The shifter saga

[Harryc]

So being not so slight in stature or extremities, I've been struggling with the Valkyrie since day one. Seating and highway cruising positions are in order and working well (Ultimate King seat, custom risers, and Kuryakyn ISO foot pegs). The struggle has been with the shifter. Of course I started off with the stock shifter and foot pegs. This worked 'OK' except (with size 15 boots) I felt like I was killing cockroaches near the engine in order to shift...toe pointed in and aiming for the target. Lol. This was unacceptable. Then I got a lowering kit and floorboards. This worked Ok except that I could not lean the bike over far enough to pass Grandma on a curve. Again unacceptable. I also tried the Blackbird CBR1100 shifter arm. This was working OK until I replaced my favorite pair of riding boots. With the increased sole thickness (yes the old pair was worn), I could no longer shift comfortably.  Off came the lowering kit. So now as a last resort, I am removing the floorboards and the CBR1100 shift arm, putting back the stock pegs and shifter arm, and adding a Harley 3" peg extension.  Kickshifters...forget about it. Not enough space for any shoe over 12".  I am hoping this will work. If not, I am selling the bike. I love it, but it's not made for a normal sized guy. Harleys are smaller bikes physically, but sitting on friends bikes I can shift them at least. Bigbikethings forwards, good idea and might have worked for me ... no longer being made. So what's the point of this thread? If you have a sized 14 shoe or larger, you have some challenges ahead on a Valkyrie. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

There is no doubt about it. Because of the engine there just isn't much room. I'm only a size 11 shoe, and it's tight for me. Can't imagine it with a size 15 boot. Your bike is one of the cleanest, sharpest I've seen. It will be sad if you have to let it go. 

[Hook#3287]

If not, I am selling the bike

So, Harry, what do you want for it??


Just kidding  I'm full up on Tourers at the moment.

Would really hate too see you have to sell that beautiful bike, because you can't get comfortable on her.

Hopefully, someone will come up with the solution you need.  With my average size 9.5 foot, I'm good with the floorboards and heel toe shifter, so I got nothing.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I like my lowering kit because it gives my legs a little more stretch. I wonder if instead of a lowering kit that moved you forward, if back a couple inches would help ? Might not be too hard to fab up a plate. If it worked, then you could fine tune it with proper shaping and powder coating.

[Chrisj CMA]

What about an electronic shift system so all you do is push a button?

[John Schmidt]

Did you try adjusting the shift lever to give yourself....or toes....more room?

[DK]

You can rotate the shift lever up or down a couple of splines.

You can shorten the shift lever an inch or so.

I've done both. It's a big help.

[Harryc]

Thanks for the replies. I've tried all positions with the stock and CBR1100 shift arm that were possible, but I haven't tried shortening the shift arm. I'm hopeful that a longer peg will help because with the stock configuration the peg position seemed OK, but was too far in. I'll be able to try it in a few days when the new peg arrives.

[Firefighter]

I love it, but it's not made for a normal sized guy. Normal?  Since this is a problem began again with new boots, maybe you should look for different foot ware!

[Bagger John - #3785]

Then I got a lowering kit and floorboards.

Whose lowering kit? I have a Rattlebars version on mine (more on this in a moment).

Kickshifters...forget about it. Not enough space for any shoe over 12". 

Both of my Valkyries have Kuryakyn ISO-Pegs (not the Dually version), Rattlebars lowering kits and Kick Shifters.

I wear a size 13 riding boot (River Road brand. Cruiserworks makes one which is very similar). There is ample clearance for the toe of my boot to engage the shifter peg, and there is ample room for more adjustment. As others pointed out: You might want to reconsider your footwear, along with modifying the shifter (re-positioning, shortening, etc.).

I could not lean the bike over far enough to pass Grandma on a curve.

If you're looking for serious sportbike handling, this bike isn't it. Nor is any floorboard-equipped Harley, for that matter. When I had Cobras and a Rattlebars lowering kit on my first I/S I could touch down in curves if I pressed things really hard...like to the point it was unsafe for the stretch of road I was riding.

Should lean angles be your thing, my advice is to lose the Valkyrie and go straight to a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Ample room for us big guys. Ample power for us big guys plus all our baggage (certain Significant Others included).

I love it, but it's not made for a normal sized guy.

My previous employer has an entire Ergonomics Engineering department, where biomechanical factors were analyzed and figured into their equipment designs. They have a standard human model chart which is to scale in all aspects, for use in measuring things like reach and keyboard spacing.

