit shine jump boots on duty. Up shifting with just a toe shifter ruined the shine on the boot toe. Once I got a heel toe shifter from an aftermarket party in 1983 and installed on my 1981 BMW R100RS, my jump boots remained shined as I got to my unit. Today am on my 28th motorcycle, a 2015 HD Road Glide CVO with 95K miles since new with my heel toe shifter still shifting.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I love it. Thanks for the comment that is a good use! Definitely justified.

[@fightforfreedom5193]

Never rode with a heel shifter till I bought my 2015 Street Glide Special. Couldn't imagine riding without that heel shifter. Much more positive shifting than the toe.

[@batmanrodriguez130]

Had laidlaw install the heel shifter on my 2020 Roadking Special last week, amazing and way better then just the toe shifter. Not to mention it was free with my 1k service.

[@kohlriddell4423]

I actually didn’t use my heel shifter until I started watching your videos and noticed you using it all the time so I gave it a try and would never ride without one now. That’s awesome your dealership puts them on for free. Harley never should have gotten rid of them from the factory.

[@s3gts]

I came from right side shifting in the sixties to left side toe heel in the nineties. I think your right wrt floorboards. Call it lazy or more comfortable it really comes down to how you adjust the shift levers. In your example 117 Street Glide the heel lever is a bit high for my liking. IMO you want it just high enough to make positive shifts without board interference. For me, I like the toe higher than the heel, adjusted on a straight line at roughly 9:30 - 3:30. I have my RKC, SGS and Deluxe all set this way.

[@schmoofadoop]

Neutral on HD’s is much easier in my experience with a heel shifter!

[@joezednick3197]

I used to use both heel and toe, thought people were crazy not to use both,,,,but,,,,I injured my left quad and was having trouble lifting my leg to use the heel shifter. So I got back to using my toe to upshift, now I think it's a lot easier! I just got back from a month long ride and somedays if I was planning on a lot of walking around, I would wear my lightweight walking shoes instead of boots that day, you need that heel shifter as it will hurt your toes trying to upshift! Great video Matt! Ocala Fl.

[@clarkbabin9799]

I like having the heel toe shifter took to it right off. Only drawback is my left foot feels a little crowded. I had my forward shifter become loose and I went flat to the footboard. I immediately switched to the heel shifter. Luckily I was headed to the Hammond Louisiana dealership and was able to borrow wrenches to tighten the toe shifter and put it back in it's normal position

[@donaldfinley2829]

I like my heel/toe shifter. 05 Fatboy cvo. When I first got the bike I was constantly mis-shifting going from first to second. Kept putting it in neutral. Was worried I might break the shifter arm by slamming it down. Now, I am used to it. Haven't mis-shifted in awhile.

[@20Radman07]

Im 5’4 1/2”….currently on a Forty-Eight with the stock forward controls. Fun bike. I could use a heel toe shifter to make things more tolerable; I am constantly pulling myself forward in order to remain comfortably in control. I have been looking into the ‘Rock-it shift kit’. Still on the fence though. Thanks Matt.

[@bodog3209]

I’ve been riding Harley’s sense 1979 and had 4 FLH’s. I’ve been shifting heel toe my all riding life. My wife has a sportster, I heel toe that too lol

[@EvilScubaKitty]

A "Pro" for a brand new rider like myself. We need all the confidence we can get! I found myself winding the gears, not good. The 2023 Triglide Ultra is a lux ride and this just adds to the ease of driving it. Thanks for your great video!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate the comment.

[@carolinarider5237]

I love the heel shifter! So much easy in backed up traffic. I bought an extended heel shifter gives me more room. And also I have the toe shifter adjust almost straight so I don't have to raise my foot up high to down shift. Also the heel shifter is straight. No problems with shifting.

[@elambert99]

Only riding 3 years. Went from a sportster to a road king with a heel toe shifter and floor boards. Absolutely love them.

[@ofairfield2096]

Really helpful thanks! Im going from a life of dirt bikes and sport bikes ( most recent 1997 Fireblade 900 RR) to a softail deluxe and my biggest question was about the different shifting, again, appreciate the time you guys take to explain clearly 🙌🏻🏍💨 ride safe

[@Freddels1]

Before owning a Harley, I didn't get the heal shifter. Now, I absolutely love it. It didn't take more than a few minutes to get used to it.

[@ADVScott342]

I ride multiple bikes and it's easier to have just toe shifter , it's crazy how your mucle memory works when I had different on one bike my reaction kept doing toe shifter all the time especially in fast circumstances.

[@rogerscott9332]

Have had 20 Heritage Softail for a year now without it. Just bought a 21 Road King 3 days ago and am learning how to use it. Have already decided to upgrade the shifter on Miss Softail to a heel toe set up. For me it's that great and way easier finding neutral when getting ready to shut the bike down.

[@timjo1970]

Rode a Sportster for 7 years before switching to a Street Glide. Wasn’t sure how I was going to like heel/toe. Didn’t take long to get used to it and realize how much I like it. Can’t imagine riding without the heel shift.

[@pranavchadha84]

This video really helped me understand how the cruiser shifter would work. Thanks from Germany.

[@jobeta22]

I love my heel-toe shifter. I did replaced the originals for the Airflow shifter kit. I have plenty of room now. Plus, I feel you can upshift faster.

[@ronlynch7744]

Yeah, I love the Heel/Toe shifter on my 2017 Road Glide (for the last 3 1/2 years ) and I came from riding a Sportster for 23 yrs. So you can adapt to it pretty easily. Thanks Matt good one!

[@MacRides1]

Wouldn't buy a bike without the heel shifter. It's another element that makes a Harley, a Harley!

[@quetimporta213]

If that's what's stopping you from buying a bike, it takes maybe 2 minutes max to remove it

[@da324]

@@quetimporta213 Re-read what he said.

[@Scott-tw8go]

I bought that same bike in that color from you back in November. I've ridden a toe shifter all my life, so when i got my CVO with the heel toe I just continued my old muscle memory ways. To afraid of throwing it in the wrong gear when I'm going fast.

[@robertmeyer8735]

I'm about to turn 50 with 45 years of riding experience. With nothing to prove, I now have a fun 2019 Sporty 48' and thinking about getting my first Heel/Toe shifter on it, no floorboards though. The one i've seen has a shorter rear arm, so it tucks right behind the peg. Oh and i've broken my Femur and Ankle on my shift leg, so comfort is paramount for me!!!

[@davidrenshaw984]

Just got my first bike and I hadn’t seen the heel/toe shifter before. This was very helpful. Now I just need to figure out if I like it or not.

[@fb510m]

My ‘20 flhtp didnt come w a heal shift and i never had one in my years of metric riding great video im ready to get one and enjoy the benefits you point out other than getting used to something new those mentioned cons will not be a bother to me its just the ~ $200 to get one and put it on

[@hansgruber3552]

The Kuryakyn heel toe shifter kit literally enabled me to functionally operate my new 2015 Honda Goldwing Valkyrie. The shifter on a Valkyrie or any newer Gen Wing operates just like a street bike shifter. So, with my shorter leg in seam, I don't have the same reach as longer legged riders to pivot my foot under the shift peg. I could only engage 1st by the simple down shift slap. With the heel toe shift kit from Kuryakyn, it engages the oem shifter by locking into it, and when I slap the heel lever, I can easily engage the bikes up shift function with ease. Problem solved. I can ride the tires off that machine now. BIG props to Kuryakyn for manufacturing this great kit. I thought I may had to sell the bike I just bought online, without ever sitting on one. If I buy a Gen 5 Goldwing tourer, I will be installing this kit as well. Also. I kept the oem peg with the shift kit. It works more efficiently for me than to add a small floorboard. It it feels sportier. I was already used to a heel toe shifter on my VTX 1300. MY 99 Harley Softail Custom is still just a standard toe shifter.

