Royal Enfield Classic 350 REborn, Fitting a Heel/toe gear shifter conversion!

Due to popular demand from viewers I have decided to fit A Heel/Toe gear shifter to the Classic 350 from Hitchcock's motorcycles. In this video I take you through the simple process!
Hitchcocks heel/toe, shifter. accessories.hitchcocksmotorcy...

[@BA-ti6ne]

I love your content. Out here in CampVerde, Arizona U.S. I teach the local Enfield dealer the things I learn from you. Good on you mate.

[@iandeumayne-jones1557]

Riding classic Guzzi's you learn to love the foot position freedom you get from a heel and toe. I dare say the change is less clunky and vague on a new RE though. 😂

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

I have the heel /toe shifter on my Triumph Bobber, I found that I was totally at home with it within a few minutes. Every shift is a down shift, quick and easy, love it. They came as standard on several previous Harley-Davidson models.

[@MrEye4get]

I'm looking for a heel & toe shifter for my Triumph Bobber. Not the floor board type but one that will work with the forward control modification.

[@winchester92stevebrook44]

@@MrEye4get I don't know of one in that configuration, mine is with the floorboards. These are very comfortable as you can so easily adjust your position. However I can understand that it would not be to everyone's sense of style.

[@wavehuntersjapan]

Had one from the get go. No way would I go back. Excellent addition.

[@adrianlw2750]

Although not a motorcyclist myself, I still enjoy vids like this, your calm methodology and attention to detail is always appealing👍

[@joecandy6490]

I fitted one of these more or less straight away after getting my classic 350… I found it very quick and easy to get used to it’s operation and found it also doubles as a very comfortable extra heel support (once in top gear!).

[@clutch8289]

I always look forward to your content sir. And look how many subscribers you have now. Excellent work!

[@anthonyprice5596]

After riding Harleys for 25+ years it was such a natural thing to have a heel toe shifter, it seems mad that unless you ride a sports bike you wouldn't have one, they are just so comfortable. Another quick but accurate reveiw Stuart, I think I'd have cantered slightly forward myself, but it has to be " WHAT YOU" feel comfortable with.

[@kevindaly5093]

I fitted a heel/toe shifter to my Classic 500 out of necessity. I'd developed a physical handicap which affected my ability to effectively upshift. My riding days would be well over if not for this upgrade. It's done far more than save me brogues. It saved my sanity.

[@edreyes1391]

For the same reason I’ll be installing my Saturday, thanks for the help. Gracias

[@melfzs]

Morning Stuart, I fitted one to my Classic 350 within a couple of weeks of buying it , I couldn't get the standard gear stick in the perfect position, (too high or too low) Fitting the heel and toe shifter made changing gear a doddle and it doesn't matter what shoes or boots you're wearing, you could wear bloody wooden cloggs or flip flops and still no problem as you don't have to wiggle your toe underneath the stick to change up! 😂😂 Cheers, 👍 Glad Willow's on the mend ! 🙌 🐶😊

[@stevecoppin4278]

Good Morning Stu , looks good mate

[@StuckinRiyadh]

I fitted the cheap £17 Indian equivalent to my new 350. Had to grind it down a bit to get it on but am very pleased with the results. Thanks Stuart.

[@anthonyostell5776]

Just fitted this , looks great , feels great. I do love a heel toe shifter , ( my other bike is a c125 honda supercub) great helpfull video 👍

[@dalewintle8099]

Not only dose it seem practical it also looks great , not used one myself in years but I do like the idea of not have scuffed toes , great vid Stu

[@stanleyknife1967]

I quite enjoyed the shifter once I got used to it - I rode a Meteor as a courtesy bike. It does mean you have to move your foot more than the conventional type, so not as quick, but not a problem on more sedate machinery!

[@nigelreadon8381]

Yes them Enfield bikes are easy to service yourself, carb clean, timing that was easy on the MZ, Air Filter, Front forks, Oil and filter change, I changed the oil once on a suzuki GS500 it was the wrong oil, well I'm thick so so I did not know it was the wrong oil I bought.