Our 'normal sized guy' on that chart is 5'11", 170lbs. Shoe size of 10.

If you have a sized 14 shoe or larger, you have some challenges ahead on a Valkyrie. 

Member "EP in NC" is almost 7ft tall with appropriately sized feet. IIRC, he made his bike work. Might look through the old Tech Archives and see if you can find an email address for him.

Lastly:

What about an electronic shift system so all you do is push a button?

Good idea in theory but if it fails you're shiftless and still haven't addressed the basic problem.

[Leathel]

What about getting a heel toe shifter fitted to the boards, no need to get under the shifter with your feet, I have seen some modded to fit to valks before, didn't seam to be a huge ordeal

[Steve-L]

That must be frustrating for you. You have without a doubt one of the nicest Valks in existence and I know you take care of it perfectly, but it's also got to get the job done for you.

I'm a smaller guy, 5'10" 180 size 9 boot, but the Rattlebars lowering kit & shifter, along with the Kury-4050s work perfectly for my ergos. I admittedly am not a big peg scraper, and am willing to lose a little there for comfort.

You put your bike up for sale and I will have all can do to prevent myself from being in your driveway with money.   But I wouldn't feel good about it.

I'll tell you this, I have my Valk Tourer and I also have a very nice HD Electraglide. Nice thing about Harleys is the engines are very upgradeable. The newer ones, 2009 and up have the new frame and tires, which was a page right out of Honda's Valk/VTX  play book. The 2017s with their new M8 engine are a Honda VTX1800 look-alike if there ever was one. 107" (1750cc), single cam, dual plug V-twin, luquid cooled heads. They are easily upgradebale with a mild cam to provide 110+hp/110ft lb tq and they handle well, with linked Brembo brakes, nice suspension.

They're only downfall is the $28K price tag that goes with them.  But if you can't get the Valk to fit, I'll bet you could find a nice Road King and make it work. My 2007 EGC has a 113hp/120tq dyno that goes with the $3.5K of engine upgrades I did in 2015. It rips and is a nice change of pace from the Valkyries more sophisticated power.

Good luck. Bummer that you're not happy.

Steve

[Harryc]

I love it, but it's not made for a normal sized guy. Normal?  Since this is a problem began again with new boots, maybe you should look for different foot ware!

It was a joke, but I forgot to add the smilie for the Internet. . There...it's official.

@Bagger John - #3785,  "Our 'normal sized guy' on that chart is 5'11", 170lbs. Shoe size of 10." - In comparison to this, apparently I am equivalent to Sasquatch, Lol. Regarding the 'lean angle' thing...I am not talking about needing to lean over like a sport bike. We're talking about normal riding around here under the speed limit around curves. I hit the boards at least 3 times every ride with the lowering kit. To me, that is not acceptable, and frankly it's dangerous.  I don't want to deal with it. (Period)

@Leathel, I'd love a kickshifter Bro. It would definitely be a custom affair. Something to think about, but how to overcome the pipes in the way at the kick end. I have to fit a 14" boot in there between the shift pegs, and that's just the size of the boot. Would prefer at least another inch for room.   

@Everyone else, thanks for the ideas. The change in foot ware comment is appreciated but not valid. These boots are low profile and have no toe protection because I can't get steel toed boots to work with 'any' combination of controls. Stop on over and I'll prove it. I have a pair of Irish Setter boots I'd love to ride with but can't.

This is what a Valkyrie was designed for ... "5'11", 170lbs. Shoe size of 10." My challenge...add 7", 120lbs, and 5 shoe sizes.

[Leathel]

@Leathel, I'd love a kickshifter Bro. It would definitely be a custom affair. Something to think about, but how to overcome the pipes in the way at the kick end. I have to fit a 14" boot in there between the shift pegs, and that's just the size of the boot. Would prefer at least another inch for room.   

I would be looking at a shift kick button coming up on the inside edge of the of the heel, even if you have to space to board/peg out a little.... But you know me I just make things to suit and don't buy much so its easy to do.... not so easy to buy


I have also looked modding the rear caliper mounts to accept VTX front caliper with its dual input a brake master (to drive the center piston on the 3 pot caliper) on my highway pegs as they are solid/comfortable enough to run on them for long periods....also add a second gear change there, I Like the highway pegs but on the roads I ride I need to brake/change gears to often so hardly use the highway pegs.

Unfortunately I have to much work on to find the time, especially for the rear brake as that could be a lot of work but one day maybe

[Houdini]

Bigbikethings forwards, good idea and might have worked for me ... no longer being made.

Barry at BBT told me a few weeks ago he is making a limited run of Valkyrie forward controls, the ones that go up to the engine guard.  Go to his site and put in a notification for when they become available.

[Oss]

Harry I took the peg off of the rear of the kick shifter

Now I can just bang down on the metal and shifting is a breeze.
Detn8er, bless his heart once mailed me a peg for the shifter cause he thought I lost mine .  He didnt want it back so I still have it somewheres

With size 12.5  4E feet I also have been told that sometimes my foot activates the rear brake light, tho I can never feel it happening on the Valk. I try to keep my right foot as far to the outside of the cobra board as I can or use the highway or mickopegs

With my riding boots, German Hochenheims I have no trouble getting my toes under the front of the shifter, if I wear a winter boot I have the same troubles as you.

[Bighead]

Been wearing a 13-14 boot ( depends on maker) since I was about 16 and have had a valk for 20 yrs and have had zero problems shifting with the stock set up.

[N0tac0p]

barry at BBT?

[Houdini]

barry at BBT?

http://www.bigbikethings.com/Forward_Controls/p4325477_16647555.aspx

Barry, the owner of BBT, said he is going to make more forward controls.

[JimC]

When I got my interstate it was nearly impossible to shift with boots on, moving the shifter up a notch made it a very long throw, so that was uncomfortable also.

I found a pair of aftermarket foot pegs to replace the originals and they work great. Just make sure you find a set that are not too wide (front to back) Plus, the pedal needs to rotates on the  shaft and lock in place with an set screw. With that type you can rotate the front of the pedal down a little in front, giving your toe some more room. 

Good luck
Jim

[MarkT]

barry at BBT?

http://www.bigbikethings.com/Forward_Controls/p4325477_16647555.aspx

Barry, the owner of BBT, said he is going to make more forward controls.

I put his forward controls on Deerslayer and Jade.  Really like them, after I got them tweaked.

[Harryc]

Harry I took the peg off of the rear of the kick shifter

Now I can just bang down on the metal and shifting is a breeze.
Detn8er, bless his heart once mailed me a peg for the shifter cause he thought I lost mine .  He didnt want it back so I still have it somewheres

With size 12.5  4E feet I also have been told that sometimes my foot activates the rear brake light, tho I can never feel it happening on the Valk. I try to keep my right foot as far to the outside of the cobra board as I can or use the highway or mickopegs

With my riding boots, German Hochenheims I have no trouble getting my toes under the front of the shifter, if I wear a winter boot I have the same troubles as you.

Thanks Oss, this is something I'd like to try, possibly with a minor tweak along the lines of a small knob at the rear arm to catch a heel on (per Leathel's idea). The issue is finding a rattlebars kick shifter. Hard to find and most want many $$.

[Ken Tarver]

Harry,
Check the heel/toe shifter by Add On. The one for a gold wing GL1800. The mounting bracket for the wing is removable. You will need to figure out what bolts and or spacers you may need from hardware store. Got every mounting part I needed at local hardware in chrome. It looks and works as good as Rattlebars shifter....how do I know?....I have both.
I got mine at Chrome World...think it was $64 including shipping.

Ken

[Harryc]

Great tip Ken. Thanks I'll check it out.

Edit: That was easy. Found one on EBay for $50 shipped. I'll give it a try.

Edit 2: I found your original thread. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php?topic=83587.0

[Ken Tarver]

Harry,
Glad you found original post.
The Add On shift came with 2 nice pegs. Since the original post, I cut off the oem peg, drilled and tapped the shift arm and put on the nicer looking peg. But for your "big ole" dogs it may work for you to mount that 2nd peg in the forward threaded hole in the shifter....that may get the peg out from under the head so you will be able to use it easier.
I hope it will be useful for you.

Ken

[Harryc]

Harry,
Glad you found original post.
The Add On shift came with 2 nice pegs. Since the original post, I cut off the oem peg, drilled and tapped the shift arm and put on the nicer looking peg. But for your "big ole" dogs it may work for you to mount that 2nd peg in the forward threaded hole in the shifter....that may get the peg out from under the head so you will be able to use it easier.
I hope it will be useful for you.