[@allans7281]

Excellent video good insight. I use the heel and toll for the first time on the royal infield meteor and I freaking loved it . It’s just a unique riding experience And gives the bike a classy feel. I’ve been shiftin the old fashion way my whole life. Thx mate

[@RevJay_Rides]

From the first time I rode a cruiser or a touring bike, I’ve always had the heel shifter. For me, it does make things just more comfortable, especially on long rides. One of the people who commented before me said they shift into a higher gear and then keep it there until the stop for gas. Well, maybe that works on the interstate, but through some of our TN mountains or hills, that won’t work.

[@johnboyce7589]

I love my heel toe shifter, I did just buy the Extended heel toe shifter because of my big feet, size 14 boot, so ill have more room between the front and rear. it gives you about an extra inch on both sides.

[@ZydecoBlue]

I have short legs and generally wear taller soled boots when I ride so I can flat foot the bike at stops. I've had heel-toe shifters recommended to me, but I haven't had the chance to try one yet. It seems like it would be easier than wedging the chunky boots around the peg and under the shift lever.

[@hogtirement5050]

Been using the heel shifter since 1983, it is a big plus for long distance riding. 😎

[@deanphillips8270]

Gotta have that heal shifter, if you need a little more room just put on the extended shifter levers...gives you all room you need

[@danielgaskell5490]

“heel shifter”......

[@deanphillips8270]

@@danielgaskell5490 didn't realize the spelling police were watching 😳

[@steveflood3081]

Well said Matt I use my heel shifter every time I ride.

[@octanefreeride]

17 Slim S. My first bike with a heel and toe. Gave it a chance and got used to it very quickly. Don’t always use the heel shift but happy it’s there. Would def have one again personally Great video on everyday subjects.

[@dansmusic5749]

I think Heel/Toe was industry standard in the early sixties and then they changed in the late sixties. I love how it saves the shoes. Those shift pegs can mess up a nice shoe. Question: Can stabbing the heel too firmly damage the transmission over time? Another question: Are heel/toe shifters available for Dynas (2014)?

[@Road_Rash]

I love my toe shifter mark on every pair of boots I own, I only wore shoes once & got a 3" gash to the bone on my heel, because that was the day that a cager decided stop signs didn't apply to them...never again...but the shifter mark is a mark of pride, a badge of honor...it clearly shows I ride a motorcycle & it helps identify other riders too...no matter how they're dressed, if you see that mark, you know they ride...

[@johnolaughlin5727]

I love the heel shifter, very little foot movement to shift. I will say new bikes come from factory with heel lever set way to high and discourages newbies from using it. I always adjust it a tooth or two down to get it where you don't have to lift your heel much to upshift.

[@gautamrs]

The heel shifter is a game changer! It’s convenient, intuitive and easy to use.

[@DazedNConfuzed58]

I'm not new to riding, but I am new to Harleys. I recently purchased a 2018 Heritage Softail (used, but in new condition) and it came with a toe only shifter. It didn't take me long to order a heel shifter kit and put that on. It makes more sense to me to just remember toe down and then 5 heel down shifts. I do like this bike better since doing this modification.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for the comment

[@JRSC54]

And absolutely for the times you’re really enjoying the get up and go …. It’s great to just Kick It !!

[@rogerh.6775]

I have a 2017 RK and I love my heel toe shifter. And if you don't like the feeling of something behind your heel or you wear a big boot, you can buy a heel toe shifter with a longer spread giving you more room. Love mine.

[@bryantknapton668]

I am new to riding and got a Enfeild Metor. One day a Harley. I have a heel toe shifter and I must say it is awesome!

[@CrazyMrTim]

I test rode a '17 Road King once when I was still in the Air Force and it had the heel shifter. Personally, I like the heel shifter. I had previously had a sportbike, and it was harder to upshift with the steel toe boots on vs normal boots

[@kennethwise7108]

Hey Matt! My buddy who works at the York plant has been using the heel toe shifter for 30 years in the performance of his job. He was pretty upset when the MoCo removed the heel leaver.

