Shifter set too low for Boots???

950 shifter

Yea, I have the same problem. I figured it was because of my shoe size. Since this is my first bike I've got use to using the heel shifter. That being said I have a friend who thought it was too low as well. It is a shame to have to spend $ on a new bike for something like this.

The 950 has a "heel-toe" shifter. I don't know if it's designed to be shifted with the toe. That being said, I'm sure some small footed riders do just that.

With a "Heel/Toe Shifter" the last post was correct. You downshift with your toe and except for first (again toe it down) you upshift with your heel.

Shift link

Can you gain some more room by adjusting the shift link shaft?

Dave

you could change out your floorboard for pegs

Thanks for the responses. I was sold the bike under the impression the "heal/toe" shifter was optional. I like the feel of toe shifting. I guess it's a matter of personal prefference. It should not be an issue, but, here I am. Fortunately I have a brother-in-law who owns a weld shop, and will be taking the bike to him to cut the toe shifter off and reweld it about an inch higher. On a positive note...I've had a Vulcan, an Shadow, and now the VStar. Love the VStar!

I checked, but did not see any adjustment options. Am I missing something?

lougar62 said:

I checked, but did not see any adjustment options. Am I missing something?

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You should be able to pull the shifter off the shaft and move it clockwise a notch to increase the space between the floorboard and the shifter.

I ride a Silverado with the same heal/toe shifter, which sucks by the way, and I always shift with my toe without any problems.

bobsyouruncle said:

You should be able to pull the shifter off the shaft and move it clockwise a notch to increase the space between the floorboard and the shifter.

I ride a Silverado with the same heal/toe shifter, which sucks by the way, and I always shift with my toe without any problems.

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Thanks. After you and another member made that suggestion, I see what you mean. I think that will work. I'm trying it tonight...I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks the heel shifter sucks.

Sugar Bear sure never got use to the heel shift either, he wears steel toe boots and uses toe shift only 100% of the time, size 10.

heel shifter

I was concerned about that as well,....until I started using the heel shifter, after a day or two, it became second nature and I really like it more than the toe shifting , especially since your sitting in a relaxed position. I say you need to give it a chance for a few days, don't be afraid of it, I think you'll come to like it.

Silverback said:

I was concerned about that as well,....until I started using the heel shifter, after a day or two, it became second nature and I really like it more than the toe shifting , especially since your sitting in a relaxed position. I say you need to give it a chance for a few days, don't be afraid of it, I think you'll come to like it.

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I find it very uncomfortable to have to put pressure on my toes, lift my heel and slide my foot back, just to up shift. I gave it a try for a while but it's not for me. Guess you can't teach an old dog etc etc.

Silverback said:

I was concerned about that as well,....until I started using the heel shifter, after a day or two, it became second nature and I really like it more than the toe shifting , especially since your sitting in a relaxed position. I say you need to give it a chance for a few days, don't be afraid of it, I think you'll come to like it.

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Agree with you! When I first bought my 950 Tourer, I was totally turned off to this change and felt I could never get used to not putting my toe under the shifter to move up in gears. Once I started using the heel shifter, I'm convinced I would never want to move back. It's only a slight move back from the floorboard position and makes shifting MUCH easier/smoother, IMHO.

Toe/Heel Shifter

There was enough room in the linkage to bring up the toe shifter about an inch. It lowered the heel, but there's still enough to use the heel shifter if I want to try using it later on. It gave me enough clearance to finally slide my toe under the shifter comfortabley. Thanks again for all the posts. I'm glad I didn't resort to cutting and rewelding.

i have the same problem, I too wear steel toed boots and cannot get my toes under the shifter. I'll have to look at adjusting the shifter to allow me to get my too under the sfifter.