Market research - any interest in an ST1300 floorboard/rocker shifter?

I think the problem with heel toe shifters is the lack of a robust stop to prevent excessive force on the shifter linkage. I'm not nor have I ever been a heel/toe shifter, but I did take a BMW1800 out for a test ride. Since I was unfamiliar with the bike, I felt around for the heel pad and banged down on it a lot harder than I would with a conventional toe shift lever. I've no idea if a heavy foot will damage a heel/toe shifter, but logic would suggest a physical stop would be beneficial.
 
SMSW said:
I think the problem with heel toe shifters is the lack of a robust stop to prevent excessive force on the shifter linkage. I'm not nor have I ever been a heel/toe shifter, but I did take a BMW1800 out for a test ride. Since I was unfamiliar with the bike, I felt around for the heel pad and banged down on it a lot harder than I would with a conventional toe shift lever. I've no idea if a heavy foot will damage a heel/toe shifter, but logic would suggest a physical stop would be beneficial.
Click to expand...
Well, I didn't want to put it into the general discussion, but I suspect you are correct. As with any other mechanical thing, use the force required, and not any more. The amount of force applied with the heel should equal that applied by pulling up with the toe -- in other words not all that much. I like the idea of a limiter -- would likely need to be adjustable for fine tuning, but it would be a valuable feature. It's impossible to teach some skill sets. My son and my wife both have the unique ability to break anything mechanical, to include breaking an anvil in a sandbox. My daughter, fortunately, seems to have a mechanic's touch on things, and can intuitively sense when enough torque is enough.
 
When I first bought my Honda shadow 1100 ACE which came with a heel - toe rocking gear shifter, I thought it was a silly feature and I only used the forward portion.
I didn't think there was any problem with hooking my toe underneath the lever and pulling sharply upward to upshift.
But, I have since tried it more and more often and actually gotten to like pushing downward on the back part of the lever for upshifting although I do have to be careful not to stomp on it, and one time I accidentally stomped on it because I hit a pothole while I was shifting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom