Heel Toe Shifter on a Motorcycle: How it Works & the Pro's vs Con's 

As a BRAND NEW 55 yr old rider, THANK YOU! Very informative.

I love the rocker-shifter. Tap into first, stomp up to speed up, tap down to slow down. It also makes positive shifts easier. No false neutrals.

I started out ten years ago on sports bikes and within the past three years I've had a softail and now a roadglide with the heel/toe shifter. I found the transition to be fairly easy and I immediately liked the heel/toe shifter better.

I have ridden with a heel/toe shifter for 18 years, I couldn’t imagine life without it.

Hi Matt thanks for the video. I have a heel toe shifter on my bike but have always use the toe to shift gears. With your explanation and visual description I will now be practicing using the heel toe shifter more. Thanks for the great video on this.

I just bought a 2020 Roadglide Special & had them install the heel toe shifter before I took delivery! Luv it!

I rode both ways, I like the option with the heel schefter as you mentioned the pro's of having it on, for myself it doesn't really matter but I left it off because it gives me more room to move my foot around on Long rides and makes it more comfortable to place my foot in different positions on the floorboard

Got my first bike with the heel/toe shifter this spring. Didn’t think I’d like it, but man was I wrong. Couldn’t see not having it now, at least on my Road King!

Really helpful thanks! Im going from a life of dirt bikes and sport bikes ( most recent 1997 Fireblade 900 RR) to a softail deluxe and my biggest question was about the different shifting, again, appreciate the time you guys take to explain clearly 🙌🏻🏍💨 ride safe

I was used to forward control for 2 years on my first bike. I absolute love my heel toe shifter on my touring. Would not go back. It’ s all about getting used to it. Yes....I have made mistakes, but I always listen to my motor when I slowly ease the clutch out. It’s your friend! 😊 Nice vid Matt! Thank you!

Definitely the heel/toe shifter for me on my road glide.

Heel shifter, definitely. Had one on a previous bike and loved it. My first mod with my new bike will be the heel shift. Never had a problem, even with big work boots

I actually didn’t use my heel shifter until I started watching your videos and noticed you using it all the time so I gave it a try and would never ride without one now. That’s awesome your dealership puts them on for free. Harley never should have gotten rid of them from the factory.

Yeah, I love the Heel/Toe shifter on my 2017 Road Glide (for the last 3 1/2 years ) and I came from riding a Sportster for 23 yrs. So you can adapt to it pretty easily. Thanks Matt good one!

I never had a heel shifter until I bought my Road King. I watched a couple of vids like this one to see what it’s all about and acclimated quickly. Now I prefer it. I did buy an extended heel shift lever to get more room on the floorboard and it made a huge difference especially since I have longer iso floorboards on it.

Even when I was a noob, I never accidentally hit the heel shifter. I have a 2021 Road Glide Limited and installed a heel shifter

Excellent video good insight. I use the heel and toll for the first time on the royal infield meteor and I freaking loved it . It’s just a unique riding experience And gives the bike a classy feel. I’ve been shiftin the old fashion way my whole life. Thx mate

My 17 came stock with the heal toe and I love it. I did add the Airflow set with the longer heel as well as the Defiance floor boards great combination!...

This video really helped me understand how the cruiser shifter would work. Thanks from Germany.

Neutral on HD’s is much easier in my experience with a heel shifter!

17 Slim S. My first bike with a heel and toe. Gave it a chance and got used to it very quickly. Don’t always use the heel shift but happy it’s there. Would def have one again personally Great video on everyday subjects.

Heel Toe for me ever since I was old enough to ride...

I love my heel-toe shifter. I did replaced the originals for the Airflow shifter kit. I have plenty of room now. Plus, I feel you can upshift faster.

I love the heel shifter! So much easy in backed up traffic. I bought an extended heel shifter gives me more room. And also I have the toe shifter adjust almost straight so I don't have to raise my foot up high to down shift. Also the heel shifter is straight. No problems with shifting.

I’m definitely a fan of the heel toe shifter. Trying to get my older brother to use it on his first softail deluxe . Thanks for the video.

Thanks. That video helped a lot. When I’m riding and just relaxed I sometimes up shift to neutral. An also my toe gets sore from up shifting. So I’m glad that u made the video because I was kind of confused on how to use the heal toe shifter

I replaced it with the stealth Paul Yaffe heel shifter. Love it. It’s out of the way so I can move my foot around and it takes just a slight lift of the heel to shift.