[@Lee-70ish]

Tried the heel toe on my 350 classic . Heel toe worked great when I owned a Honda C50 but ruined my gear changing on my 350 classic. Each to there own as they say

[@BlakesPipes]

Blake was here. That's all I got on this one. Coffee is ready! Great to hear about your 🐶. Changing the bandage doesn't do much other then make sure it doesn't get infected, but time spent and energy with the dog makes it all better! Love

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Morning Stu 👍

[@stuartfillingham]

Morning Phil!

[@robinj.9329]

As a "Kid" in my teens and twenties, I weight about 155-165 lbs. And a 350cc bike took me anywhere I needed to go. Of course I had to slow down on long upward grades, but 95% of the time, 350cc was just right. But today? With my weight over 200 pounds, and more hilly terrain to navigate, I'm using 500 to 650cc engines. Back in the 1970's, several of my Jocky weight buddies made do with high out put two strokes. As small as 250cc. But, for me? The vibration was a bit too much.

[@regaz1486]

Hi Stu Good info as usual. I tried a heel /toe shifter on my Classic 500. Couldn't get the hang of it after 40 + years of down / up shift. Took it back off. Keep up the good work. PS 33 deg C in Oz today, no black ice. 🙂

[@keithpearson7539]

Hi regaz1486 It's strange how different people take to different things. I put a heel and toe shifter pedal on my Bullet Trials 500. Took to it straight away and found it far easier than bending my (very stiff) new motorcycle boots around the original lever for the up change. Best wishes from UK.

[@iandeumayne-jones1557]

My Spaniel very nearly lost her pad due to a derp cut that became infected, but out Vet packed the dressing with a natural honey cream twice a week and hey presto, 6 weeks later all recovered. Good luck Stu.

[@stratpod]

loved the music on this one Stu, same as you, last time i had a heel/toe shifter was on my honda 50 45 years ago :)

[@haxan6663]

I had heel/toe shifters on my Honda Shadow 1100s and so am used to them and quite like them. Putting the rubber boot in hot water, before fitting it should make it easier to get on.

[@GFDawnPatrol]

I ordered one on the spot for my Classic 500. I look forward to trying it out! I look forward to easy shifts even with my thick boots on. Many thanks, Stuart! Great video and a real help!

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and thats a nice looking and robust heel - toe gear change 😃👍🏻

[@richardjones6617]

I had a bad accident to my left foot this past January. The heel-toe shifter has allowed me to continue to ride!

[@hack2it]

Another great video. May you have a Merry Christmas Sir.

[@PeterAllan00]

Many years ago I made a custom forward control heel toe shifter and rear brake set up for my 1984 Harley Superglide, it was so much better than a standard forward control set up, I loved it, I sold the bike nearly 30 years ago but I still have that forward control set up in my garage.

[@martinsanders5418]

I ride a Guzzi's, currently, and for the foreseeable future, a '95 Cali 1100. I was told that the designer at Guzzi fitted a toe heel shifter, so as to not scuff up the Italian rider's $2,000 designer shoes. I totally get it. With such a classic motorcycle, beautiful sweeping curvaceous lines, Guzzi's iconic transverse V-twin motor, and reliable weather, of course, it's only natural that you're going to want to wear your best Gucci's! Haha, Class 😎😆 I do love the toe heel shifter and footboard arrangement though. Even though with the footboard, it means lifting one's foot up onto the shifter, it's a very practical, seamless, and positive action. 👍

[@michaelcallan4121]

Useful thanks for sharing and for braving the rain to do it.

[@MarkG-su4wd]

Put one on my 350 classic when i got the bike. Found it strange at first, but perfect now.

[@michaelglynn2638]

Had one of these on a small commute-scoot bike, (Suzuki A 100) still used my toe for both up and down changes, (both ends) but liked the down-stomp for everything. Nice👍

[@edz1980]

Hello Stu, another great informative video. Only ever rode one motorcycle with heel~toe gear shifter. Moto Guzzi California II. That bike deffo needed it.

[@stevewalker2047]

Morning Stu. Good video. I’ve never used a heal & toe gear change that I can remember. I must admit the one you’ve fitted doesn’t look out of place on your bike. Keep up the good work.

[@alphastories7693]

Looks so good. I've a heel toe shifter on my Meteor 350. Way more convenient compared to toe shifters.