Ken

 Thanks. As I was doing this thread I was thinking about getting a longer peg so I ordered a Harley 3" peg extension. So between that and the one that comes with the Add on set I should be able to make something work. I do have Cobra floorboards on a Tourer with no lowering kit currently, so hopefully that combo works with the Add on kick shifter. If not I do have the stock pegs as well as some Kury pegs here. I do still have the lowering kit on hand as well.  This ain't my first rodeo working on the Valk shifter...Lol

[Hook#3287]

Harry,
Glad you found original post.
The Add On shift came with 2 nice pegs. Since the original post, I cut off the oem peg, drilled and tapped the shift arm and put on the nicer looking peg. But for your "big ole" dogs it may work for you to mount that 2nd peg in the forward threaded hole in the shifter....that may get the peg out from under the head so you will be able to use it easier.
I hope it will be useful for you.

Ken

 

 Thanks. As I was doing this thread I was thinking about getting a longer peg so I ordered Harley 3" peg extension. So between that and the one that comes with the Add on set I should be able to make something work. I do have Cobra floorboards on a Tourer with no lowering kit currently, so hopefully that combo works with the Add on kick shifter. If not I do have the stock pegs as well as some Kury pegs here. I do still have the lowering kit on hand as well.  This ain't my first rodeo working on the Valk shifter...Lol

  Harry, I have that system Ken posted about on 2 of my bikes, they work great.

[Gavin_Sons]

I love it, but it's not made for a normal sized guy. Normal?  Since this is a problem began again with new boots, maybe you should look for different foot ware!

It was a joke, but I forgot to add the smilie for the Internet. . There...it's official.

@Bagger John - #3785,  "Our 'normal sized guy' on that chart is 5'11", 170lbs. Shoe size of 10." - In comparison to this, apparently I am equivalent to Sasquatch, Lol. Regarding the 'lean angle' thing...I am not talking about needing to lean over like a sport bike. We're talking about normal riding around here under the speed limit around curves. I hit the boards at least 3 times every ride with the lowering kit. To me, that is not acceptable, and frankly it's dangerous.  I don't want to deal with it. (Period)

@Leathel, I'd love a kickshifter Bro. It would definitely be a custom affair. Something to think about, but how to overcome the pipes in the way at the kick end. I have to fit a 14" boot in there between the shift pegs, and that's just the size of the boot. Would prefer at least another inch for room.   

@Everyone else, thanks for the ideas. The change in foot ware comment is appreciated but not valid. These boots are low profile and have no toe protection because I can't get steel toed boots to work with 'any' combination of controls. Stop on over and I'll prove it. I have a pair of Irish Setter boots I'd love to ride with but can't.

This is what a Valkyrie was designed for ... "5'11", 170lbs. Shoe size of 10." My challenge...add 7", 120lbs, and 5 shoe sizes.

I hit my legs at least 5 times every ride and I don't have a lowering kit. I did move my shifter up a spline because I normally wear size 12 steel toe boots. I agree about a peg lowering kit though, won't work for me. Maybe for someone who rides straight all the time. I go out of my way to find curves.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I thought Indiana had cornfields not corners ?

[Harryc]

Got her done and it works great. I decided to leave the small stock shifter peg in place. I tried the longer pegs but they actually get in the way. With the stock shifter I can keep my whole boot on the floorboard. Took it for a long ride, it's all good. I'd call this a success!! Total cost was $60 including hardware. Thanks again guys...Ken in particular since this is his idea.

[Ken Tarver]

"git 'er done" Harry !!  Glad that worked for you sir. May you now ride in comfort for many enjoyable miles.

Ken

[Harryc]

"git 'er done" Harry !!  Glad that worked for you sir. May you now ride in comfort for many enjoyable miles.

Ken

Thanks Ken...great forum, great folks.

[six pack]

Is that a complete cobra set up or did you piece it together??     I have similar problems,  not with large feet, but uncomfortable with the shifting position...  TIA

[Harryc]

Is that a complete cobra set up or did you piece it together??     I have similar problems,  not with large feet, but uncomfortable with the shifting position...  TIA

The only thing Cobra is the floorboards. I think you have some homework to do. . See this thread. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php?topic=83587.0

[six pack]

Harryc 
   
Excellent thread, thank you. 

[Leathel]

Looks good

mmmmmmmmmmmm if it wasn't for the freight to NZ that would be on my list to do..... I might make one at some stage though (If I dont make one for the highway pegs)