Umair Gaines
The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is a popular motorcycle model, but some riders have experienced issues with the shift lever and shaft stripping. This can be caused by riders forcefully stomping on the shifter, which can also lead to problems with the bolt. To address this, riders can try adjusting the shift lever to ensure it is fully engaged in the shaft, using a longer bolt with a washer, or replacing the stock shift lever with an extended or steel version. Additionally, there are neutral gear assist products available that can make shifting easier and smoother. While some riders have experienced issues with the shift lever, others have not encountered any problems and recommend gentle shifting instead of forceful stomping.
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What You'll Learn
Harley-Davidson shift levers and shafts can be prone to stripping
Some Harley riders have suggested that the company could have made a better lever that doesn't require removing the primary cover to replace. There are also suggestions for fixes and workarounds, such as using a grade 8 bolt instead of the stock Allen bolt and checking the bolt during every oil change. Another rider suggests drilling a horizontal hole and installing a short drift pin to fix the issue.
Additionally, some riders have opted for extended heel-toe gear shift levers, which are 1" longer than the stock shifter and are ideal for taller riders. These levers are made of strong and lightweight 6061 aluminum, ensuring smoother shifts and a unique appearance.
While Harley-Davidson has not officially acknowledged the issue, it is well-known among riders and dealership mechanics, who are familiar with the routine failures of the Harley shifter system.
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Use a grade 8 bolt in place of the stock Allen bolt to fix a stripped shaft
Shifting a Harley Electra Glide can be a smooth process, but sometimes the shaft can become stripped, making it difficult to shift gears. This issue has been reported by several Harley Electra Glide owners and can render the bike unable to shift. While there are different approaches to addressing this problem, one effective solution is to replace the stock Allen bolt with a grade 8 bolt.
The process of fixing a stripped shaft on a Harley Electra Glide by installing a grade 8 bolt is relatively straightforward. Firstly, it is important to remove the existing bolt from the shift lever. This provides access to the shaft and allows for the necessary adjustments. Once the bolt is removed, the shift lever can be adjusted accordingly.
It is recommended to slide the lever on the shaft until the groove in the shaft is visible through the bolt hole. This ensures that the lever is properly aligned and engaged with the shaft. With the lever in the correct position, the new grade 8 bolt can be installed. It is important to tighten the bolt securely, ensuring that it is firmly in place.
Grade 8 bolts are known for their superior strength and are commonly used in highly industrial applications. They offer higher tensile strength than lower-grade bolts, making them ideal for securing the shift lever and shaft in place. By using a grade 8 bolt, you can be confident that the connection between the lever and the shaft will be robust and durable.
Additionally, it is advised to apply anti-seize to the new bolt. This helps prevent corrosion and makes future maintenance easier. Regular inspections during oil changes are also recommended to ensure that the bolt remains secure and in good condition. With proper installation and maintenance, the grade 8 bolt should provide a long-lasting solution to the stripped shaft issue on your Harley Electra Glide.
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Avoid stomping on the shifter to prevent stripping
Shifting gears on a Harley Electra Glide is a simple process, but it requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the shift lever and shaft. Some riders have a habit of stomping on the shifter, which can cause it to strip out and make the bike unable to shift. This is a common problem that can often be prevented by using a gentler touch when shifting.
One reason why riders might stomp on the shifter is that the shift lever is not fully engaged in the shaft. If the lever is not properly engaged, it can strip out more easily when force is applied. To prevent this, make sure that the shift lever is properly aligned and tightened before riding. Check the shift lever and shaft regularly to ensure that they are secure and in good condition.
Another way to reduce the risk of stripping is to use a grade 8 bolt in place of the stock Allen bolt. This bolt can be cranked down with a good deal of force, reducing the risk of stripping. It is also recommended to use anti-seize on the new bolt and to check it at every oil change.
In addition to proper maintenance and bolt replacement, some riders choose to remove the heel shifter altogether. This prevents the temptation to stomp the shifter into gear and ensures that only a gentle click is used to shift. By combining proper maintenance, bolt upgrades, and gentle shifting techniques, riders can significantly reduce the risk of stripping their Harley Electra Glide's shift lever and shaft.