[@paulwenlock3222]

I have the Meteor 350 with heel and toe. Love it, it takes a while to get the swing right for you. I have purchased one for the Super Meteor 650 but haven’t fitted it yet. Looking forward to tr6ingbthat out when it stops raining and icing on the roads.

[@brettwicks7339]

Great informative video , I will be definitely putting them on mine , once you get used to them , I find it actually hard to go back to a non heal and toe shifter actually .

[@MrJpb2000]

Great video once again. Never even considered these an an option but what a good idea to stop that wearing in the top of expensive boots 🥾

[@1newbert]

My 2003 MG California Special Sports came with a Heel/toe shifter and foot pegs as opposed to floorboards and I like the set up.

[@mr2bmw]

I love heal-toe shifters...I have them on my Harley and Classic 350.

[@paulmeeson1003]

Wouldn't have anything else. I made mine for the 650SM I bought a 350 one and cut it about to fit my foot. Dead comfy when there right. Glad the furbaby is ok and on the mend ❤

[@storm-sf5rj]

i had a heel/toe shifter on my Triumph Thunderbird LT but i could not get away with it, luckily it came in 2 parts so i could take the heel shift off and just use it as a normal shifter, the problem was the LT has footboards with it being a cruiser and i always wanted to put my feet where the heel shift was

[@nikoscosmos]

As an owner of size15 feet ( EU50!), I find the heel and toe shifter excellent on my size 350 Meteor!

[@edwardsenesac]

Funny to see you installing this on a “regular” bike as I have one as standard on my Honda SuperCub 125 in Japan! Lots of fun. Nice trim boots! American boots seem gigantic with very high soles making shifting on small non-Harley bikes very difficult.

[@robertlee6949]

I found the stock shifter was just between where I needed it due to its splined nature. Either too high or too low. This indexes to split the difference and I have been just using it as a shifter without using the heel and find it perfect.

[@timsatchell6713]

I first tried a H&T shifter about 18 months ago on a half hour Meteor test ride. I found it quite natural. I have owned a Meteor for a year now and love the H&T. Just aquired a Hunter and occasionally found myself looking for it. As the Hunter shifter is simple mild steel plate, it wouldn't be rocket science to design and fabricate one. My love for the H&T has nothing to do with nice shoes, I don't own any. 😂. A self confess vagabond.

[@dr.chrismort8448]

A nice description Sir. Not my bag as I tried one out on a a Harley on Route 66 but nevertheless a good video 👍

[@brianscott6171]

i have the heel toe shifter on my Super Nova , i had the deluxe foot pegs on the front as well ,but i found that it hindered my use of the shifter . So I reverted back to the standard pegs and I get on with it so much better ,May be its just me , cracking little bike ,The DNA filter really helps it .

[@stevelong5510]

My meteor 350 has the heal toe which felt weird at first but now it’s so natural I don’t think about it and changing up is smoother for me .

[@angelsordemons]

A good detail for the standard Bullet peg position with the short lever travel of new gearboxes. And probably that spigot should be pivoted! on the h̶̶e̶̶e̶̶l̶ toe shifter to keep shoes neater.

[@deangdmppajj4692]

Always used a toe shift until I got a harley couldn't get the hang of heel toe shifting so off it came . Setting up your own bike is all about personal comfort. As for boots I find industrial safety boots comfy and do the job for me 👍

[@user-cc4pr8wc4w]

Strange how people’s tastes differ, I’ve got the little Meteor an one of the first things I did was cut the heal part off, horses for coarses I guess 👍😎

[@jameshaydon8922]

I fitted one to my Classic 500 and it works very well. I got used to heel toe shift on my Meteor 350 and loved it. So now both of my bikes have the same. Ride safe Stuart and watch out for that ice.

[@ralphrotten1639]

Your weather sounds like Montana...Have this type of lever on my Signals 350. Like it with one exception, it's easy to bump the bike out of 1st gear when moving slowly.

[@akasa231]

Have one on my Harley... only really use it to find neutral, which can be a mission...!

[@andyhorn2509]

Found it easier to get into neutral on my 16 sportster while the bike was still moving.

[@CatAtomic99]

I love having a heel/toe shifter on my 350. Apart from the ergonomics, it lets me keep my shoes unscuffed.

[@mikaelpettersson2389]

The original Classic 350 changer is mounted too low, so with shoe size 43 it's impossible to get the foot under the changer. They seem to have corrected this on the new bullet. So, on the Classic, it's like the heel shifter is simply missing! 😅

[@manuelhaug4053]

A heel/toe shifter depends also on the seating position. I think it’s easier to use with a foot forward/ cruiser style position

[@doughaynes2304]

To make it easier to fit the rubber. Drop it into hot water for a couple of minutes first. Worked with my walking stick rubber foot.😅

[@niionne6661]

Good morning uncle Stu

[@cyclelife9179]

i spy explorer! Nice!

[@cyclelife9179]

I just got the call for Explorer40. I wrench and ride frequently, and love its low profile. Do you ride in your explorer lots? Do you think riding lots harms a fancy watch?

[@hareeshkumarvasu6567]

Stu Himmy 450 please

[@Xanavi23]

Another great video Stuart, but I really do think that you need a bigger garage!

[@kristophertrout7328]

I have an issue with the heal/toe shifter on my Meteor 350 that I can't get the heal to upshift fully. It got worse when I installed the mini floorboard foot pegs. So, I began to pull my foot back and shift with the toe. After a while it's became natural and I don't think about it. Took my daughter for a ride and we didn't get our feet bumped when I upshift. (Can't say the same with the helmet bumps)

[@roberthocking9138]

I actually bought the same same heel toe shifter, but the more I look at it, the more doubt overcomes the urge to install it. No flex in my ankle is the problem I feel

[@kevincrowley6991]

Just the opposite, I felt I chose the wrong bike and should have had a test ride, I had no limits as to what bike I could buy but chose exactly what my heart said was right 68 years old and would be having two bikes for different requirements. My Enfield Super Meteor 350 fully kitted would with a bigger screen quality top box and panniers {Givi racks also) Quality never cheap My first ride I hated the gear change! Found it a disaster for my foot dexterity, maybe age related and two old to change habits quickly Contemplated returning bike and taking the hit. Then I saw the Conversion by uTEC Brilliant and can put your riding boots on and measure the perfect distance fit, the arm is slotted for this. Superb modification for peanuts in the bigger picture Well done all a matter of choice. I also bought a brand new Suzuki VStrom for distance touring Brilliant as everybody acknowledges

[@busatrx850]

Never really considered using my heel when riding with a heel / toe shifter ( I know, clues in the name ! ). I always found a quick tap with my toe on the back pedal piece by shifting my foot. Either way it keeps your boots clear of marks.

[@MrEye4get]

As we grow older our joints and muscles aren't as strong and flexible. I have a mild medical condition that makes shifting up with my toe difficult. A heel/Toe shift is a great accessory.

[@rogerinwales]

Hi Stuart, what chain lube/wax are you using on that bike? Thanks for another year of great content!

[@stuartfillingham]

Silkolene Titanium dry lube.

[@hvop3734]

Hi Stuart. Will you be doing a video of the new proposed motorcycle licence changes by the MCIA?

[@philipmccann2358]

What is that round hatch for on the side of the gearbox cover do ( it has a large hexagon key socket )?

[@NatSatFat]

Nice, I noticed that your Classic needs only to fit an heel & toe bar, onto the splines, but a heel & toe bar on a Meteor 350 has got other linkages to to the bottom of the engine ?. does that mean the classic has internally/externally? got a different easier gear change mechanism than the meteor?.

[@kevinlee5737]

Hello mr Stuart, just one quick question, do you think changing 320mm hagon rear shocks should be a good idea for RE 350 reborn? (about performance and damping)

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Can’t get on with those. Looks good though.

[@pauloverfield9732]

Do u heat your garage in winter

[@user-ru7mahakal]

I have problem with this touring footpad down sifter work but up back sifter problem with this broad pad

[@brianperry]

Like you l believe the one and only time l experienced a toe/heel gear change was on a C90 Honda Stepthrough in about 1973...Don't remember if l ever used it or just changed gear in the normal fashion. l don't think serious motorcyclist ride wearing fashion shoes anyway. If you don't want to wear stiff leather boots there are plenty of alternatives, like Dainese or Alpinstar urban type shoes/boots available, many with a reinforced/protective patch to protect the top of the shoe...