Love the heel toe shift array. Positive confirmation of gear engagement.

Could never ride without the heel shifter since I went to it. Been loving the podcast too by the way, its been great!

From the first time I rode a cruiser or a touring bike, I’ve always had the heel shifter. For me, it does make things just more comfortable, especially on long rides. One of the people who commented before me said they shift into a higher gear and then keep it there until the stop for gas. Well, maybe that works on the interstate, but through some of our TN mountains or hills, that won’t work.

For me there is no comparison. The heel toe shifter and floor boards are much more comfortable and practical.I wear Harley riding boots and they get scuffed up no matter what . Thanks good video

I used to use both heel and toe, thought people were crazy not to use both,,,,but,,,,I injured my left quad and was having trouble lifting my leg to use the heel shifter. So I got back to using my toe to upshift, now I think it's a lot easier! I just got back from a month long ride and somedays if I was planning on a lot of walking around, I would wear my lightweight walking shoes instead of boots that day, you need that heel shifter as it will hurt your toes trying to upshift! Great video Matt! Ocala Fl.

Hey Matt! My buddy who works at the York plant has been using the heel toe shifter for 30 years in the performance of his job. He was pretty upset when the MoCo removed the heel leaver.

Added the heal shifter, thanks to you Matt for the free shifter when I purchased my 2020 road glide special from Laidlaw Harley!. I love it.

Only riding 3 years. Went from a sportster to a road king with a heel toe shifter and floor boards. Absolutely love them.

Never rode with a heel shifter till I bought my 2015 Street Glide Special. Couldn't imagine riding without that heel shifter. Much more positive shifting than the toe.

Awesome job explaining I had a little trouble when I first started . After I got used to it being there had no problems thanks

I’ve been riding Harley’s sense 1979 and had 4 FLH’s. I’ve been shifting heel toe my all riding life. My wife has a sportster, I heel toe that too lol

Before owning a Harley, I didn't get the heal shifter. Now, I absolutely love it. It didn't take more than a few minutes to get used to it.

The heel shifter is a game changer! It’s convenient, intuitive and easy to use.

Well said Matt I use my heel shifter every time I ride.

I test rode a '17 Road King once when I was still in the Air Force and it had the heel shifter. Personally, I like the heel shifter. I had previously had a sportbike, and it was harder to upshift with the steel toe boots on vs normal boots

Im 5’4 1/2”….currently on a Forty-Eight with the stock forward controls. Fun bike. I could use a heel toe shifter to make things more tolerable; I am constantly pulling myself forward in order to remain comfortably in control. I have been looking into the ‘Rock-it shift kit’. Still on the fence though. Thanks Matt.

Wouldn't buy a bike without the heel shifter. It's another element that makes a Harley, a Harley!

While in the military I always had to have spit shine jump boots on duty. Up shifting with just a toe shifter ruined the shine on the boot toe. Once I got a heel toe shifter from an aftermarket party in 1983 and installed on my 1981 BMW R100RS, my jump boots remained shined as I got to my unit. Today am on my 28th motorcycle, a 2015 HD Road Glide CVO with 95K miles since new with my heel toe shifter still shifting.

Had laidlaw install the heel shifter on my 2020 Roadking Special last week, amazing and way better then just the toe shifter. Not to mention it was free with my 1k service.

I bought that same bike in that color from you back in November. I've ridden a toe shifter all my life, so when i got my CVO with the heel toe I just continued my old muscle memory ways. To afraid of throwing it in the wrong gear when I'm going fast.

Just got my first bike and I hadn’t seen the heel/toe shifter before. This was very helpful. Now I just need to figure out if I like it or not.

Love the toe and heal shifter on our 2019 tri glide

I won't ride without one, always have and always will. Thanks for all you do and share ☮️

I've been riding all different makes of motorcycles and my current bike for the last year has heal toe shifter and the heal part gets in my way on long trips...still getting used to the heal part.find I always use the toe shifter and I always wear steel toe boots..my opinion..thank you Matt for the videos love the information...rock on

I'm a brand new rider, been out now 5 times and I have heel implants in both feet. I'm super stoked to try this out - as I can't shift up without lifting my whole leg up in a slightly 'jerkish' fashion, and occassionally upsets my balance. My left ankle is very rigid and both are locked at 90 degrees with very little ROM. I've been practicing on my boyfriend's 2000 Kawasaki w650 and it has been great to learn on. Pressing down on the heel and toe is not the problem at all, it's that upward toe-under motion that I really get stressed over, and pain for days when I do a lot of it.. This will be so awesome! I'll report my impression and feedback when I get one 👣 Thanks for the great info.

Love the heel toe shifter! Had one on my 1981 Wide Glide with forward controls. Easier to stomp down that heel to slam through the upshifts. My current Fatboy has it as well. I'm looking for ways to adapt or fab up that style for any other bike I may pick up. My dad was a motorcycle cop in the 1960s (1965 panhead, then 1966 shovel police model) and told me that shifter was developed to prevent toe scuffing and keep polished police motorcycle boots looking good.

Rode a Sportster for 7 years before switching to a Street Glide. Wasn’t sure how I was going to like heel/toe. Didn’t take long to get used to it and realize how much I like it. Can’t imagine riding without the heel shift.

I put a heel shifter on my Victory Cross Country Tour. Love it and now I can wear Comfortable soft top shoes and my foot top is no longer sore.😎👍🏻

With my 2017 RGU being my 1st Harley I love the Heel Toe Shifter. I don't get an indentation on the the top of my toes now

Matt when I first purchased my 16FLSS and also this being my first Harley Davidson It was weird at first with the Heel shifter!! But now I wouldn’t want to be without it I love it. Especially on the highway going over 80mph keeps my foot in place on the footboard. But yeah everybody always tells me to take it off. But no way Jose!! I’m keeping!! lol

Been using the heel shifter since '03. I prefer it. Some buddies don't. Be careful, do not stomp it, and keep your linkage tight. When tightening the rear it helps to push the arm back/vertical.

I love the heel shifter/. Makes it so much easier to find neutral too. Just a heel tap from first and I am hands free.

I like it a lot I find it a lot easier to ride with Thank you for the video Matt take care

I've used my heal forever! Im putting mini foot boards on my softail standard and installing a heal shifter.

my depoliced 2002 fxdp had the heel toe shifter and boards. it was the best!

I love my heel toe shifter, I did just buy the Extended heel toe shifter because of my big feet, size 14 boot, so ill have more room between the front and rear. it gives you about an extra inch on both sides.

I'm about to buy a FLHXSE that has a heel shifter. I'm excited to try it as neither of my other two bikes have one.

My first Harley SGS. All ways had sports bikes..Absolutely love the heel shifter..was a little different at first..But now all sweet....and Love It.

I'm about to turn 50 with 45 years of riding experience. With nothing to prove, I now have a fun 2019 Sporty 48' and thinking about getting my first Heel/Toe shifter on it, no floorboards though. The one i've seen has a shorter rear arm, so it tucks right behind the peg. Oh and i've broken my Femur and Ankle on my shift leg, so comfort is paramount for me!!!

My 2020 police bike came with it I have always loved heel shifter

Took my heal shifter off a long time ago - Heritage Softail

A "Pro" for a brand new rider like myself. We need all the confidence we can get! I found myself winding the gears, not good. The 2023 Triglide Ultra is a lux ride and this just adds to the ease of driving it. Thanks for your great video!

Been using the heel shifter since 1983, it is a big plus for long distance riding. 😎

I have a 2019 street glide special.l just had a stage III kit installed and I told my mechanic to take my heel shifter off and he did !!!I can’t get used to it so I’m gonna put it back on.

Bought a 2017 road King with the heel shifter on it I said I'll never use that, wrong. I love it and it didn't take any time to get used to it.

I like my heel/toe shifter. 05 Fatboy cvo. When I first got the bike I was constantly mis-shifting going from first to second. Kept putting it in neutral. Was worried I might break the shifter arm by slamming it down. Now, I am used to it. Haven't mis-shifted in awhile.

Thanks, new to street bikes. Great explanation

I like it. Dosen't take long to get use to it. I have bikes with and without and have no problem going from one to the other.

I like having the heel toe shifter took to it right off. Only drawback is my left foot feels a little crowded. I had my forward shifter become loose and I went flat to the footboard. I immediately switched to the heel shifter. Luckily I was headed to the Hammond Louisiana dealership and was able to borrow wrenches to tighten the toe shifter and put it back in it's normal position

Have used a heal toe shifter on my last three bikes. Just ordered a new Tri Glide, and when it arrives in New Zealand, will get one fitted

Heel toe all the way. Can’t go back anymore. LoL. Thanks matt. Enjoying the road glide special.

And absolutely for the times you’re really enjoying the get up and go …. It’s great to just Kick It !!