By following these tips and treating the shift lever with care, Harley Electra Glide owners can avoid the frustration and inconvenience of dealing with a stripped shift lever and shaft. Gentle shifting, combined with regular maintenance and bolt upgrades, can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
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Use a shift lever extender to find neutral more easily
Shifting gears on a Harley Electra Glide can be challenging, especially when finding neutral. One effective solution is to use a shift lever extender, also known as a neutral gear assist kit. This simple modification can significantly improve your shifting experience.
The KZMPMT Ez Shift Neutral Gear Assist and TDZ Ez Shift Neutral Gear Assist Kit are popular options for Harley Electra Glide owners. These kits are designed to increase leverage, making it easier to find neutral and smoother to shift across all gears. They are typically easy to install, often requiring just a few minutes and simple tools.
By extending the shift lever, you gain more control over the gear selection process. The increased leverage allows for micro-adjustments, making it simpler to find and engage neutral. This is especially helpful when stopped or at low speeds, when finding neutral can be notoriously tricky on Harley motorcycles.
Additionally, the shift lever extender improves the overall riding experience. With smoother gear changes, you can enjoy a more comfortable and responsive ride. The extender also enhances the visual appeal of your Harley Electra Glide, adding a subtle yet stylish touch.
If you're struggling to find neutral on your Harley Electra Glide, a shift lever extender is a worthwhile investment. It simplifies the shifting process, improves gear engagement, and boosts your overall enjoyment of riding. With easier access to neutral, you can focus more on the thrill of the ride and less on the mechanics of gear shifting.
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Remove the heel shifter and gently click into gear
The process of shifting a Harley Electra Glide involves a few key steps, including removing the heel shifter and gently clicking into gear. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:
Removing the Heel Shifter:
Start by locating the heel shifter on your Harley Electra Glide. The heel shifter is typically placed on the left side of the motorcycle, just above the foot peg. It is used to change gears by allowing the rider to lift their heel and shift up or down.
To remove the heel shifter, you will need to loosen and remove the bolt that secures it in place. Make sure you have the appropriate tools, such as a wrench or socket that fits the bolt securely. Once the bolt is removed, set it aside safely so you can access it later.
Gently Clicking into Gear:
When you are ready to shift, gently lift your foot off the foot peg and onto the heel shifter. Apply a gentle amount of pressure to lift the shifter upwards to shift into a higher gear, or push it downwards to shift into a lower gear. You should feel a gentle "click" as the bike shifts into the desired gear. Avoid using excessive force or stomping on the shifter, as this can cause damage to the shift lever and shaft over time.
Some Harley Electra Glide models may have a slightly different shifting mechanism, so it is always a good idea to refer to your specific model's user manual for additional instructions or variations.
Advantages of Using the Heel Shifter:
Many Harley riders prefer using the heel shifter as it offers a smoother and easier shifting experience. It allows for a more natural foot motion and can help prevent scuffing on the toes of your boots. With practice, using the heel shifter can become muscle memory, enabling you to shift gears effortlessly and accurately.
Heel Shifter Eliminators:
If you prefer not to use the heel shifter, you can consider installing a heel shifter eliminator. These devices cover or replace the heel shifter, effectively disabling its function. Heel shifter eliminators are available for various Harley models and can be purchased from dealerships or online retailers.
By following these steps and practicing gentle shifting techniques, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience on your Harley Electra Glide.
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Frequently asked questions
Some Harley Electra Glide owners have reported issues with the shift lever and shaft stripping out, making the bike unable to shift. This may be due to stomping on the shifter with excessive force.
There are a few potential solutions to this issue. One suggestion is to use a grade 8 bolt in place of the stock Allen bolt and to apply anti-seize to the new bolt. Another solution is to drill a horizontal hole opposite the bolt, going halfway into the shaft and halfway into the shift lever, and then install a short drift pin.
Yes, there are extended heel-toe shift levers available for the Harley Electra Glide that are designed for taller riders. These levers are made from strong and lightweight 6061 aluminum and provide smoother shifts.