[@NativeSD53]

Took my heal shifter off a long time ago - Heritage Softail

[@prettycoolhuhk4805]

I took the heel shifter off my 14 FLHXS when i put gloss black on it. Just got a 20 FLHCS that only has the black toe shifter. I prefer the extra room for my foot. Works for me

[@tavonmedley5100]

Thanks. That video helped a lot. When I’m riding and just relaxed I sometimes up shift to neutral. An also my toe gets sore from up shifting. So I’m glad that u made the video because I was kind of confused on how to use the heal toe shifter

[@raygilhuys8002]

I’m definitely a fan of the heel toe shifter. Trying to get my older brother to use it on his first softail deluxe . Thanks for the video.

[@lastinline000]

I have never had a heel/toe shifter, got a 18 Slim and found myself having to basically raise my foot off the floor board to shift, added the heel shifter and now everything works smoothly

[@garyjackson578]

PRO!!! I always use the heel shifter, would definitely be lost and cumbersome without it!! Wish that to be one "standard" item HD would bring back.

[@wtf0101]

Its going to be a 175 dollar option next year

[@MrKinghuman]

Bought a bike yesterday, picked it up just now, pretty sure second gear is shot, but coming from a speed triple, which was like a bicycle, to this, it's different, but I do like the heel shift. It's super easy. But also it's gonna take a while to get used to. I grew up in Italy and Vespas are basically your first vehicle, the old ones had the gear shifter on the throttle. They were cool, Harley guys might laugh at a vespa, but they are fun.

[@fourftr]

With my 2017 RGU being my 1st Harley I love the Heel Toe Shifter. I don't get an indentation on the the top of my toes now

[@CBRMEDIC]

Could never ride without the heel shifter since I went to it. Been loving the podcast too by the way, its been great!

[@Means2anEnd6611]

My last 4 Harleys had heel toe shifters and I just love them.

[@flashgordon6238]

Love the heel toe shifter! Had one on my 1981 Wide Glide with forward controls. Easier to stomp down that heel to slam through the upshifts. My current Fatboy has it as well. I'm looking for ways to adapt or fab up that style for any other bike I may pick up. My dad was a motorcycle cop in the 1960s (1965 panhead, then 1966 shovel police model) and told me that shifter was developed to prevent toe scuffing and keep polished police motorcycle boots looking good.

[@williambayliss2367]

Back in the 60's I had a couple of used cop bikes and they all had tank shifters due to sidecar use, no need to worry about scuffed boots on those bikes.

[@lesterwhitney7379]

Been using a tow, heel shifter, 50 years I love it

[@Psalm23-4]

I added the heel shifter, but made one change. I went with an aftermarket shifter that was longer so my heel pretty is farther back. This way I have the full footboard to use. I really like it and won't go without it.

[@dadtrap]

Matt I have three heel shifters in my tool box. I never liked it even when riding 8 or 9 hours a day

[@allangosling6134]

Hi Matt I come from toe shifting on dirt bikes and road bikes this is going to be a new experience. Actually I do not have a choice I have nerve damage in my lower leg and foot. So I am looking forward to learning something new to continue with a hobby I am very passionate about . Thank you the your video

[@MattLaidlaw]

Once you start using the heel shifter on a cruiser it’s great and you’ll never go back.

[@moconno1]

I put a heel shifter on my Victory Cross Country Tour. Love it and now I can wear Comfortable soft top shoes and my foot top is no longer sore.😎👍🏻

[@jerryu6850]

The heel shifter is the bomb. I rode Honda bikes before my first Harley. No kidding, after my second shift I discovered I loved it. No more boot marks and so easy to shift.

[@single55]

Bought a 2017 road King with the heel shifter on it I said I'll never use that, wrong. I love it and it didn't take any time to get used to it.

[@northrider8628]

I like it. Dosen't take long to get use to it. I have bikes with and without and have no problem going from one to the other.