I took the heel shifter off my 14 FLHXS when i put gloss black on it. Just got a 20 FLHCS that only has the black toe shifter. I prefer the extra room for my foot. Works for me

My ‘20 flhtp didnt come w a heal shift and i never had one in my years of metric riding great video im ready to get one and enjoy the benefits you point out other than getting used to something new those mentioned cons will not be a bother to me its just the ~ $200 to get one and put it on

New touring bike rider, thank you for this explanation, very very helpful

Matt!!!! Hope you’re well! Bought my first bike it’s a 2020 deluxe. I got a screw on the rear tire. Is a new tire needed or just the tube ?

Love my heel shifter. I have a bad bunion on my left foot so the heel shifter is a life saver

My last 4 Harleys had heel toe shifters and I just love them.

The heel shifter is the bomb. I rode Honda bikes before my first Harley. No kidding, after my second shift I discovered I loved it. No more boot marks and so easy to shift.

Love the heel / toe shifter on my 2018 Tri Glide

Love my heel toe shifter !

Really liked the heel shifter on my Suzuki Blvd. C50T., only needed to raise my heel about two inches to shift. But with my former Tri-Glide and now Road King, it feels like l have to raise my heel about five or six inches in order to use the heel shifter. My HD tec says the heel shifter cannot be lowered any further without effecting the toe shifter. Puzzling. So I mainly use the toe shifter. A good topic Matt, take care.

The previous one was 2017 it was all ok! This year I bought a new one, Road Glide® Limited from the factory it came without a Heel Toe Shifter. The first thing I did was let me install a Heel Toe Shifter .I like it :)

Hi Matt I come from toe shifting on dirt bikes and road bikes this is going to be a new experience. Actually I do not have a choice I have nerve damage in my lower leg and foot. So I am looking forward to learning something new to continue with a hobby I am very passionate about . Thank you the your video

The Kuryakyn heel toe shifter kit literally enabled me to functionally operate my new 2015 Honda Goldwing Valkyrie. The shifter on a Valkyrie or any newer Gen Wing operates just like a street bike shifter. So, with my shorter leg in seam, I don't have the same reach as longer legged riders to pivot my foot under the shift peg. I could only engage 1st by the simple down shift slap. With the heel toe shift kit from Kuryakyn, it engages the oem shifter by locking into it, and when I slap the heel lever, I can easily engage the bikes up shift function with ease. Problem solved. I can ride the tires off that machine now. BIG props to Kuryakyn for manufacturing this great kit. I thought I may had to sell the bike I just bought online, without ever sitting on one. If I buy a Gen 5 Goldwing tourer, I will be installing this kit as well. Also. I kept the oem peg with the shift kit. It works more efficiently for me than to add a small floorboard. It it feels sportier. I was already used to a heel toe shifter on my VTX 1300. MY 99 Harley Softail Custom is still just a standard toe shifter.

Have a SGS....I ride without the heel shifter...not because I really have a problem with it, but rather to keep that muscle memory. That way if I ride a different bike without a heel shifter I don't have to think about that. Always enjoy your content Matt.

Great video Matt... I heard it the heel shift was invented by a traffic cop that kept getting a marked boot but 'Im not sure... I have a 14 fat boy with a heel toe shifter I love it use it all the time. I picked up a 45 degree knuckle for the heel shifter which gives you more room. Just tap it with your heel for more movement on the motorways and when you stop at a set of lights flick it forward for town work....you can get this knuckle as a HD part or from Drag Specialties if I call... good luck guys...

I came from right side shifting in the sixties to left side toe heel in the nineties. I think your right wrt floorboards. Call it lazy or more comfortable it really comes down to how you adjust the shift levers. In your example 117 Street Glide the heel lever is a bit high for my liking. IMO you want it just high enough to make positive shifts without board interference. For me, I like the toe higher than the heel, adjusted on a straight line at roughly 9:30 - 3:30. I have my RKC, SGS and Deluxe all set this way.

I am new to riding and got a Enfeild Metor. One day a Harley. I have a heel toe shifter and I must say it is awesome!

I came over from the sport Ike world at 50 years old and I love the heel shifter! I should have made the change a long time ago!

The heel shifter is a great thing. I love it...

I'm grateful to whoever owned my Goldwing before me put the Kuryakan Floorboards and heel toe Shifter on as my left is Surgically repaired from a fracture in 2022 so it helps take a lot of work off that ankle.

Have had a heel toe shifter for years now. I haven’t used it once planning on switching to forward controls or I’d have just deleted it. Completely superfluous piece of metal.