5 Up 1 Down Syndrome

[Peteg]

I thought this was kind of funny, so I decided to post it.

Yesterday I noticed my bike didn't want to make more than one downshift. It was like the shift linkage was bent or had a weak spring and it would not fully return to center, so it didn't grab the downshift paw for the next shift. It turns out my new boots with their really thick new soles were not compatible with my shift muscle memory. After the first downshift my toe sole was just barely resting on the shift lever not letting it fully return. It's funny, they're the same 5.11 tactical boots, just that the soles aren't worn. No problem with the up shifts. There's not much difference in the new and old leather thickness, just the soles.

[WintrSol]

This may be why some use a heel/toe shift lever. Something to consider, anyway.

[Jess from VA]

I have small feet but could never get used to trying to get my boot toe under and over that little tiny shifter under the valve cover.  And it was a reach with my short legs requiring me to slide up in the seat.  I'd had a heel-toe on my Hog for 18 years and liked it.  The Valk heel-toe setup is different than the Hog (and all others), but it works the same.

I put heel-toes on both my valks and would never go back.  All shifts are sitting back in the seat pocket.

[Peteg]

Jessie, I think we have matching inseams although your quite a bit taller than I, and likely have longer arms. I also need to move forward to put a backward curve at the base of my spine or my old back will have me popping aleve just to ride. The net is I practically sit on the tank with my Mustang seat back rest probably more than an inch forward of the most forward setting. I have a spacer on the back rest adjuster and an additional pad inserted in front of the backrest.

The crazy stuff us old men do to ride our motorcycles.
Ride safe!

[Jess from VA]

Ha, I also shim the backrest forward of the back of the seat. 

I had chronic low back issues for many years, but my daily hour walk for 2 years has made it entirely disappear. 

[crow]

Have 36 inseam.   Ride sidi combat touring boots.  (BTW. They the best boots ever made).   No problems here.