shortening the gear shift

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5speed
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shortening the gear shift

#1

Post by 5speed »

has anyone done this?
I have big feet (size 12) and wearing my leather "riding boots" is causing me problems shifting. I have actually downshifted by accident when I put the toe of my boot down between the foot peg and gear shift. I've missed shifts as well I believe due to the gear shift resting on the upper part of my boot and not the toe.
If I wear sneakers (which I don't like to do) I can shift with no issues.
I am wondering if I shortened the arm on the lever which would move the part that rests on your toe forward towards the cylinder if it would help.
I watched the movement of the gear shift yesterday and there appears to be enough room for it to move up without hitting the cylinder head if it was shorter.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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Oldboy
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Re: shortening the gear shift

#2

Post by Oldboy »

Yes, I guess it would work. Remember if you shorten the arm, the less mechanical advantage you will have and the lever will be harder to move...tougher on your toe.
But you could always change it back..
Cheers...

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robin1731
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Re: shortening the gear shift

#3

Post by robin1731 »

Not sure how you were thinking of doing it. Shift levers are pretty much bolt on from almost any bike. Find one that is already shorter and try that. Then you still have the original in hand.

As an aside, I wear 12/13 size shoes. I wear work boots mostly. Don't have any trouble shifting. You might try just moving the lever up or down one "tooth" on the shaft. Just make sure you have plenty of movement in both directions if you do.

.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
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5speed
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Re: shortening the gear shift

#4

Post by 5speed »

robin1731 wrote:Not sure how you were thinking of doing it. Shift levers are pretty much bolt on from almost any bike. Find one that is already shorter and try that. Then you still have the original in hand.

As an aside, I wear 12/13 size shoes. I wear work boots mostly. Don't have any trouble shifting. You might try just moving the lever up or down one "tooth" on the shaft. Just make sure you have plenty of movement in both directions if you do.

.
and this is why I posted my question..in hopes someone would have an easier solution! anim-cheers1
I will try that and if it doesn't work then I will find a shorter one.
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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CYBORG
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Re: shortening the gear shift

#5

Post by CYBORG »

You can also move the footpeg back a little.
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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