[@stuartfillingham]

I would rather gauche out my eyes with a rusty fork!

[@sourevdahl2362]

He is a serious motorcyclist! he just doesnt like silly cliched motorcycle fashion. Also he doesnt wear fashion shoes, He wears quality rugged handmade English boots!

[@brianperry]

@@stuartfillingham Safety googles ?

[@brianperry]

@@sourevdahl2362 Are you saying l'm not a serious motorcycling enthusiast because l choose to wear protective footwear..and not big clanky rugged handmade English Boots...l'm riding a motorcycle not hiking up Mount Snowdon...

[@pavlemarina]

great video and informative as always. As a bloody foreigner though, I have a question - what is BLACK ICE? All other weather beauties I've encountered during my visits to Britain but black ice? Hmm 🤔

[@barryhughes1612]

I fitted one to my Classic 350 for the same reasons, but with size 11 boots and a 32.5" inside leg I found it difficult to live with. Shame really because it appealed to me.

[@themoog3889]

Ever considered a pop up gazebo to cover your drive ? Would keep you filming while the weather is inclement and offer some shade during the english summer which for 2024 is a Thursday ! Im considering one for my garden as I burnt my neck this year tinkering outdoors because the garage was mafting .

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

Mafting ? I tried tinkering outside but I never got anything done, people seem to materialise from nowhere and just want to chat/ give advice/ tell me their life story etc, etc. Stu could always knock those two garages into one to make more room.

[@themoog3889]

@@user-rf9me7xm1w "mafting" hot and sweaty in Hull speak its the opposite of "nithering"

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

@@themoog3889 Oh, thanks, never heard that one before.

[@user-rf9me7xm1w]

@@themoog3889 Yes, I did notice the typo but thought it was more Hull speak.

[@ZenFloater]

Big foot pads and the heel to toe gear changer should be STANDARD EQUIPMENT on the classic.

[@RufusCapstick]

I rode my Springer for over a year without using the heel/toe no idea why I resisted using it 🤔 Now I wouldn't want to ride without one.

[@corradospagnuolo614]

I agree with everything, I hope Hitchcock will do something similar for the Super Meteor, which has even more advanced footpegs than the Meteor and so the traditional single lever is uncomfortable. Cheers!

[@corradospagnuolo614]

Not as standard, but I believe a good mechanic can modify it. @@michaelmurdock4607

[@MunnaKumar-ev7wf]

I want to buy it sir how can I get it

[@dayakartc]

Does anyone know if there is a heel-toe shifter for the Interceptor?

[@jonatasdavid]

Olá, encontrou algum modelo compatível com a interceptor?

[@premminocha1665]

I don't know why I am seeing so many videos of owners installing these from Hitchcocks, first of all I have classic gunmetal gray j series and I got heal toe shifter from the factory itself, I don't know why royal enfield decided to not give the same , when I rode hunter the first thing I thanked RE for was this comfortable shifter and the second thing is that if RE is factory fitting it in india , they can surely sell this as a spear in UK as well if not giving it from factory, why these guys need to go out and buy it from someone else, this bike is a cruiser commuter, I don't know what kind of things they are taking to be that high to make bikes in the same factory and not giving the same shifter in all the countries. Btw do something about unlocking the top speed, the bike has a rev counter, its not to save it from over revving the engine its just limited maybe because of limited cooling oppertunity

[@danieloconnell4225]

Speaking of boots - any thoughts on the ones made by Goldtop? Steep cost, but they look sharp.

[@stuartfillingham]

Ill have a look!

[@danieloconnell4225]

@@stuartfillingham Brilliant! They make two different colour pair modeled on old police boots (so they say). My uncle is in the Garda in Ireland, was thinking he'd love a set, but not sure they're worth the scratch. They do look lovely.

[@ramkumarnair]

If you ride ur motor bike to office, heel shifter begins to make sense.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I hate these type of shifters, but each to their own.

[@xperiakppxperiaphone2807]

Hello Stuart, I feel terrible not enquiring after Willow. I hope you're right and things are not as bad as first thought. I've often thought the neutral selector, as standard on my old Indian bullet, would be useful.

[@philipmccann2358]

That’s just not worth the effort of actually displacing the engine !