[@andygabb5404]

Have used a heal toe shifter on my last three bikes. Just ordered a new Tri Glide, and when it arrives in New Zealand, will get one fitted

[@rodneybarcus2233]

No Matt I had Harley take it off before I took delivery of my 2019 ultra limited. I rode metric bikes for thirty years before my first Harley so toe shifting seems normal to me.

[@davidroberts5577]

I won't ride without one, always have and always will. Thanks for all you do and share ☮️

[@61espo]

Heel Toe for me ever since I was old enough to ride...

[@sheldaeverson5651]

Love my heel shifter. I have a bad bunion on my left foot so the heel shifter is a life saver

[@jeffduncan2975]

Love the heel toe shift array. Positive confirmation of gear engagement.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Had it come with the bike and never use it. Never got used to it. Feels awkward. Been meaning to take it off.

[@shakeswigglez3746]

I've ridden sports bikes my whole riding life and finally got a cruiser . I kept lying to myself but I'm older now and my back can't take it anymore. The heel shifter is definitely taking some time to get used to it lol.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Once you get used to it you’ll love it 🤙🏼

[@demun42]

My heel toe shift came in real handy after I became a blew the left knee amputee. It has allowed me to continue to ride without making any changes to my Ultra.

[@chrisalexander2889]

I AM A NEW RIDER AND I ABSOULTELY LOVE THE HEEL TOE SHIFTER WITH A FLOOR BOARD.

[@patrickmcdermott6802]

Never had one on any of my bikes. Just purchased a Roadglide. Getting used to it, I actually really like it.

[@MattLaidlaw]

They’re great once you’ve gotten the hang of them.

[@cowboyclassic]

Been riding with a toe / heel shifter for over 20 years. Rode my daughters Dyna the other day with just the toe shifter and felt like a newbie. Missed several sifts.

[@timbarnett3898]

I've ridden both with an without heal shifter. First time with heal shifter it was a little confusing until I made my mind just think, toe down shifting, just like always, an heal up! Shifting became easier than with just toe shifter! (You mentioned why: muscle shin stress from up shifting with toe, using front weak shin muscle!) Very Good of you to think weak shin muscles! (To strengthen my hands I work a Clay Ball to stretch, an warm up my clutch hand muscles, then a Bees Wax ball to exercise hands, after warm up. Keeps me tied to my bike year around, ihelped me so many times in long lines of traffic with stronger hands). I've had people come up to me an say, I see your a biker! After a questioning glance, they would say, "the black mark on toe of your boot"! We'd laugh then he or she would show me their black mark! Enjoy the ride, Be Safe!

[@jasongoforth451]

Have a SGS....I ride without the heel shifter...not because I really have a problem with it, but rather to keep that muscle memory. That way if I ride a different bike without a heel shifter I don't have to think about that. Always enjoy your content Matt.

[@lwsfr976]

Have had a heel toe shifter for years now. I haven’t used it once planning on switching to forward controls or I’d have just deleted it. Completely superfluous piece of metal.

[@doneasterly8101]

Recently bought a 2017 Roadglide, and was convinced I would want to remove the heel shift. I decided to give it one week to see if I could get used to it, and I did. If you get one, give it a chance. The top of your left boot-toe will thank you.

[@15Kilo]

I came over from the sport Ike world at 50 years old and I love the heel shifter! I should have made the change a long time ago!

[@CHILANGOSTALLION]

Added the heal shifter, thanks to you Matt for the free shifter when I purchased my 2020 road glide special from Laidlaw Harley!. I love it.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for choosing us! Enjoy the bike 👍🏻

[@mas3292]

I definitely prefer the heel shifter. I've always had it since my first touring bike in 2012.

[@speedpig513]

Just toe shifter!! Allows for more room on the floorboard!

[@gfunk63901]

i only rent these things and when they stopped putting the heel shifter on, I was a lot happier. more room and I didn't have to position my foot weird.

[@raybruce9522]

Same here.